Living in Victory Over Sin….No More Excuses
Guest Post: Marcia Thorsell
I Kings 7-8; Romans 6; Psalm 132
In the past, the thing I came away with from Romans 6 was vs 23, which I had memorized as a tool to lead someone to the Lord. In fact, I have missed the point of this chapter. It’s about freedom from sin. Unfortunately, as Leah has said, salvation is not just about hell insurance, which is where most people rest. It is so much more than that! What Jesus accomplished is utterly incredible, and for the life of me, I wonder why I haven’t grabbed hold of this before.
Rom. 6:4 TPT Sharing in His death by our baptism means that we were co-buried with Him, so that when the Father’s glory raised Christ from the dead, we were also raised with Him. We have been co-resurrected with Him so that we could be empowered to walk in the freshness of new life.
Rom. 6:6 TPT Could it be any clearer that our former identity is now and forever deprived of its power? For we were co-crucified with Him to dismantle the stronghold of sin within us, so that we would not continue to live one moment longer submitted to sin’s power.
So why do Christians continue to struggle with sin? This whole chapter is presented as one big logical point. Like, can’t you see? Jesus died, and we died with Him, so logically, just as God raised him from the dead, we are raised too. Not only was sin forgiven, it was totally defeated, dismantled, deprived of power!
I think the main reason this didn’t resonate with me before is that I was saved at 5 from my sandbox of sin! I just didn’t have the radical salvation testimony that some of you have. I guess I just couldn’t relate….or so I thought!
Rom. 6:12-13 TPT Sin is a dethroned monarch; so you must no longer give it an opportunity to rule over your life, controlling how you live and compelling you to obey its desires and cravings. So then refuse to answer it’s call to surrender your body as a tool for wickedness. Instead, passionately answer God’s call to keep yielding your body to Him as one who has now experienced resurrection life!
Wait, what? This sounds like there is still some responsibility on our part. It’s that pesky will again. We choose! It’s dead to us and we absolutely have the power to walk away… but we choose!
Gal. 5:19-21 The behavior of the self-life is obvious. Sexual immorality, lustful thoughts, pornography, chasing after things instead of God, manipulating others, hatred of those who get in your way, senseless arguments, resentment when others are favored, temper tantrums, angry quarrels, only thinking of yourself, being in love with your own opinions, being envious of the blessings of others, murder, uncontrolled addictions, wild parties, and all other similar behavior.
Hold the phone! I may not be an axe murderer or out robbing banks, but some of those made me squirm! You too? So according to Romans 6, none of these should be in my life! In fact, everything we are told to do in the New Testament should be done. We aren’t asked to kindly do them. They are commands. Now before you get your feathers ruffled, I know we aren’t perfect and “there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” But, have you ever said the words, that’s just the way I am? I’ve even blamed my poor mother in heaven for some of my actions! I don’t know about you, but I’ve justified a lot of sin over the years. I’ve rationalized behavior, thought patterns, and habits, sometimes pitying myself as a victim. For example: overeating (sin of gluttony) and excusing it because I’m the victim of a slow metabolism! Ridiculous! I just eat too much! Or, talking about someone with friends under the guise that we’re gonna pray for them! Most likely it’s just plain gossip!
James 4:17 Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.
I guess what I’ve come away with is, don’t settle for thinking there are some things (sin) that are ok or that I just can’t conquer that one!
James 6:13….You live now for His pleasure, ready to be used for His noble purpose.
Oh God, I don’t want to excuse my sin, whether omission or commission, not for one moment longer! Help me to recognize my power over sin and the power of the Holy Spirit within me to help me! I want to be holy, and I want to live for your pleasure!
Deepening Faith: Reflective Journal Prompts
- Self-Examination of Sin: Reflect on areas of your life where sin still seems to have a stronghold, despite knowing the truth of Romans 6 about being set free from the power of sin. Why do you think these areas remain challenging, and how can you apply the truths of being co-resurrected with Christ to gain victory over them?
- Personal Responsibility and Choice: Romans 6:12-13 and Galatians 5:19-21 highlight a list of behaviors that should not characterize our lives as believers. Identify any habits or thought patterns you’ve excused or rationalized as ‘just the way I am.’ How can acknowledging your responsibility and choice in these matters lead to transformation?
- The Power Within: Considering the victory over sin that Jesus secured for us, explore how you can more fully rely on the Holy Spirit’s power within you to resist sin’s temptations. What practical steps can you take to yield your body to God as one who has experienced resurrection life?
- Commands to Follow: Reflect on the New Testament commands that Marcia mentioned are not just suggestions but are meant to be followed. How does this perspective shift your understanding of obedience to God’s Word? Are there specific commands you’ve struggled to obey, and how can you approach them with a new commitment?
- Living for God’s Pleasure: Inspired by James 6:13, contemplate what it means to live for God’s pleasure and be ready for His noble purpose. How does this purpose influence your daily decisions and actions? Write a prayer expressing your desire to live a holy life, free from excusing or justifying sin, and asking for God’s help to recognize your power over sin through the Holy Spirit.
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