Breaking Free from Sin’s Grip: The Ultimate Guide to Living in Victory
1 Kings 11-12; Romans 8; Psalm 134
How many believers find themselves still ensnared by the power of sin? How many live burdened under the yoke of condemnation? I know many. Undoubtedly, you do too.
Let’s be honest: there are times when we all lose sight of the Truth. The Gospel, in its full splendor, becomes clouded, and we slip back into our old selves, into the clutches of the law, into the depths of condemnation.
What exactly is original sin?
For those who grew up in children’s church, the imagery likely conjures up two-dimensional felt figures clad in leafy loin cloths, with strategically placed hair hiding their modesty, and a prominent red apple in the mix. But this narrative was never about the fruit.
It was about the deception and the hollow promise of the enemy to “be like God.” It suggested a life devoid of need, a life absent of relationship. The promise was a lie through and through. For to be like God is to live in relationship. To be like God is to be One.
Yet, we were deceived, and we fell for the lie.
Since then, we have been in a continual state of falling. Falling into our isolated selves. Falling into our separateness. Falling into sin and further away from the One who loves us best and most.
Then He came.
The Lamb, slain before the foundation of the world, came for us. (Revelation 13:8) He tore the veil that separated us from God by breaking open His own flesh for our sake. He covered us, atoned for us, once and for all, with His blood shed for us.
Behold Him there! Suspended on the cross. Listen as He utters with His final breath, “It is finished.” (John 19:30) Now, believe Him!
Believe it. It is finished!
Romans 8:1 So now the case is closed. There remains no accusing voice of condemnation against those who are united in life-union with Jesus, the Anointed One.
This is the truth!
2 For the “law” of the Spirit of life, flowing through the anointing of Jesus, has freed us from the “law” of sin and death. 3 For God did what the law could not do, as it was weakened by the flesh…
Dear friend, you are no longer under the dominion of sin and death. Your freedom doesn’t stem from your own efforts. It’s not a result of your renewed willpower. You are liberated because of Jesus’s sacrifice. That’s the entirety of the Gospel. And it’s a gift available to all who believe.
Embrace this truth for yourself!
Proclaim it to your burdened friends and neighbors. Share it with your family members who are struggling. The truth will liberate us all.
Verse 3 continues: Yet God sent His Son in human form to empathize with our weaknesses. Adorned with humanity, God’s Son offered His body as a sin-offering, enabling God to condemn sin’s guilt and power once and for all.
It is accomplished! It is finished.
The law keeps our gaze fixed on our shortcomings, leading only to despair. It obsesses over what we must do, what we should be doing.
This is not The Way.
The Way is Jesus. Focus on His deeds. Focus on what He has accomplished, and you’ll discover the truth for yourself. In Christ lies true freedom.
Our hope isn’t in our ability to follow; our hope is in His power to lead.
Even well-intentioned religion can drag us back into the fall, into a preoccupation with personal sanctity.
This path does not lead to freedom. Look to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith. Fix your mind on Jesus, and the burdens, the entanglements of sin, will be lifted. Anchor your heart on Jesus, and you will recognize the truth, and the truth, as always, will set you free.
Verse 4: So now, the righteous requirement of the law is fulfilled in us who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit, through the living presence of the Anointed One within us. We are liberated to live, not by our flesh, but by the dynamic power of the Holy Spirit!
Who meets the requirement?
Jesus!
We are not striving to live for Him. This perspective, though likely well-intentioned, is fundamentally flawed.
We are not merely trying to live for Jesus. That’s not the essence of the Gospel. We have been co-crucified with Him. “It is finished.”
No, there’s a more excellent way for us. Jesus, now resurrected within us, lives His life through us. This is the source of our freedom.
Deepening Faith: Reflective Journal Prompts
- Exploring the Depths of Original Sin and Redemption: Reflect on your understanding of original sin and how it has influenced your perspective on sin and redemption. How does the concept of being deceived into seeking a life “without need and without relationship” resonate with your personal journey? Consider how the realization of Jesus’ sacrifice shifts this perspective.
- The Power of “It is Finished”: Meditate on the significance of Jesus’ words, “It is finished,” at the moment of His death on the cross (John 19:30). What does this declaration mean to you personally? How does it influence your understanding of salvation, grace, and the finality of Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins?
- Living Under Grace, Not Law: Consider the times you’ve felt burdened by the law or a sense of legalistic obligation in your faith walk. How does Romans 8:1-4 challenge or comfort you in this area? Reflect on the difference between living under the law of sin and death versus the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus.
- The Role of the Holy Spirit in Freedom from Sin: Reflect on the dynamic power of the Holy Spirit mentioned in Romans 8:4. How have you experienced the Holy Spirit’s role in liberating you from the power of sin and guiding you into freedom and life in the Spirit? Share a specific instance where you felt the Holy Spirit’s transformative power in your life.
- Jesus as the Perfector of Faith: Ponder on the notion of Jesus not only as the author but also the perfector of our faith. How does focusing on Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection help you overcome the entanglements of sin and personal holiness obsessions? Reflect on ways you can more fully fix your eyes, mind, and heart on Jesus to experience the true freedom He offers.
No matter the time of year, it’s never too late to start reading through the Bible with us. We invite you to join our community and embark on this enriching experience. You can access the reading schedule here to get started today. Explore the timeless wisdom of Scripture, grow in your faith, and engage in meaningful discussions with fellow readers. Don’t miss out on this incredible journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth.
Embark on a transformative journey with us by joining our mailing list. As a subscriber, you’ll receive heartfelt devotionals, insightful updates, and inspiration. Together, we’ll deepen our faith, connect on a deeper level, and embrace life’s beauty. Don’t miss out on this chance to be part of our close-knit community. Let’s start this faith-filled journey together. Subscribe today and let’s go after God with all of our hearts.
Additionally, we are excited to introduce “Prayer Altars” — our new initiative that embodies the belief that prayer alters our reality! In these intimate groups of 2-3, we’re fostering a revival in our everyday lives and surroundings. Our mission is to cultivate deeper connections with God and each other, united in communion and guided by the Lord’s Prayer. Build your Prayer Altar to experience firsthand how prayer can transform not just your life, but also the lives of those around you. Learn more and join the movement here.
