Do Not Let Sin Reign

DO NOT LET SIN REIGN IN YOUR MORTAL BODY, THAT YOU SHOULD OBEY IT IN ITS LUSTS. Romans 6.12.

Aren’t there times when you and I have felt that the temptations to sin are so strong that even if we do not want to sin but wish to escape, we are helpless? The temptations are so great that you cannot control your thoughts and actions. That is what the apostle Paul also felt in his early Christian life. He saw himself as a slave to his old desires, passions or lusts of the body and mind. Read Romans chapter 7 and you will easily identify yourself with Paul. Are you facing a similar situation with a besetting sin?

Do not think that sin is always ‘sexual’. There are numerous other ways in which Satan tempts you daily. Look at the long list in the Bible “The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God” (Gal 5.19-21).

When he was desperately tempted, the best thing Paul did was to cry out to God for help, “What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death?” (Rom 7.24). Until then, Paul tried his best to fight his temptations in his own strength and determination! It was of no avail. Then he turned to God.

You and I should do what Paul did the next time we are faced with the onslaught of some temptation that besets us. Not that you shouldn’t try yourself to avoid the temptations and try the usual methods of escape the Bible teaches but resort to them as you cry out to God for quick deliverance. Then, like Paul you too can shout, “Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord, who gives us victory! (1 Cor 15.57).

Above all, we must heed Paul’s strong advice, “Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires”. Decide that you will not allow the sins that enslaved you before to make you a ‘sucker’ anymore. A moment of pleasure or gain of sin will result in sorrow, shame on you, your family and God, His displeasure and whatever consequences of sin, such as suffering or lack of blessings! Often it is the attitude that dictates the result - very much like ‘positive thinking!’ God will strengthen your determination.

Set your mind on things profitable and also spiritual and not on your evil desires. Unfortunately, we tend to think of our besetting sins more often than we meditate on or get involved in ‘good and godly things!

Pray with me: Dear Lord, Your Word says, “Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires” (Rom 8.5). Help me to set my mind on You and Your righteousness. Amen.