As humans, we have a big problem. We do not practice the
activities and habits, which we know is best for us, but we do the very thing
we despise doing (Romans
7:15-16). We know better, but we do it anyway. We have a loving heart
and good intentions, but we end up disappointing our self, our loved ones and
our Father God. This occurs, because we are all born with a penchant to sin.
These fleshly desires drive our behavior and we talk our self into sinning (Romans 7:17-21).
Sin simply exploits our weak will and carnality. Sin is
sly, appealing and convincing. It gets us into all sorts of trouble because we
are too weak to resist it. We are sin’s hopeless slaves (Romans 6:20; 8:1). Eventually, we come
to the realization that we are wretched, we recognize our helplessness, and we
realize that we need a Savior to free us from sin’s grip and to pay its penalty
for us (Romans 6:12-13,
7:24-25). Jesus came to the rescue and both justifies and sanctifies us (1 Corinthians 6:11).
The good news is that we are not the sin we commit. We end
up hating our sin, which drives us to the cross of Christ. He removes all
condemnation for past sins. He regenerates our spirit, and sets us free from
the Law of Sin and Death by the Law of the Spirit of Life found only in Christ
Jesus (Romans 8:1-8).
Satan’s battle for our mind and body is also defeated by Calvary’s sacrifice.
We no longer live a lifestyle of sin, because Christ dwells in us (1 John 3:8-10).
Our forgiveness and holiness come when we rely totally on
the Lord Jesus Christ. It does not depend on our works. We accept Christ by
faith, and we live by faith, not by our self-righteousness (Titus 3:5-7; 2 Corinthians
5:7). We do only those works, which He created for us before the foundation
of the world (Ephesians
2:8-10). God works in us and through us, and He receives all of the
glory for our accomplishments (Philippians 2:12-13). Our life in Christ is full or
righteousness, peace and joy (Romans 14:17).
Prayer:
Father God, we thank you for sending Jesus to pay our sin
debt for us. He control’s sin’s power over us as we wait on Him (Psalm 27:14). We know
that You always give us a way to avoid the temptation to sin (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Thank You for giving us the blessings of eternal life both on this earth and
for all of eternity (John
17:3). We vow to walk in Your righteousness by walking in the Spirit
from now on and no longer gratifying the deeds of the flesh (Galatians 5:16, 25).
Thought
for the Day:
When we come to Christ though
salvation, we are joined with Him in one Spirit. - 1 Corinthians 6:17
