When was the last time you ever saw a dead body be tempted by sin? We are called to be dead to self. Temptation can be persistent and enticing, yet a dead man will not react. The truth is before you were a Christian, sin had a great hold on your life, you were in its grip. However, when you became a Christian, your old self died (Gal. 2:20 My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me).

 

In the power of Christ sin now has no more control over you than temptation has over a dead body. You have died to sin. You still have the ability to sin, but you are no longer in sin’s power. Now, the truth is, if you choose to succumb to temptation you are rejecting the freedom from sin that Christ gained for you by His death.

 

You are no longer the helpless victim of your sin. The victory has already been won. It was God who already won a victory over your sin. You and I must only apply His victory to each area of our life. If there is a sinful habit, an ungodly attitude, or an unholy relationship that needs to be put to death then claim the victory of Christ’s resurrection today and repent (turn) of your sin. Then you will be free to experience the abundant life that God
intends for you.

 

We should never undermine God’s love and forgiveness, by just choosing to live in sin again. Instead claim the freedom Christ died for you to have, by acknowledging your death to self and sin, then live in the Holy Spirit’s provided power over sin. Exercise the power of Christ’s death and resurrection in your life and begin to live a life free of the consequences of sin and shame. Abundant and Holy Just as He is Holy! Begin today to live the blessed life you were meant to live.

 

In His Service,

Eric Barnes