“We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. For one who has died has been set free from sin. Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we also will live with him.” Romans 6:6-8
The Bible is filled with verses that describe new life in Jesus.
Just look at today’s scripture reference, and you will see that the new life in Jesus is experienced in this life and in heaven for all eternity.
So here is a big question: If we have been given the gift of a new life through the finished work of Christ at the cross, why does our old life still seem to have so much power over so many Christians? Why does it often feel like we are enslaved to sin? And how can we be set free from sin and live in the power of the new life that Christ provides?
I don’t know about you, but I want to live as one who has been set free. But how?
Here are two important thoughts:
- First, you are set free from the power of sin when you are honest about the power of sin. Here is the reality – sin thrives in the dark and dies in the light. One of the greatest weapons we have against sin is the light. If you are not connected to a strong local church, I encourage you to find one now. Find other believers with whom you can experience true biblical community. Search for a few like-minded members of the same sex where you can experience confession and accountability. Living in the light takes courage, but it is a crucial step toward spiritual freedom from sin.
- Second, you are free from sin’s power when you live with an eternal perspective. Romans 6:9-11 says, “We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. For the death he died, he died to sin, once and for all, but the life he lives, he lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.”
I love this! Paul is saying, don’t wait for eternity to live for eternity. Fix your eyes on eternity and live for that which will last.
The right eternal perspective helps put everything in its right place.
If you are a follower of Jesus, don’t settle. You have the opportunity to live in freedom from sin. But it takes a lot of bravery to expose areas of darkness. And it takes discipline to stop being consumed with this world’s temporary things and focus on the eternal.
But I promise that living in freedom is worth it!
Taken from a sermon by George Wright, Senior Pastor, Shades Mountain Baptist Church
