Satiation, Sanctification, & Struggle

08/19/24 – 08/27/24

No Longer Slaves to Sin

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  08/24/24

Read Romans 6:1-14.

As believers in Christ, we are called to become more like Him with the help of His Spirit. This process, known as sanctification, requires our full attention. To continually grow in Christlikeness requires the commitment of our will, the dedication of our mind, and every ounce of intentionality we can muster.

There is a world of difference between struggling with our sin and deciding to live in sin as an accepted lifestyle. Deliberately living in sin is impossible for believers, for we are “dead to sin” and united to Christ (v. 11).

In Romans 6:1-14, Paul explains that we have been liberated from sin’s control and must not allow it to reign over us. Of course, this does not mean that we are incapable of sinning (see 1 John 1:8). Rather, we do not dutifully obey sin like we once did before we were saved. We can say ‘no’ to sin by the power of the Holy Spirit, who is purifying our hearts just as Christ is pure.

Christian, you are not under the dictatorship of sin and Satan anymore. Sin is a deposed dictator that no longer has the power to control you. Therefore, don’t give in to the destructive, sinful patterns in your life. Instead, fight them in the power of God!

Today and every day, count yourself “dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus” (Romans 6:11).

Prayer: Father, thank You that I am no longer a slave to sin. I am alive in Christ. Your Spirit empowers me to say ‘no’ to sin. May I draw on Your power today and every day to live for You. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin—because anyone who has died has been set free from sin” (Romans 6:6-7).