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Daily Devotions

Romans

Romans 
Day 
Day 123

"Do not let sin reign in your mortal body..."

Text: Romans 6:12

SIN CONTINUES TO ATTEMPT TO ASSERT ITS INFLUENCE

Paul had written mightily on the subject of sin. The following things may be reviewed meaningfully.

1. Sin’s devastating power has been destroyed by Christ.

2. Sin’s dominion over man has been broken for the believer in Christ Jesus.

3. Sin has no more authority and power to command the believer.

These are most meaningful truths! However, this does not mean that sin has taken its defeat quietly. Sin may be a defeated foe, but it continues to try and exert influence on all, including believers in Christ!

RESISTANCE TO SIN IS NECESSARY

Sin lurks in every corner of life. We are reminded of the picture of sin in the Book of Genesis. These words were spoken to Cain, who succumbed to his fit of anger and slew his brother.

“Sin lies at the door, and its desire is for you,
But you should rule over it.”
Genesis 4:7

In a similar vein, Paul wrote to encourage his readers to resist the influence of sin.

“Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body,
that you should obey it in its lusts.”
Romans 6:12

1. A reminder of what sin seeks to do

a) Sin seeks to reign.
b) Whereas it can no longer reign over the old man (since it is dead), it will seek to reign over the mortal body.
c) Sin will subtly influence the body to fulfill its lusts (Cf. 1 John 2:15-17)
i) For worldly material gains;
ii) For power and influence.

2. Resistance to sin is necessary

There is power from God to resist sin effectively. All the strength that we need is found in Christ Jesus our Saviour! We must not allow sin to reign as king in our life. We must recognize but one Lord- and He deserves to be Master in our life!