“I would go so far as to say that Romans 6:2 is the most important verse in the Bible for believers in the evangelical churches to understand today.” —James Montgomery Boice
SIN: The three letter word with “I” right in the middle. I think the fact that we find ourselves right in the middle of sin is what makes it all so difficult. If we are in Christ, sin just doesn’t “fit” in our life anymore. One writer calls sin a moment of “temporary insanity” in the life of a believer. Deep inside, the Spirit convicts us that sin is not consistent with who we are in Jesus… and it’s uncomfortable.
We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? —Romans 6:2
Is it possible that if we truly believe that we are “dead to sin” that we can break free from it? Paul’s writings in Romans 6 sure point in that direction! This is the fundamental premise of the entire chapter. It’s repeated directly in every verse from verses 3 to 8. Verses 9 and 10 speak to it indirectly. And verses 11 and 12 apply it:
Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him… The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. —Romans 6:8, 10-11
This is incredible stuff! How many of us try to fight with something that is already dead?! Doesn’t work very well, does it? But if we count ourselves “dead to sin,” we embrace the truth that our old, sinful self was crucified with Jesus, that we are born again, regenerated, and made alive in the Spirit of Christ. We are no longer in bondage to the control of indwelling sin in our lives. You can choose to walk in intimate dependency with Jesus moment by moment, because He is in you! If you think you have no choice, you’ve been deceived by the evil one into thinking that.
My prayer is that you wouldn’t just hear, but you would actually own that truth! Consider a specific area of sin you might be struggling with right now, then offer this prayer declaring your freedom:
Holy Spirit, I need You now, to take this truth from my head to my heart. Because I was crucified and buried with Christ, I proclaim that I am dead to this sin. Because You live in my spirit, I proclaim that I am alive to God in Jesus. I bow before You now. In my flesh, I am powerless. By abiding in You, I can do all things. I trust in You now to give me the willingness and the strength to follow You. Thank You. Thank You. Amen.
Listen to Pete, Jill & Stuart Briscoe on the Telling the Truth broadcast at OnePlace.com
Two Devotional Books to Help You in 2014!
Stuart and Jill Briscoe have written two devotionals to help you stay in the Word in 2014!
The One Year Devotions for Women is written by a woman for women. You’ll love Jill’s devotional thought for the day and fresh perspectives she brings to God’s Word.
The One Year Devotions for Men
focuses on men’s spiritual needs without being stuffy. One minute you’re laughing with Stuart, and the next you’re zapped with the high voltage of transforming truth!
Choose either devotional as thanks for your renewed support below to help more people experience Life through Telling the Truth this year!