Sin: The Great Destroyer of Lives

Regardless of the sport, no athlete can expect to win without the proper equipment. Paul wrote to Timothy that Scripture was given by God to man that we might be "thoroughly equipped for every good work." How, exactly, does Scripture equip the believer? It teaches us doctrine, it reproves (disciplines) us, it corrects our path, and it instructs us in righteous living. Plus, it gives us our uniform for "offense" (putting on Christ; Romans 13:14) and "defense" (spiritual armor; Ephesians 6:11-18).

In addition, we are given our daily practice gear: service, Bible study, fruit of the Spirit, prayer, and obedience. If that sounds like a lot of equipment, consider the stakes: The spiritual life is a winner-take-all contest.  (Turning Point Daily Devotional, 4-20-08)

"If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God."  (Hebrews 10:26-27)

The truth of the matter is, that sin in and by its own nature and operations, tends to destroy all righteous force, and all holy energy in any moral individual. Augustine said: “Sin is believing the lie that you are self-created, self-dependent, and self-sustained.”

How seriously do we take the problem of sin? Do we really appreciate the freedom from sin? The freedom that we can experience now in our lives? Or, that we can look forward to in the future? In Romans 8, Paul writes about the freedom from sin that one finds in Christ. I'd like to examine this a little more closely in today's message.

To appreciate more fully the blessings we have in Christ, consider that there is freedom from the condemnation of sin (Romans 8:1-4). What does this mean for the guilt of sin? As far as condemnation of sin goes, this means that everyone is guilty of sin (Romans 3:23; 1 John 1:8). Yes, that 's correct! Even if you've only ever committed just one sin in your whole life (which is impossible!) -James 2:10-11.

Keep in mind that unforgiven sin separates us from God (Isaiah 59:1-2). And, that the ultimate condemnation is death (Romans 6:23; cf. Revelation 21:8)! Fortunately for us, there is freedom. There is freedom from condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1; cf. Galatians 3:27). How is this so? Because in Christ there is propitiation, redemption, and justification (Romans 3:24-26).

There is freedom from condemnation for those who walk not according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit (Romans 8:1,4). This is made possible by the law (principle) of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:2), which sets us free from the law of sin and death (cf. Titus 3:4-7). This is the law of sin and death which enslaves or binds everyone, mentioned in Romans 7:21-25.

Fortunately for us, the death of Christ (Romans 8:3-4), accomplished what the Law of Moses couldn't do. It condemned sin in the flesh by fulfilling the righteous requirement of the Law for us. Therefore, the freedom from sin that we enjoy in Christ involves freedom from the condemnation of sin.

Unless we receive the freedom from sin found only in Christ, we remain guilty of sin, enslaved to sin, and under the toxic influences of sin. But by responding to the gospel of Christ with an obedient faith, freedom from the devastating effects of sin can be ours, with a hope of glorious liberty when Christ returns!

Scripture: 1 John 1:9; Romans 6:23; 2 Peter 3:9; Revelation 21:8; Ephesians 2:8-9; 2 Peter 2:4; Romans 5:12

Prayer: Holy Father, please be with me as I go through this day. Help me to be strong, and and give me the wisdom to handle each situation. Amen

Have a blessed day!

Trish