Rev Renewal
Rev Renewal“Therefore, do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires (Romans 6:12)”
“For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace (Romans 6:14)”
“You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness (Romans 6:18)”
“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23)”
It has been noted that sin is anything that separates us from God. This means that even good things could be “sin” in our lives if we allow it to separate us from God. The issue regarding sin and its effects is not something new just to us today. The Romans experienced this dilemma during the time of Apostle Paul.
Paul informed the Romans “therefore, do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires”. He wanted to encourage them not to let sin reign within them so that they would desire to obey it instead of the gift that God had granted to them. Unfortunately, seeking the visible things of this world for security and a sense of worth can be easier at times than that which God desires to offer us.
The notion of sin, though, might go further than simply seeking the “material” elements of the world. Paul continues “For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace”. When it comes to our salvation and receiving God’s love, we may find ourselves trying to do many good works so we can earn God’s love and a place in God’s kingdom. The law has kept us captive and we fear messing up. Paul reminds the Romans that they are no longer under the law but under God’s grace.
“You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness”. Here Paul seeks to affirm that sin has no power of the people anymore and that they are now to seek the righteousness of God. This of course is not to be done for their own glory or merit. “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord”. What we have received from God is a gift and one that does not come based on our own merits or efforts.
May we hear God’s words of promise to us as Paul spoke them to the Romans. That which separates us from God – our sin – causes an element of death to occur. However, when we put to death that which does not bring life, we are able to experience more fully the gift of true life that comes to us. This gift is a new life in Christ. It is a life able to be lived here on earth with the promise and hope of eternal life.
No longer do we need to seek our identity, our worth, or gather material possessions to experience life. God’s grace, mercy, and love comes to us daily as a reminder that sin has no power over us anymore. We are truly free.
Blessings,
Pastor Arlyn ><>