Do you remember what your life was like before you became a Christian (presuming you are one). You may have been fairly moral or religious, but undoubtedly your life (and my life) was characterized by sinfulness. We were in bondage to sinful appetites, affections and ambitions, and we probably struggled with various types of hurts, habits and hang-ups. All humans struggle with sin, especially before making Jesus the Savior and Lord of our lives.

Now let’s think about how our life changed once Jesus became our Lord. Most Christians would say that, at least for a time following their conversion, they had a passion for God and an aversion to sin. Although they may have still struggled with sinful habits, attitudes and ambitions, their desire was to become closer and closer to the Lord and to get rid of the sinful struggles of their lives. Of course, we could never have experienced such transformation and victory over sin had not Jesus already conquered sin for us through His sinless life and sacrifice to pay the penalty for our sins on the cross of Calvary.

Unfortunately for most Christians, that old enemy called “sin” begins to creep back into their lives in the months and years following their conversion. For various reasons, we become less focused on remaining close to the Lord and having victory over sin. That’s why we need to know, understand and live by the truths of Romans 6:5-18.

“Since we have been united with Him in His death, we will also be raised as He was. Our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin. For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin. And since we died with Christ, we know we will also share His new life. We are sure of this because Christ rose from the dead, and He will never die again. Death no longer has any power over Him. He died once to defeat sin, and now He lives for the glory of God. So you should consider yourselves dead to sin and able to live for the glory of God through Christ Jesus. Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to its lustful desires. Do not let any part of your body become a tool of wickedness, to be used for sinning Instead, give yourselves completely to God since you have been given new life. And use your whole body as a tool to do what is right for the glory of God. Sin is no longer your master, for you are no longer subject to the law, which enslaves you to sin. Instead, you are free by God’s grace. So since God’s grace has set us free from the law, does this mean we can go on sinning? Of course not! Don’t you realize that whatever you choose to obey becomes your master? You can choose sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God and receive His approval. Thank God! Once you were slaves of sin but now you have obeyed with all your heart the new teaching God has given you. Now you are free from sin, your old master, and you have become slaves to your new master, righteousness.” (Romans 6:5-18 NLT)

So, after reading this scripture did the Holy Spirit reveal to you a sinful desire that might have power over you today? If so, what steps are you willing to take to live the life of freedom and victory? I look forward to reading your responses.