Introduction:
Here is a question that almost every Christian will ask in their life: “If God’s grace is so good and God has forgiven me of my sin, then should I keep on sinning?” It is a legitimate question. Thankfully, Paul addressed this exact question for you and I today in Romans.
Romans 6:15-19
“What then? Are we to sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means! Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are salves to that one who you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness? But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves to righteousness. I am speaking in human terms, because of your natural limitations. For just as you once presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness leading to sanctification.”
Think about it:
Paul gives an emphatic answer to this question, “By no means!” Even though Christ has set us free from the power of sin, we need to make the decision every day to be obedient to that new identity. If sin and lawlessness were once our master, why would we want to go back to that hurt? God is continuing to change your heart, but you must give yourself to God every day and submit your will back to him. Sanctification is God’s continual working in your life to make you look more like him. Sanctification comes when you are ready to be free from your old master and submit to Christ.
Take away:
Submit yourself to God daily and a changed heart will come.
Personal reflection:
Is there a sin that has a hold in your life? Are you still trying to fight this sin or are you openly submitting yourself to it?