SIN

And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to SIN, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God – Romans 6:13

A key dimension of the Victorious Christian Life is Victory over Sin. As children of God, we can live above sin: “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2Cor.5:21). Sin has been commanded to “have no dominion over you, for you are not under the law but under grace” (Rom.6:14). Children of God are not sinners saved by grace. Prior to knowing Christ, we were sinners; but now, we are born again, redeemed, righteous new creations! Of course, a Christian can sin, but a true Christian will not stay or live in sin. It is God’s Will for our lives that we be blameless and live holy before God in spirit, sin, and body: “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1The.5:23).

SIN is falling short, missing the mark, failing to do what God has told you to do or doing what He commanded you not to do: “Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin” (Jam.4:17). All sin involves a matter of the will and a matter of choice. All sin starts in the mind and then manifests in the flesh: “But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death” (Jam.1:14-15). In order to live above sin, you must hate it with a passion. Sin is a sinker of destinies. Sin is the zero-factor in life. Someone wrote these about sin:

Sin dulls the ears (Acts 28:27)

Sin darkens the eyes (Eph.4:18)

Sin diverts the feet (Isa.53:6)

Sin defiles the tongue (Rom.3:13-14)

Sin deceives the heart (Jer.17:9)

Sin devours the intellect (1Cor.2:14)

Sin damns the soul (Eze.18:4)

Praise God, Jesus took our sin and gave us forgiveness and righteousness in exchange. Jesus was our Sin-bearer (Mt.1:21). At the cross, He cancelled the power of sin. Sin’s penalty was paid for and sin’s power was broken eternally (Rom.6: 6-14; 1Cor.15:54-58). How then can you appropriate the Victory that Christ has purchased for you over sin?

• Walk in the Revelation of Righteousness. Remember also that God has promised and provided a way of escape in every temptation: “…God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it” (1Cor.10:13b).
• Be strong in God’s Word. Feed on the Word consistently; let His Word live in you: “…man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Mt.4:4). We overcome by the Word (Rev.10:12).
• Stay off the devil’s territory and do not compromise with the world – the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (1Jh.2:15-17). “Abstain from every form of evil” (1The.5:22). Guard your thought life and the “stuff” – writings, music, movies, videos – that you “feed” your mind on, as these can influence your mind and cause you to sin. Be selective with your intimate friendships and partnerships; avoid ungodly relationships: “Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits” (1Cor.15:33).
• Have a consistent prayer life and build up your inward man: “but you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit” (Jude 20).
• Resist the devil with divine weapons of warfare: the Word, the Blood, and the Name of Jesus (Jam.4:7). The devil will come at you with lies, suggestions, and deception. You must resist him, every one of his evil thoughts and his attacks.

By the authority that Christ has given you, you must enforce Satan’s defeat. As a child of God, you can live above Sin!