What is so devastating about the effects of sin in the world is that the natural man is a willing slave of sin. While most people want to escape the unpleasant and destructive consequences of their sins, they do not want to give up the cherished sins themselves. As Paul continues his discourse on sanctification in the book of Romans, he reminds his readers of their own past enslavement to sin and then reminds them of their new enslavement to righteousness through their trust in Christ. His primary point in Romans 6:14-23 is that believers should live in total subjection to Christ and His righteousness and to fall back into their former sins, which no longer have claim over them. Because we as believers have a new relationship to God we have a new relationship to sin. For the first time we are able not to live sinfully and are able for the first time to live righteously. This is not done by our own power but by the power of the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives, as He applies the Word of God to our hearts. We must learn to rely upon that power.… READ MORE

Sin is the most devastating power that has entered he human stream. Romans 8:22 reminds us that “The whole creation groans and travails in pain together until now.” A carful examination of Scripture shows that it characterizes sin and its effects in many ways. Let me suggest some ways sin effects us today: 1. It tramples the Word of God as it leads to a rebellious heart and nature 2. It leads to an ungrateful heart, and refuses to acknowledge God as the source of every good thing. 3. It is incurable by man’s own efforts and power, and can only be overcome by the power of Christ’s Death and resurrection. 4. It is overpowering, dominating the mind (Romans 1:21, the affections (John 3:19-21), and the will (Jeremiah 44:15-17) 5. It brings satanic control, because every sin serves the purposes of the Devil (Ephesians 2:2) 6. Although sin promises satisfaction, it brings misery, frustration, and hopelessness instead. 7. Sin damns the unredeemed soul to hell! In order to overcome the power of sin in our lives we need to understand the work of Christ that is outlined in the Bible. victory over sin comes through the indwelling power of the … READ MORE

As we struggle with the idols of our heart, what is the prescription for overcoming? James 4:7 outlines six commands to help us understand the battle plan. Let me briefly share those commands with you: 1. Submit o God and Resist the Devil (V7) – I must know and understand the Worde of God to do this, We must use the Word of God to remind us the path to choose (cf. Matthew 4) 2. Draw near to God (v8a)- This pictures intimate fellowship. this is the general expression for one who sincerely approached God in penitence and humility as we long for fellowship with God. 3. Cleanse your hands you sinners (v8b=9) – this pictures the ceremonial prescription for priests before they came before the Lord to offer sacrifices in the temple or tabernacle. James here is speaking to shoes who have no relationship with God, and overcoming the idols of the heart starts with a relationship with God. 4. Purify your hearts (v8c) – Not only do we need to change our behavior, we need to change he way we think, which leads to our actions. Here he addresses those who claim a conversion experience, but do not … READ MORE