“Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness. For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.“
Romans 6:12-14
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The power of Christ’s resurrection not only saves us from sin and death but also empowers us to live victoriously in righteousness. In Romans 6:12-14, Paul continues his teaching on the transformative impact of Christ’s resurrection, encouraging believers to embrace their new life in Christ and reject the dominion of sin.
Paul continues exhorting believers not to let sin reign in their lives. He writes, “Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires” (Romans 6:12). This is an instance where Paul calls out our responsibility as Jesus followers to resist temptations and avoid sin, for we are called to live in a manner that honors God.
Imagine trying to do this on your own strength. The world is not a fair or predictable place, so trying to be “a good person” might not be difficult if everything works in our favor; but most humans face suffering and difficulties. Some of these comes as a consequence of our sin and some as a result of the sin of others. It is in those times that we must trust God as the master of our lives.
“Offering every part of ourselves to God” (Romans 6:13) involves a deliberate choice to align our emotions, words, and actions with God’s will, allowing Him to work through us for His glory.
As Christians we are called to persevere in the freedom and victory gifted to us by Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection. We are no longer slaves of sin but are enabled to live holy and pleasing lives unto God. Our daily choices and actions should reflect a voluntary surrender to our new identity in Christ, characterized by love, righteousness, and service.
In a practical way, embracing Jesus’ victorious life means denying ourselves and taking up our cross and following Jesus (Matthew 16:24). It involves cultivating a relationship with God through prayer, studying His Word, and fellowship with other believers. It means offering our abilities to the edification of the body of Christ and the people in our community that needs him.
The transformative power of Christ’s resurrection enables us to live as witnesses of His grace and love in a world suffering in sin and darkness. Our sacrificial lives become testimonies of God’s redeeming work, drawing others to experience the freedom and abundant life found in Jesus Christ.
If you still have not entrusted your life to the resurrection of Christ, I invite you to ask Him into your life. It is never too late to claim His sacrifice as the price for your freedom, and you will find out that a life of victory is possible by His grace.
Questions for reflection and discussion:
- Are there any consistent behaviors that might make you feel like you are a slave to sin?
- In what areas of my life do you struggle to offer yourself completely to God as an instrument of righteousness, and how can you surrender those areas more fully?
Church Bible Reading:
- Today, March 22: Proverbs 9; Ephesians 2
- Saturday, March 23: Proverbs 10; Ephesians 3
- Sunday, March 24: Proverbs 11; Ephesians 4