Study 20 – Do Not Let Sin Reign

Paul says, 'Do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires' (Rom. 6:12).

Why does Paul talk about our 'mortal' bodies? Probably because the body is the part of us that has not yet been redeemed. This aspect of our salvation is still in the future. Paul says in the meantime we 'groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies' (Rom. 8:23).

Some of us are groaning more than others! We know that we have this treasure in earthen vessels and long for Jesus to 'transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body' (Phil. 3:21).

When you were a sinner in Adam, your old nature and your body were in agreement to sin. Sin usually expressed itself through your body. You looked at, touched, heard and said things that were sinful. It was an unholy alliance which you were powerless to control.

Now your old sinful nature has been replaced by a new righteous nature. But you still retain your body. Sin is looking for somewhere to reign in that body. Can you stop it? Yes.

Whereas you were once totally at the mercy of your sinful desires, your new nature now gives you the power to deny the members of your body permission to sin. That is why Paul can say, 'Do not let sign reign.'

There is nothing mystical about this. It is not, 'Let go and let God.' It's, 'Stop it!' Paul tells us not to present the members of our body as instruments to sin. Sin is seeking an instrument but your members don't have to volunteer.

'If only I could stop that,' you say. God replied, 'You can. Stop it!' 'But I'm only human,' you protest.

'Well,' says God, 'if you're "only human" you must be born again. If you're born again, you're not "only human". You have the divine nature and can live victoriously from it.'

The Christian who continues sinning is being foreign to his true nature. The one who questions whether God is able to subdue his flesh is doubting the great God who can open seas, smash down walls and feed multitudes.

Christ is in you. His power is available to you. Use it.

To Meditate On

Jesus wants you to know that your physical body will not last for ever.

'For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality' (1 Cor. 15:33).

Food For Thought

READ 1 Corinthians 15:35-58.

WRITE DOWN the differences between the natural body and the spiritual body.

DO YOU KNOW that you have eternal life?

If you have any doubts, meditate on the following verses:

John 3:16; Titus 1:2; 3:4-8; 1 John 2:24, 25.

Be Inspired

Sin is not eradicated out of us, and it never will be as long as we are in this mortal body … Sin is in our bodies, and it is always striving for mastery and for control in the Christian. It Can never dominate over him again, but it is always striving to dominate his body … You have always to remember that, and not allow it to do so.
MARTYN LLOYD-JONES

To Consider

READ JAMES 3:1-12.

WHAT relationship does the tongue have with the body?

For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life (2 Cor. 5:4).