We have the power not to sin because of what Jesus did for us. Look what Jesus tells us in John chapter 14 verse 26, “But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative – that is, the Holy Spirit – He will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.” It is so important to remember, because of Jesus, sin is not what controls us. We can say “no” to our desires because the Holy Spirit reminds us everything Jesus has shown us in the word. This is why it is so important that we become, “strong and immovable,” the more we learn and do the more natural it is for us to die to self.
The Spirit will guide us but no guide ever makes you do things, we have to say “yes” to Jesus and mature daily by turning to God for help. In 1 Corinthians chapter 15 verse 34 it says, “Think carefully about what is right, and stop sinning. For to your shame I say that some of you don’t know God at all.” We must make our walk real and concentrate on what God has shown us and what Jesus has done and what the Spirit is doing in us so we can truly know Him. Knowing Him will change our hearts and when our hearts change our minds think of things pleasing to God. Then we constantly learn and the Spirit reminds us in the hard times about what is right and we choose to live the way Jesus modeled for us.
Let’s work hard and “think carefully about what is right, and stop sinning…” I think we read this next verse the wrong way so we have a safety net or an excuse to sin. Romans chapter 3 verse 23 says, “For everyone has sinned, we all fall short of God’s glorious standards.” I look at it as motivation to work on not sinning, and listening to the Spirit before I choose to react.
In Romans chapter 6 verses 1-2 Paul says, “Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of His wonderful grace? Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it?” We were sinners but Jesus made us righteous when we accept Him and live our lives in Him. We really need to study verses 3 and 4 of Romans chapter 6 and believe it with all of our heart. “Or have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined Him in His death? For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.” My ending question to myself and everyone is; are we living new lives or are we the same as before but just added a check list for ourselves to look religious? Amen