Is Habitual Sin an Option for Us as Believers?
Romans 6:1
“What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace might increase? May it never be! How shall we who died to sin still live in it?”
A Divine Revelation
According to this passage of Scripture, Paul asks his Roman converts a very pointed question that deals with grace and a faulty attitude toward sin. Is habitual sin an option for a believer? Can we continue to willfully (intentionally) sin and God’s grace still cover our tracks? As Paul states boldly, MAY IT NEVER BE! The life of a believer will be marked by a conviction that produces a confession and repentance derived from a changed attitude toward sin. If we have an attitude of complacency toward sin, that is a serious indication that something is wrong, and we might want to reexamine our relationship with God.
Please do not hear this as a legalistic diagnosis. As a new believer, dysfunctional habits can be difficult to break and often plaque the lives of even more seasoned Christians. Our struggle with sin will be a constant learning curve, and therefore, the transformation process can take a while. However, the attitude of believers who are struggling with sin issues should never be, “Oh well, that’s the way I am”, or “I can’t help it so God’s going to have to love me where I’m at.” Precious believer, God does love you where you are at. However, His love is also more than enough to heal those issues and “perfect you into the image of His Son until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Phil 1:7)
A Divine Challenge
When we encounter sin in our lives, instead of settling for defeat, we need to claim the truths of Romans Chapter 6 (worth reading and some serious meditation) as our war cry to gain victory over habitual sin. We can also cling to the exhortation and promise of James 4:7, “Submit therefore unto God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” And last but not least, we need to put on the full armor of God as Ephesians 6: 11-17 instructs us to do so we will be armed and ready when the enemy strikes.
In Christ, we have the authority to take captive every thought that would cause us to sin and submit ourselves to the truth of Scripture. As Gal 5:1 clearly states, “It was for freedom that Christ set us free, therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.” The key word in this Scripture is AGAIN. Our freedom was bought and paid for with the precious blood of Jesus Christ. It is the power that has redeemed our lives from the effects of sin and death so we can live as obedient children of God. However, this passage clearly states that we can again subject ourselves to a yoke of slavery if we act as if we have no freedom from or power over sin. This lie is from the PIT OF HELL! So, why do we, as believers, live like this lie is true?
The truth found in Romans Chapter 6 can bring a mirror of accountability that is difficult to look into. It is easier to play the victim of sin than it is to say NO to sin. Yet God’s grace and mercy toward us can inspire us to do just that.
Call to Action
We need to see sin for what it is, a thief that steals, kills and destroys. We also need to embrace the full measure of God’s unconditional love for each of us and the power Christ gives us to overcome sin. Therefore, fellow Christian let your license reflect the one who’s doing the driving. When Christ is in the driver’s seat, you will never have to worry about getting a ticket or going the wrong way, and with Him, you will always get to your destination safe and secure.
Father, help us to never take our sin lightly, but to consider what it cost You to forgive it and remove it from us. When we do sin, bring conviction to our hearts so we will confess and repent of it immediately. And finally, help us embrace the freedom that is ours in Christ so we can experience victory over temptation and deliverance from the evil one. In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen!