Feeling Like a Slave to Sin? Come Find Freedom.

May 29, 2018

Feeling Like a Slave to Sin? Come Find Freedom.

Romans 7:13-14

Audrey Morales

Central Truth

We were born sinners into a sinful world, but God loves us too much to leave us wallowing in our depravity. He uses both His laws and His Holy Spirit to show how far we are from Him and to convict us so that we may become more like Him.

13 Did that which is good, then, bring death to me? By no means! It was sin, producing death in me through what is good, in order that sin might be shown to be sin, and through the commandment might become sinful beyond measure. 14 For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold under sin.

This passage reminds me of God’s perfect timing. I remember sitting in church on a Tuesday night hearing the pastor claim that one of my vices was a sin. I was in disbelief; I knew he must have made a mistake. Well, I researched, and the pastor was right. Here I was thinking that I was doing so great at following the rules, but what I learned was that it was the heart behind the action. I was using my vice as a coping mechanism instead of turning to the Lord. God used His law, showed me the depravity of my sin, and knew exactly what I needed to hear and when I needed to hear it. If it had been a year earlier, I may have just walked out and not looked back. Thankfully, “the Word of God is living and active” (Hebrews 4:12).

We all have our vices. The desires of our flesh. They come naturally to us as humans “sold under sin.” When we surrender to the Holy Spirit and are open to those gentle nudges, the Lord can and does transform us from the inside out. I am not saying that the process is easy. Actually, it can be quite painful and arduous. However, the freedom and peace that are found as a result are even more wondrous and addictive than any vice I have yet to encounter.

I would be remiss if I let you think that I no longer struggle with my vices. I do—every single day. I have even come to realize much sooner when I have strayed and am trying to rely on my own strength in certain situations. Yes, it still happens. But then I remember that the penalty of my sin has already been paid, and I consider that the Lord loved me so much that He gave His one and only Son to die for my sins so that I could have a relationship with Him. And I thank Him for helping me to remember and for drawing me back to Himself yet again. Praise!

This month's memory verse

16 Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness?

– Romans 6:16

1. Is there a vice in your life that you are convicted is sin but you're unwilling to give it up? Why do you think it is so hard to let go? Need help thinking through the issue? Check out re:generation, a great place to be surrounded by people who will be honest with you and help you to dig deep into the truth of the Bible.

2. Can you remember a vice that used to have a mean hold on you, but God has provided freedom from that sin? Are there several? Take time to thank Him for that freedom and peace He gave; it may just put you in a great mood!

3. I'm often amazed at God’s perfect timing. Can you think of a time when you witnessed His awe-inspiring timing? Try sharing that with someone today. It may lead to a great conversation and another example to share. Can't think of an example? Pray that God awes and inspires you with His perfect timing and keep your eyes open. God loves to reveal Himself to those who seek Him.