After memorizing Romans 8 last year,
this year I jumped back a couple chapters to memorize Romans 6. Verse
6 in the ESV says, “We know that our old self was crucified with
Him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so
that we would no longer be enslaved to sin.” Although we all cling
to that fact that our sin is forgiven because of the cross of Christ,
it is harder to grasp the idea of freedom from sin’s slavery.
This world is filled with all sorts of
temptations, and sometimes they seem too powerful to resist. Just one
more doughnut; just one quick glimpse at that picture; just a few
minutes playing that game; just a little fib… And before long we’re
exclaiming with Paul, “Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me
from this body of death?” (Romans 7:24). The fact is that Jesus
Christ has already delivered us, but we haven’t yet learned how to
live as overcomers and freed men and women.
Many of us can probably quote 1
Corinthians 10:13, “No temptation has overtaken you that is not
common to man. God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted
beyond your ability, but with the temptation He will also provide the
way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” We want to
believe that, but it seems like when temptation comes it is easier to
ask for forgiveness than to look for the way of escape. Thomas
Chalmers wrote of “the expulsive power of a new affection.” He
explained that we won’t choose to turn from sin unless we are
turning toward something better—toward the only One who can deliver
us. Unfortunately, sin often appears to offer a quicker “fix”
than seeking God.
So what is the solution? It is a
lifelong process of 1) believing and remembering that God has
delivered us from the power of sin, 2) seeking a closer relationship
with Him through the spiritual disciplines, 3) praying for the way of
escape before temptation arrives, and 4) making no provision
for the flesh to choose sin. There is no quick cure because the
world, the flesh, and the devil will do everything possible to derail
our good intentions. Thankfully, whenever we do fail, we can turn
again to the cross of Christ and the One who is ready and willing to
forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
©
Dawn Rutan 2016.
