Two questions remain to be asked. Why do we refrain from sinning and how do we live a life free from sin? Some people spend their waking hours worrying whether this or that is sin. On the surface, this attitude looks commendable. It shows that the person is being conscientious and he does not like to sin. But ask him why he is so worry about sinning and he may tell you frankly that he is afraid of being punished for his sins.
Note that his motivation is self-centered. Instead of not sinning because he wants to please God, he refrains from sinning to protect himself. This type of person remains unhappy and is always filled with worries. But a person truly in Christ and living a life filled with the Holy Spirit has been set free (John 8:36). He resists sin because he wants to please God. He wants to be holy, just like God is holy. He has a positive outlook in life. Instead of being hemmed in by worries and fears, he feels free to move forward. Clearly whether a person’s motivation is right or wrong makes a great difference in his life.
Very often, a person knows that he should not sin, and he does not want to sin, yet he seems unable to control himself and so he sins. The apostle Paul describes this struggle in Romans 7:15 “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do not do, but what I don’t want to do, I do.” Paul explains that this struggle is due to the sinful nature at work in our body. He cries out, “What a wrenched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God – through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 7:24-25).
So how can a person continue to live a life free from sin? Paul goes on and says in Romans 8:5 “Those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace.” (The prerequisite is that he should belong to Christ –v9). The key to living a holy life is to have our minds set on what the Spirit wants.
Take stock of your thoughts for the whole day yesterday. What occupied your mind?
1. Did you start your day thinking about your worries and problems? Or did you think of how wonderful God is and praise Him from your heart as soon as you woke up?
2. Did you begin your day reading the newspaper, feeling weighed down by bad news? Or did you first meditate on God’s Word and commune with Him by praying?
3. During the day were you thinking on how to get ahead in your work, studies, and business for your own sake? Or were you intent on doing well in any of these to please God, glorify Him, and help people?
4. Were your thoughts displeasing to our Lord? Or did you think of “what is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, and whatever is excellent or praiseworthy? (Philippians 4:8)
If we set our minds on what the Spirit desires, we will live in accordance with the spirit. Then we will become “more than conquerors through Him who loves us” (Romans 8:37.
So how can a person continue to live a life free from sin? Paul goes on and says in Romans 8:5 “Those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace.” (The prerequisite is that he should belong to Christ –v9). The key to living a holy life is to have our minds set on what the Spirit wants.
Take stock of your thoughts for the whole day yesterday. What occupied your mind?
1. Did you start your day thinking about your worries and problems? Or did you think of how wonderful God is and praise Him from your heart as soon as you woke up?
2. Did you begin your day reading the newspaper, feeling weighed down by bad news? Or did you first meditate on God’s Word and commune with Him by praying?
3. During the day were you thinking on how to get ahead in your work, studies, and business for your own sake? Or were you intent on doing well in any of these to please God, glorify Him, and help people?
4. Were your thoughts displeasing to our Lord? Or did you think of “what is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, and whatever is excellent or praiseworthy? (Philippians 4:8)
If we set our minds on what the Spirit desires, we will live in accordance with the spirit. Then we will become “more than conquerors through Him who loves us” (Romans 8:37.
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