Scripture
5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his. 6 For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin— 7 because anyone who has died has been set free from sin.
8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. 9 For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. 10 The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God.
Reflection
What a powerful statement Paul makes in verses 8-10. Based on the previous chapters on justification and yesterday’s reading we know that we used to live an old life (that resulted in us being slaves to sin). But since we gave our lives to Christ, we now live a new life (one where sin is no longer a master over us). Does it mean we don’t sin at all? By no means, but without Christ’s death, sin still would’ve reigned over us and we know the penalty of sin is death (eternal). But since we are now united with Christ (by being saved), we also share in his resurrection. Thus since, Christ died once and for all to sin and death no longer has a mastery over him, likewise, sin has no mastery over us because we are united with him and death (eternal) has no hold on us either. We can also now like Christ live for God fully (Con).
Thoughts for the day
- In which areas in your life does sin still have a hold over your life?
- What steps will you take (apart from the help of the Holy Spirit) to walk freely in Jesus’s freedom?
- What do you feel God is telling you through this passage?
- How will you apply what God is telling you in your life today?
- Is there someone you feel you need to tell this message to?
Prayer
Ask God to deliver you from your troubles to protect you from the evil one and deliver you from temptation.
