Scripture
11 In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. 12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. 13 Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness. 14 For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.
Reflection
Paul is making a statement in verse 14 to his readers that sin shall no longer be their master. He continues to answer this statement by asserting it’s because they are not under the law (the Torah) anymore but under grace?
God is a holy God and nothing unholy can be in His presence. That’s why you read in the Old Testament how the Jews had to sacrifice blameless animals to atone for their sins. But how did the Jews know they sinned. The Law informed them when they sinned. The Law revealed to the Jews that they couldn’t out of their own power comply with all the laws in an effort to be sinless (holy) in order to be in God’s presence. Thus, the law made the Jews aware of their sins. But it was through God’s precious act of grace that he sent Jesus (who is holy) to be sacrificed on the cross not only for the Jews but for the gentiles too. And as a result we can now be in God’s holy presence based on what God has done through Jesus Christ on the cross. And since we are united with Christ through his death and resurrection, sin that leads to eternal death, has no power over us. It is from a place of this revelation and thankfulness that Paul is asking the readers to offer their lives as an instrument of righteousness to God for what he has already done (Con).
Thoughts for the day
- Do you still live at times as if you live under the Law (this can be in the form of a tradition, cultural upbringing etc.)?
- Do you aim to live a righteous life because you feel you have to o from out of a place of thankfulness of what God has done through Christ on the cross for you?
- 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
Pray for the leaders of the nations of the world. Pray for the leader of your home country.
