WHY CAN’T I THROW OFF EVERYTHING THAT HINDERS?
“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— because anyone who has died has been set free from sin.” Romans 6:6-7 (NIV)
Sometimes when I read this verse, I wonder to myself about certain sins I’ve never been able to gain victory over. I wonder why, if Jesus died to free me from my sins, do I still struggle with them? Why can’t I just crucify my old self and be done?
Perhaps you’ve asked the same question at times. Maybe you, too, struggle with certain sins that you just can’t shake. The Apostle Paul could relate to this situation. In his letter to the Romans, he wrote, “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do” (Romans 7:15-24 NIV).
I guess if even the Apostle Paul struggled with this same frustration, then perhaps we’re not alone. Still, the struggle is there, and it pains us to feel the ongoing burden of sin, whether it’s gossip or lying or lust. We want so badly to be free of its power over our lives.
Let us not forget the truth — we are now free! Christ’s death has conquered the grave and freed us from the power of sin (1 Corinthians 15:56). It no longer defines us or condemns us. But that doesn’t mean we won’t struggle with it ever again. After all, we live in a fallen world that is full of pain, sin, struggle, and toil.
While sin no longer has a death grip on our lives, it can still steal our joy and rob us from daily victory in Christ. This should drive us to our knees, remind us of our dependence on Christ and His sacrifice, and overwhelm us with His grace and love. As the Bible tells us — “While we were still sinners… Christ died for us!” (Romans 5:8).
So we live in this reality… that although we are not sinless Christians, hopefully — through the power of Christ — we are becoming Christians who sin less. And when we see sin in our life, with its roots so deep they are hard to dig out, it causes us to ask the hard, soul-searching questions:
Why does this sin have such a hold on my life?
What does this sin show me I am believing about myself, about others, or about God?
What lie do I need to face in order to find victory over this sin?
In fact, if sin is bothering you, perhaps it’s a sign the Holy Spirit is at work in you day-by-day, making you more like Christ. And that should bring you comfort and joy. God has not given up on you.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Hebrews 12:1 (NIV)
THINK ABOUT IT…
What does this devotional reveal to me about God?
What does this devotional reveal to me about myself?
Based on this, what changes do I need to make?
What is my prayer for today?