We hope you have been encouraged as we have been to review the great truths of what freedom in Christ means. Let’s wrap up this blog topic with some practical implications of the freedom Christ bought for us. But of course, first we will take one last look at the passage that started this whole conversation:
Knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin; for he who has died is freed from sin. Even so consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore, do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its lusts, and do not go on presenting the members of your body to sin as instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law but under grace. – Romans 6:6-7, 11-14
Not Perfection, But Freedom
When we talk about being free from the power of sin, we’re not talking about never sinning again. We live in a sin-cursed world, and our old sinful nature is warring against our new selves in Christ. The battle continues to rage, and we are all a part the war. We know from Romans 7 that even the great apostle Paul struggled with sin. We will never be perfect here on earth, but God can work to transform is more and more into His image every day (Phil. 1:6). Being free from sin’s power doesn’t mean we will never again be tempted, but what it does mean is that we now have the power to say no and choose to obey the Lord and live in His freedom. We will still fail, but we are no longer slaves who have to always obey sin. We are free to live for Christ, and He promises to help us as we seek to walk in faithfulness to Him.
The Pressure’s Off
Because we know that our salvation is not a result of our own good deeds, we can be free to focus on other things. The burden of having to do everything right or else we will lose our salvation no longer exists – Christ has already paid the price for our sins, and so we are now free to focus on living a thankful life for Him! What a burden lifted, and what a mercy from God to take that burden all on Himself. We could never make it on our own, and we don’t have to! The pressure is off – now, focus on living in His freedom.
“I’m Dead to That”
I’ve read James MacDonald’s book, Lord, Change Me, several times and would recommend it to anyone. One thing that often comes to mind from that book is the phrase, “I’m dead to that.” In his book, MacDonald makes it a point to remind believer that they truly are dead to sin, so when we are tempted by our enticing desires, we can literally say, “I’m dead to that” and choose to live in freedom. Fighting sin is just that – a fight! It is hard work, so fight hard! Be radical, and do what you have to do. Literally say out loud “I’m dead to that” if you have to. It’s worth it if it means you will please the Lord and live for Him. Remind yourself of the truth that you truly are dead to sin’s power, and choose to live in that freedom.
These are but a few of the many applications of the amazing fact that believers are free from sin. Spend time searching scripture for more implications of this truth, and be encouraged! You can live a life that is pleasing to the Lord. And when you do sin, you can repent and choose to please the Lord again. If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. (John 8:36)
