In review of Romans 6:12-13 It tells me, “Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires. . . . Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God.” (NLT)
To not let sin control me or for me to give into sinful desires, I need to: identify my personal weaknesses, recognize the things that tempt me, stay away from sources of temptation, practice self-restraint, consciously invest my time in good habits / service and lean on God's strength and grace. My skills, capabilities, and body can serve many purposes, good or bad. I can use every part of my body as an instrument for his service. It is the one to whom I offer my service that makes the difference. Will I give myself completely to God, asking him to put me to use for his glory?
Every day I am controlled by something. I may be controlled by my ego or by the expectations of others. I may be controlled by fear, guilt, resentment, or bitterness. I may be controlled by a habit. But I am controlled by something every day.
Freedom comes when I choose what’s going to control me. If God is not number one in my life, something else is, and it will control me to a negative degree. When Christ is in control of my life, he always moves me in the right direction.
Romans 6:12-13 says, “Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires. . . . Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God” (NLT).
What are the steps in this choice to let Christ have control?
Admit that I’ve been trying to play God.
Admit that I can’t change on my own.
Humbly ask God to change me.
Be honest with someone else about the things that need to change in my life.
Give Jesus Christ total ownership of my life.
Do you really want to change? You may say, “I’m so tired of trying and failing.” Stop trying. Instead, start trusting. God gives me the option to either depend on him or depend on myself. The result is either freedom or frustration.
So why not give it all to Christ? What do I have to lose?
In summary, do not let sin control the way I live; do not give in to sinful desires, rather give myself completely to God. Use my body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God. To not let sin control me, I need to: identify my personal weaknesses, recognize the things that tempt me, stay away from sources of temptation, practice self-restraint, consciously invest my time in good habits / service and lean on God's strength and grace. I can use every part of my body as an instrument for his service. It is the one to whom I offer my service that makes the difference. Will I give myself completely to God, to put me to use for his glory? Every day I am controlled by something. Freedom comes when I choose what’s going to control me. If God is not number one in my life, something else is, and it will control me to a negative degree. When Christ is in control of my life, he always moves me in the right direction. Steps I need in the choice to let Christ have control: Admit I’ve been playing God. Admit I can’t change on my own. Humbly ask God to change me. Give Jesus Christ total ownership. Stop trying. Instead, start trusting. God gives me the option to either depend on him or depend on myself.
I often forget and take matters into my own strength. Father I need to surrender myself and give control over to you. I ask for wisdom and guidance for my day, my work, my choices, my leadership and my interactions with others. I pray this through your Son Jesus’ name, Amen.
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