“Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts.” (Romans 6:12)

Paul’s first instruction to his readers is quite staggering.  He tells them (Romans 6:11) to count themselves to be in the same place as the risen Lord Jesus Christ – “alive to God” and in the heavens.  How is this possible?  Because, as he explained, they were united with Christ in His death AND in His resurrection.  This is justification according to God – something that is most certainly not of this world.

Having taken us up to this great height, the apostle brings us back to deal with our earthly experience.  We live in the body and our fallen nature is ever present.  Paul does not deny that, nor does he pretend, that all is now well – he, and every Christian since, knows well enough that to walk with God we must always choose.  What is the choice?  That we do not let sin reign in us.  That is, that we do not let sin, though present in us, determine what we do or how we react to situations and circumstances.  The Holy Spirit, by whom we have been sealed, is to reign in us, not sin.  We are to be led by the Spirit, learning to recognise and follow His leading, day by day.

Only in this way can we know the victory for which Christ died, and only in this way can we know what it is to share His joy and His peace. “For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.” (2 Corinthians 1:20)

But let us never forget the first instruction. Without that understanding and faith, the second will bear no fruit. 

(Photo courtesy of Sarah)