Practically speaking, how do we obey this command, to not allow sin to reign in our bodies? We live out the gospel of Jesus Christ by dying daily to our fleshly urges.
Living out the gospel means conforming our thoughts, purpose, and actions to God’s will and ways. As believers, we have died with Christ, and been raised up into newness of life. Walking in the righteousness that we gained through salvation, is his way for us to demonstrate his character to those around us.
Consider the word of God as his sculptor’s chisel and hammer. Each verse we take into our heart, allowing the Holy Spirit to apply it to us, chips away bits of the debris that hides what he has designed us to be. The debris is the sinful patterns we lived in before, without any thought of God. When we receive his salvation we are set free, but it will take his experiential truth hidden in our hearts to keep us free.
Nothing from our past’s thought patterns changed the moment we were saved. That is why we are instructed to be transformed by the renewing of our mind. Ephesians 4:23 in the Amplified Bible says, “And be constantly renewed in the spirit of your mind (having a fresh mental and spiritual attitude).”
God’s words penetrate, and discern our thoughts and intentions. As we read his word, observing how to apply it in our lives, old patterns of thought are exposed. At that point we have a choice. We can ignore the prompting of the Holy Spirit, or we can stop and respond in faith and obedience in the area he has pointed out.
Father, I am so thankful for the compass of your word that is hidden in my heart. When my thoughts veer off your prescribed path, that truth pops up to redirect and center me on you. I embrace your love with a joyous heart. I’m so thankful for all that Jesus’ death accomplished for me. Amen.
Throughout this Day: Take some time today to read through Romans 12 and ask the Holy Spirit to help you live it out.
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