In what ways can we avoid offering our bodies to sin? Grasping Paul’s Charge in Romans 6:13 “Do not present the parts of your body to sin as instruments of wickedness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and present the parts of your body to Him as instruments of righteousness.” Paul contrasts two deliberate actions: handing our bodies over to sin or handing them over to God. The command is clear, but walking it out requires daily, Spirit-empowered choices. Remembering Who We Are • We have been “brought from death to life.” • Our bodies now belong to Christ (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). • We are called “living sacrifices” (Romans 12:1). Identity fuels obedience; we resist sin by continually rehearsing whose we are. Feeding the Spirit, Starving the Flesh Galatians 5:16—“Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” Practical rhythms: • Begin each day in Scripture; let truth set the agenda (Psalm 119:11). • Pray throughout the day—short, honest moments that keep fellowship unbroken. • Replace sinful inputs with edifying ones: worship music, sermons, wholesome conversation. • Fast periodically to train the body to submit to the Spirit. Guarding the Gateways • Eyes—Job 31:1; avoid visual temptations, use filters, turn off media that stirs lust or envy. • Ears—filter lyrics, jokes, gossip that ignite sinful cravings. • Mind—take thoughts captive (2 Corinthians 10:5); redirect fantasies and worries to Christ. • Hands/feet—choose locations and activities that set you up for righteousness, not compromise. Practicing Rapid Repentance • The moment conviction strikes, agree with God, confess, and receive cleansing (1 John 1:9). • Replace the sin with an opposite righteous action—generosity for greed, kindness for anger. Leaning on the Spirit’s Power Romans 8:13—“If by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” • Ask the Spirit for fresh filling each morning. • Quote Scripture aloud when temptation hits; the Sword of the Spirit cuts lies. Pursuing Righteous Habits • Exercise, rest, and healthy eating honor the body as God’s temple. • Schedule consistent service—using your body for good crowds out opportunity for evil. • Cultivate gratitude; thankful hearts find sin less attractive. Building Strong Accountability • Meet regularly with trustworthy believers (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Be specific about struggles; secrecy feeds sin. • Celebrate progress together; encouragement strengthens resolve. Keeping an Eternal Perspective 1 Peter 2:11—“Beloved, I urge you as foreigners and exiles to abstain from the desires of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.” Remember: every bodily choice echoes in eternity. The Lord delights in using surrendered bodies as bright instruments of righteousness. |
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