How can we "consider ourselves dead to sin" in daily life? The Foundational Truth “Likewise, you also must consider yourselves dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 6:11) • The verb “consider” (logizomai) means to reckon, count as fact. • Because Jesus literally died and rose, believers literally share in His death to sin’s mastery and His new life. • This reckoning is not make-believe; it is embracing God’s declared reality. Renewing the Mind Daily • Return often to Romans 6:11; speak it aloud when temptation whispers. • Pair it with Romans 12:2: “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”. Saturating thought life with truth starves sin of deception. • Memorize Galatians 2:20—“I have been crucified with Christ… Christ lives in me”—to anchor identity. Rejecting Old Patterns • Romans 6:12-13 commands: “Do not let sin reign… do not present the parts of your body to sin.” • Practical reflection: Identify routines or media that fuel old desires; remove or replace them. • Colossians 3:5 calls us to “put to death whatever belongs to your earthly nature”. Treat sinful impulses as foreign intruders, not roommates. Presenting Ourselves Alive to God • Replace “don’ts” with “do’s”: present your members “as instruments of righteousness” (Romans 6:13). • Eyes: fix on Scripture or the needs of others rather than lustful images. • Hands: serve, give, build. • Speech: encourage, testify. • Time: schedule worship, fellowship, service—filling the vacuum sin once occupied. Strength in Union with Christ • Romans 8:11—“He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit.” • Dependence, not sheer willpower, fuels victory. Ask the Spirit moment-by-moment to apply Christ’s resurrection power. • 2 Corinthians 5:17 assures: “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation”. Act from that newness. Practical Daily Rhythm Morning • Read a short passage (e.g., Romans 6:1-14) and verbally reckon yourself dead to sin, alive to God. • Commit the day’s specific tasks to Christ’s lordship. Moment of Temptation • Halt; confess Christ’s victory: “Sin is not my master—Romans 6:14.” • Shift focus—pray, sing, text a believer for accountability. Evening • Review: where did you rely on the Spirit? Where did you not? • If sin occurred, claim 1 John 1:9—“He is faithful and just to forgive…”—and step right back into reckoning, no self-condemnation. Ongoing Encouragement • Engage with a small group that rehearses these truths. • Celebrate progress; every obedient choice confirms the reality of death to sin. • Keep eyes forward: full freedom awaits when Christ returns, but genuine freedom is tasted now as we live Romans 6:11. |
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