A Sinful Nature

Sinful Nature - Romans 6

I have found a name to what I am experiencing! This amazing, wonderful and joyous feeling I have every day. This craving and hunger I cannot sate. And finally, it is a desire that is good and healthy and glorious! "Sanctification" - the change God makes in our life as we grow in faith. That is me! Growing in faith. Slowly and surely...but every day becoming closer to God and digging deeper into His Word! Love. Every. Minute.

So..."SIN." The "power of sin" is our rebellious, sin-loving nature inherited from Adam. Although we may give in to our sinful nature, it is not us that is evil, but sin. We may have chosen to live righteously and accept the gift of eternal life, it does not mean we are not immune to sin. We merely are no longer a slave to sin - and are freely able to choose to obey God wholehearted, or allow sin to control. Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires (Rom 6:12).

Is the 'sinful nature' that exists in all of us, the negative and evil power that can lead a believer to commit suicide? Not, as I previously pictured, Satan himself or a demonic presence in our hearts, but the area of sinful desires that exist in all of us. Negativity or sin, in one form or another - adultery, abuse, addiction, bullying - may be the 'sin' in one's life, growing and growing inside until it is all-consuming - it controls  them - once again becoming a slave to evil - losing any love, peace, joy and power the Holy Spirit would provide.

  

When we died with Christ, we were set free from the power that sin had to control our lives (v. 7). We no longer are required to be a slave to sin. We have the choice; do we become slaves to sin - which leads to death? Or, do we chose to obey God's teaching, break free from the bondage sin has on our lives, and become slaves to righteous living (v. 16-18)? Duh? Isn't the answer obvious and easy? Okay, maybe not so easy for new believers. What does becoming a "slave to righteous living" actual mean? And, how exactly do we accomplish this?

First, to "wholeheartedly obey" (essential in reducing sin's hold) means to give yourself fully to God. You must love Him "with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind" (Matt 22:37). Ask Him to put you to good use, whatever way He sees fit. To avoid sin, try to remember these steps:

1. Identify your personal weaknesses. Everyone has them. Honesty is essential in this step.

2. Recognize the things that tempt us. Or, the "triggers" you know will increase your desire to sin.

3. Stay away from that source of temptation. At least as much as possible. When unable to avoid the temptation, asking the Spirit to control your thoughts and desires is smart.

4. Practice self-restraint. Obviously, you will be doing this if #3 is impossible.

5. Consciously invest time in good habits and service. I replaced smoking, drinking, and all the activities I once deemed "fun," with studying His Word. And, this was not a difficult achievement, I wanted this change!

Finally, and MOST IMPORTANTLY!

6. Lean on God's strength and grace! Seek Him constantly! Talk to Him repeatedly throughout the day! Pray for strength to overcome any sinful power and avoid any sinful temptations, desires and thoughts that go against His Glory!