How will you win the battle over sin and temptation?  Through Jesus Christ your Lord!

Romans 7:25“I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.”

Before salvation, you were a slave to sin and a child of the devil.  Praise God that salvation through faith in Christ made you free from sin and a child of God!  You have a new Master now.  

The word “Lord” means supreme master.  In this verse, the word literally means “controller.”  

[shareable]Is Jesus Christ your Lord? Do you allow Him to control your direction, desires, and deeds?[/shareable]

Jesus can be your Saviour, but not your Lord.  He asked the people in Luke 6:46, “And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?”  To be saved, you must confess Him as Lord acknowledging that is His position as the Son of God.  But do you live like He is your Lord?  Do you seek His will, ask His preferences, and submit to His way when you don’t agree?

Many professing Christians call Jesus Lord but live contrary to His Word.  Even committed Christians will obey in some areas and live how they choose in others.  My friend, either Christ is your Lord, or He is not.  Your life, not your words, give the final answer. 

Living in opposition to your Master is rebellion.  Are you living in disobedience to the King of kings and Lord of lords? I pray not.  If you are, stop reading right now to ask God for forgiveness for your rebellion and pride.  

How can you hope to overcome temptation when you are living in rebellion to the only One Who can deliver you?  

Overcoming temptation is more about saying “yes” to God than saying “no” to satan.  When you surrender to your new Master, He will break the chains that bind you.  You are not a victim of your upbringing and genetics.  You are a sinner saved by grace that needs to be sanctified by the Master’s Word and Spirit.

You’ve tried to do it your way.  How’s that working out for you?  Perhaps you’ve tried the world’s programs and philosophies to no avail.  Maybe you’ve even given up trying to change because you feel like there is no hope. 

I’ve got good news for you today.  Jesus Christ can deliver you from any and every sinful desire.  The One who calmed the winds and the waves can speak peace into your life.  The One Who made the lame to walk, the blind to see and the deaf to hear can heal your broken heart.  The mighty Son of God Who raised the dead can resurrect your struggling life and dying relationships.  Oh yes, my friend, your Master is the key to victory!

Remember that Jesus is not only your Saviour but also your Master.  Decide today that you will do what you know to do.  Don’t try to have “selective victory” in your life by deciding what areas you want God’s help and what areas you want to live in rebellion.  

Surrender to God fully.  Ask your Master to break the chains of sin that bind you.  Follow His plan for you today in the beauty of holiness.  Then, you can live in victory.

[callout]“Lord, thank you for saving me. I confess my sin and rebellion. Please forgive me. I’m sorry for fighting you when you want to give me victory. Help me live a life of submission to you. Please deliver me from temptation and give me victory over the sinful desires that plague me. Amen.”[/callout]

Today’s Bible Reading: Romans 7:15-25

 

Read this devotional series from the beginning here.