How to overcome Sin. (Romans 6-8)

1. Intro
No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. (Romans 8:37)
Tomorrow I will change my life! Yeah, nice talking. Sounds familiar, isn’t it? How many times did you tried? How many times did you succeed and how many days did it stands? Let me tell you what is a sin. It is a sin not to stand (to take your place and your position) in the victory who is ours “through Christ, who loved us”. Get in your saddle you sinner 1 there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. 2 And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.(Romans 8:1-2).

Strange opening mister Heijstek. We are talking about serious stuff man, sin. O yeah I now, I am a human being. Our sinful nature you know! God’s forgiveness does not make sin less serious. His Son’s death for sin shows us the dreadful seriousness of sin. But what a struggle to fight against it. When we were controlled by our old nature, sinful desires were at work within us, and the law aroused these evil desires that produced a harvest of sinful deeds, resulting in death (Romans 7:5). This is my conclusion: I failed fighting sin. I can’t, I just can’t! You’re at the right position now to continue.

2. I know……..
The first definition of sin is that of transgression. To transgress means "to step across" or "to go beyond a set boundary or limit." The second one is “to miss the mark.” This view of sin includes the concept of our going in one direction but straying off course to the side and not continuing in the direction we intended to go, with the result that we don’t reach the goal we intended. We miss. This concept also encompasses the idea of failing to measure up to a standard. Sin's origin is to be found in humanity's rebellious nature. Sin is anything that is contrary to the will of God or doesn’t express the holy character of God. That is the standard He has set for us, as seen by these definitions.

3. The effects of sin
The most serious consequence of sinning is that we deeply hurt our Lord by our disobedience and it brings a lack of fellowship with God. Sin also produces spiritual blindness. Spiritual truths simply are not visible to that person who has been blinded by sin. 19 When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, your lives will produce these evil results: sexual immorality, impure thoughts, eagerness for lustful pleasures, 20 idolatry, participation in demonic activities, hostility, quarrelling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, division, the feeling that everyone is wrong except those in your own little group, 21 envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other kind of sin. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God (Galatians 5:19-21). We must deal with our evil desires decisively (crucify them – 5:24).

4. Producing fruit
4 ……. And now you are united with the one who was raised from the dead. As a result, you can produce good fruit, that is, good deeds for God (Romans 7:4). Some people try to earn their way to God by keeping a set of rules, but they earn frustration and discouragement. However because of Christ’s sacrifice we can become his children by simply putting our faith in Him. Let the Holy Spirit turn your eyes away from your own performance and towards Jesus. He will free you to serve Him out of love and gratitude. This is living “in the new way of the Spirit”.  22 But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).

5. Don’t let Satan steal your freedom
Satan is the biggest thief ever. This is a real spiritual warfare. 1 So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1). Not guilty, let them go free!! Never, ever let Satan steal your freedom which is in Jesus Christ, our Saviour. Satan wants to accuse you and wants you to look at your own sin and inability to overcome sin. Tell Satan you will (and have) overcome your sin only by Christ’s offer and that you don’t have to look at yourself. “Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, ‘Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons (Matthew 25:41). The hell has been prepared for Satan and his demons and not for humans. Tell Satan! Send Him away in the mighty power of Jesus Christ who took the victory!

6. Freedom to obey God
16 Don’t you realize that whatever you choose to obey becomes your master? You can choose sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God and receive his approval (Romans 6:16). Thanks to Jesus we can now choose God as our master. Following Him, we can enjoy new life and learn how to work for Him. God wants to give you the power to obey him “with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind” (Matthew 22:37). It is impossible to be neutral. A Christian is not someone who cannot sin, but someone who is no longer slave to sin. He or she belongs to God. You are free to choose between two masters, but you are not free to manipulate the consequences of your choice. The currency of sin is death and Christ’s currency is life, new life! 22 But now you are free from the power of sin and have become slaves of God. Now you do those things that lead to holiness and result in eternal life (Romans 6:22).
7. Struggling with Sin
15 I don’t understand myself at all, for I really want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do the very thing I hate (Romans 7:15). This is more than the cry of one desperate man – it describes the experience of any Christian struggling against sin or trying to please God by keeping rules and laws without the Spirit’s help. We must never underestimate the power of sin. We must never attempt to fight it in our own strength. Satan is a crafty tempter, and we have amazing ability to make excuses. Instead of trying to overcome sin with human willpower, we must take hold of the tremendous power of Christ that is available to us. This is God’s provision for victory over sin: He sends the Holy Spirit to live in us and give us power. And when we fall, He lovingly reaches out to help us up. 25 Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. …. (Romans 7:25). Let the reality of Christ’s power lift you up to real victory over sin.

8. Living by the Spirit’s power.
1 So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. 2 for the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you through Christ Jesus from the power of sin that leads to death (Romans 8:1-2). First, “not guilty”! He offered us freedom from sin and power to do His will. 5 ….., but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. 6…… But if the Holy Spirit controls your mind, there is life and peace (Romans 8:5-6). Daily we must consciously choose to center our lives on God. In every perplexing situation ask yourself: What would Jesus want me to do? When the Holy Spirit points out what is right, do it eagerly. 9 But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you (Romans 8:9). Look at the boldness of these words. No doubt you are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God (if you choose to let Him control your life). 12 So, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation whatsoever to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. 13 For if you keep on following it, you will perish. But if through the power of the Holy Spirit you turn from it and its evil deeds, you will live. 14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. 15 So you should not be like cowering, fearful slaves. You should behave like God’s very own children, adopted into His family – calling him, “Abba, Father.” 16 For his Holy Spirit speaks to us deep in our heart and tells us that we are God’s children. (Romans 8:12-16). When we regard sin’s appeal as dead and lifeless, we can ignore temptation when it comes. “adopted into His family” illustrates the believers new relationship with God. In Roman culture, the adopted person lost all rights in his old family and gained all the rights of a legitimate child in his new family. He became a full heir to his new father’s estate. Likewise, when a person becomes a Christian, he or she gains all the privileges and responsibilities of a child in God’s family. One of these outstanding privileges is being led by the Spirit (see Galatians 4:5-6). We may not always feel as though we belong to God, but the Holy Spirit is our witness. His inward presence reminds us of who we are and encourages us with God’s love (Romans 5:5).  16 So I advise you to live according to your new life in the Holy Spirit. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. 17 The old sinful nature loves to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Holy Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, and your choices are never free from this conflict. 18 But when you are directed by the Holy Spirit, you are no longer subject to the law (Galatians 5:16-18). Being led by the Holy Spirit involves the desire to hear, the readiness to obey God’s Word, and the sensitivity to discern between your feelings and His promptings. Live each day controlled and guided by the Holy Spirit. Then the words of Christ will be in your mind, the love of Christ will be behind your actions, and the power of Christ will help you control your selfish desires.

9. Sins power is broken at the cross.
We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin (Romans 6:6).
The power and penalty of sin died with Christ at the cross. Our “old self” our sinful nature, died once and for all, so we are freed from its power. The “body of sin” is not the human body, but our rebellious sin-loving nature inherited from Adam. Though our body willingly cooperates with our sinful nature, we must not regard the body as evil. It is the sin in us that is evil. And it is this power of sin at work in our body that is defeated. Through faith in Christ we stand “not guilty” before God. We need no longer live under sin’s power. God does not take us out of the world or make us robots, - we still feel like sinning, and sometimes we will sin. The difference is that before we were saved we were slaves to our sinful nature, but now we can choose to live for Christ (see Galatians 2:20). 11 So you also should consider yourselves to be dead to the power of sin and able to live for the glory of God through Christ Jesus (Romans 6:11). We should regard our old sinful nature as dead and unresponsive to sin. Because of our union and identification with Christ, we are no longer obligated to carry out those old motives, desires and goals. So let us consider ourselves to be what God has in fact made us. We have a new start, and the Holy Spirit will help us become in our daily experiences what Christ has declared us to be.

10. Humble yourself and rejoice.
1 Oh, what joy for those whose rebellion is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight!
2 Yes, what joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of sin, whose lives are lived in complete honesty! Here David expresses the joy of forgiveness (see also Psalm 51). Wow, no One like Him! Look at this: “sin is put out of sight!” and record has cleared of sin”. He doesn’t count our sins against us! Thank you Lord, this makes me cry.

11. Finally.
24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. 25 Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives (Galatians 5:24-25).



1 Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins. 2 Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin. 3 For I recognize my rebellion; it haunts me day and night. 4 Against you, and you alone, have I sinned; I have done what is evil in your sight. You will be proved right in what you say, and your judgment against me is just. 5 For I was born a sinner—yes, from the moment my mother conceived me. 6 But you desire honesty from the womb, teaching me wisdom even there. 7 Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. 8 Oh, give me back my joy again; you have broken me—now let me rejoice. 9 Don’t keep looking at my sins. Remove the stain of my guilt. 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a right spirit within me. 11 Do not banish me from your presence, and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you. 13 Then I will teach your ways to rebels, and they will return to you. 14 Forgive me for shedding blood, O God who saves; then I will joyfully sing of your forgiveness. 15 Unseal my lips, O Lord, that my mouth may praise you. 16 You do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one. You do not want a burnt offering. 17 The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God. 18 Look with favour on Zion and help her; rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. 19 Then you will be pleased with sacrifices offered in the right spirit—with burnt offerings and whole burnt offerings. Then bulls will again be sacrificed on your altar (Psalm 51).

 11 I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.(Psalm 119:11)

Kees Heijstek. September 2008.

Note: I would advise you to use the commentary out of the “life application study bible” for your personal devotions, which have been used for these devotion too.