Freedom Isn't Free

Romans 6

Baptism is representative of one dying to sin, sickness, and depression with Jesus Christ on the cross, and being resurrected with Him in the same power that gave Him new life. When we go back to the things that have died and let them have a place in our lives, it is like we are denying the death and resurrection of Christ. We were resurrected with Christ and have the power to overcome sin and death. It is our choice whether we do overcome. Why would a man freed from slavery and given power over the slave master go back to him and ask to be his slave again? People who have gained their freedom stand on that freedom and fight to protect it. They do all they can not to go back to slavery. It is a fight, though, to stay free - often the way of life in slavery was easier, less demanding, even so filled with a lot of pain and punishment. Some people give up the fight and go back because life there seemed easier - you just do what you're told to do, you make no hard choices.

We have to remind ourselves every day why we chose to leave slavery and what we are chasing after, fighting for. Freedom from sin comes with a price, but it also comes with a great reward.

When temptation to sin comes:

• Rebuke it and the devil the Jesus's name
• Take the thought captive in Jesus's name
• Plead the blood of Jesus over your mind, will, and emotions
• Do the righteous opposite of what the temptation is telling you to do

When you catch yourself in sin:

• Repent to God and to the person you sinned against (if possible)
• Forgive yourself as Christ forgave you
• Do whatever is necessary and possible to repair the damage
• Plead the blood of Jesus over your mind, will, and emotions
• Remain vigilant, guarding your heart from attacks of the enemy

At the end of the day:

• Ask God to reveal to you any sin that you still need to repent of
• Be willing to hear and acknowledge it with humility
• Do what must and can be done to repair it, involving the other person if possible
• Praise, worship, recommit to being vigilant of sin
• Plead the blood of Jesus over your mind, will, and emotions
• Command the devil to flee in Jesus's name and have no dominion over your thoughts and actions

At all times: CONFESSIONS, PRAISE AND WORSHIP