An End to Sin’s Control

Do you ever find yourself doing the thing you don’t want to do or thinking the thought you don’t want to think?

The apostle Paul described a similar struggle in Romans 7. Yet there’s not a single mention of the Holy Spirit in this chapter. In Romans 8, however, Paul made at least twenty references to the Holy Spirit. In chapter 7 we see Paul trying to live the Christian life in his own strength. But by chapter 8, he realizes that help is available.

There is someone who will enable us to live the life God has called us to live, and that is the Holy Spirit. Paul wrote, “God declared an end to sin’s control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins. He did this so that the just requirement of the law would be fully satisfied for us, who no longer follow our sinful nature but instead follow the Spirit” (Romans 8:3–4 NLT).

If you’re a spiritual person, then you’ll naturally want to do spiritual things. For instance, some people get up in the morning and make spending time with God a priority. While they’re driving, they might listen to a Christian radio station, worship music, or a Bible study podcast. They attend church regularly and are even involved in a small group.

As a result, they’re getting stronger spiritually.

In contrast, there are some who neglect Bible study and prayer. They listen to talk radio while they’re in their car. They’ll go to church, but only occasionally. And they’re not involved in a small group.

Is it any wonder, then, why some people do better spiritually than others?

The best way to stop going backward in your walk with Christ is to keep moving forward. This is not a works-based righteousness. Rather, it’s a working righteousness. And the way to do it is with the help of the Holy Spirit.

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