Remember “So That”
Does sin weigh you down? It often does me. As long as we’re in our earthly bodies, we’re going to sin. But, and this is big – because Jesus took our sins, we’re declared righteous and we’re also called to be righteous. In other words, sin is to be “dying off” in us as we purposefully draw close to Jesus, learn His ways, practice His teachings, and look at our sins through His eyes. Bottom line, we recognize we have an upward calling and we don’t want sin to be a part of our life. Here’s how 1 Peter 2:24 explains it. “…He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed.” Jesus bore our sin in His body on the cross “so that…” Jesus suffered so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness.
One thing God convicted me of as I meditated on this verse was this: If it was so important to Jesus that my sin be dead, then I should consider what I’m doing with any sin in my life. Am I careless with it and allow it to remain? Or, mindful of Christ’s sacrifice, do I stand against it so it dies and I live to righteousness?
If you follow the P.R.A.Y. format in Pray with Purpose, Live with Passion or have been to one of my P.R.A.Y. with Passion Conferences, you recall that we can mindfully P.R.A.Y. and repent of our sin. We can ask God to help us conform to Christ’s image.
P. raise – Lord Jesus Christ, I praise you for bearing my sin in your body on the cross so that I might die to sin and live to righteousness.
R. epent – Forgive me for not looking at sin as you do – as something to be put to death.
A. sk – Help me stand against my sin rather than fan its flame.
Y. ield – Quicken my spirit to quickly yield to You when I’m tempted.
