Freedom From Sin’s Dominion
Introduction: Are you FREE? What do you mean FREE? Once freed from the inevitable destination of Sin’s Penalty, then the believer can discover God’s provision over SIN’S POWER thru the precious BLOOD of Jesus Christ, the mighty POWER of the CROSS of Christ, and the transforming work of the WORD of GOD, and lastly the FILLING of the Holy Spirit of God. Have you come to the place in your spiritual journey that unlocks this REVELATION of biblical TRUTH?
1. Are you FREE to SERVE the Lord because of the CLEANSING and LIBERATING POWER of the BLOOD of Jesus?
John writes,
“7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” (1John 1:7)
The word “cleanseth” is καθαρίζ: (kath-ar-id’-zo), which means I cleanse, make clean, literally, ceremonially, or spiritually, according to context. Also this word “cleanse” is in the present tense which means it is ongoing; i.e., it keeps on cleansing.
Paul writes,
“In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.” (Eph 1:7)
The word “redemption” is ἀπολύτρωσις, (ap-ol-oo’-tro-sis), which means release effected by payment of ransom; redemption, deliverance.
but also sanctified by His Blood!
2. Are you FREE to SERVE the Lord because of the Mighty and LIBERATING POWER of the CROSS of Christ?
Paul writes,
“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” (Gal 2:20)
“5For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: 6Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. 7For he that is dead is freed from sin.” (Rom 6:5-7)
“And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.” (Gal 5:24)
3. Are you FREE to SERVE the Lord because of the TRANSFORMING and LIBERATING POWER of the WORD of God?
The Psalmist writes,
“9Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. 10With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. 11Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” (Psa -119:9-11)
Someone has well said, “Either the Word of God will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from the Word of God”!
Jesus prayed in His intercessory prayer for all believers the following:
“17Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” (John 17:17)
“2And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” (Rom 12:2)
The “transformed” is μεταμορφόω, metamorphoó, which means transform, transfigure.
4. Are you FREE to SERVE the Lord because of the FILLING and LIBERATING POWER of the Holy Spirit of God?
Paul writes,
“And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit.” (Eph 5:18)
Conclusion: Once we discover the PROVISIONS our Lord has given us to live out the Spirit-filled life, then we are FREE to serve Him.
God’s provision over SIN’S POWER comes thru the precious BLOOD of Jesus Christ, the mighty POWER of the CROSS of Christ, and the transforming work of the WORD of GOD, and lastly the FILLING of the Holy Spirit of God….