I Am Dead to Sin
By Jennifer Slattery
“In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.” Romans 6:11
For years, I chose self-destruction over life. I’d accepted Christ’s free gift of salvation as a young girl but had never learned to live in Him. I hadn’t a clue how to draw strength and victory over sin through His Spirit within me.
I didn’t even know that was possible. Though I’d been set free from sin, I still often lived enslaved to it.
As a result, I tried to fight my battles—predominantly over food and bulimia—in my own strength, and so, I lived perpetually defeated. I’d begin each day with heart-felt determination to live differently and ended my evenings confessing all the ways I’d failed.
Then, one afternoon, while feeling a strong and familiar urge to binge and purge, God directed me to the account of Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness, relayed in Matthew 4:1-11. Through this, God helped me understand that my struggle wasn’t simply about trying harder. I was engaged in a spiritual battle, one that could only be won through the power of Scripture and the Holy Spirit.
From then on, I began attacking self-destructive patterns differently—through prayer and reciting verses that spoke directly to my struggle. I reminded myself that I wasn’t helpless against my sinful urges. I was empowered by the risen Savior who resided within.
Therefore, the question wasn’t could I resist a particular temptation, but would I, and this not through my efforts, but by drawing near and staying connected to Christ within me.
According to Scripture, when we turn to Christ for salvation, our old, sinful self is crucified within us. We’re no longer held captive by its power. We’ve been set free and are to consider ourselves so in order to live in the reality of who we now are—redeemed, empowered children of God.
May we daily, learn to live in that freedom.
Jennifer Slattery is a writer, editor, speaker, and the founder of Wholly Loved Ministries. She writes for Crosswalk, iBelieve is a multi-published author of Hometown Healing among other titles who also writes articles, Bible studies, and devotions. When not writing, reading, or editing, Jennifer loves going on mall outings with her adult daughter and coffee dates with her hilariously fun husband. Visit her online at jenniferslatterylivesoutloud.com or book her for your next women’s event.
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Originally published Friday, 03 November 2023.
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