BEING ALIVE TO GOD
“In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires.” Romans 6:11-12 NIV
A first century Greek speaker would have understood the instruction given by Paul in our theme scripture as not to allow sin to rule as a king, have dominion, or exercise governing authority.
The greek word “basileuō” paints an imagery of a sovereign ruler issuing commands, of which the subjects obey the ruler’s desires even if it dominates their behavior. Sin is such a tyrant, it lures you with something that you desire so that you may get out of character and disown the promises of God. When you confess Christ as Lord and Savior, you transfer allegiance.
With Christ’s death and resurrection, there has been a revolution whereby sin, which is the tyrant ruler was dethroned and Christ the gracious King was enthroned. When you receive Him, and choose to entirely pledge allegiance to Him, His mercy and grace go before you enabling you to do what you wouldn’t be able to in the fleshly effort and keeping you from the repercussions of what you do when you stumbled.
Child of God, we do not fight for victory — we fight from the victory Christ already secured. The King has already conquered. We simply refuse to bow to the fallen ruler He has overthrown.
Prayer: My Father, I thank you for this truth. You are my rightful King, daily strengthening me to remember my death to sin and my life in You. My desires be shaped by Your Spirit, and I am kept steadfast in allegiance, resting in Your grace and walking in Your power. Reign in me, and let my life bear witness that You alone are Lord, in Jesus name. Amen!
CI.
RELATED RESOURCES
• Galatians 2:20
• Romans 8:1
• 2 Corinthians 5:17
