Chapter 9, Putting Sin to Death, points out that it is our responsibility to “destroy the strength and vitality of sin as it tries to reign in our bodies.” We are reminded that this can only be accomplished through the strengthening and direction of the Holy Spirit.
There are two key requirements that must be met as we work at the task of destroying the strength and vitality of sin in our lives. We must first have conviction in specific areas of our lives as well as to live a holy life. Spending time in God’s Word is a key element in this process. We must also be committed to holiness. We must “make it our aim not to sin.”
How has this chapter challenged you in your daily walk? How will you apply what you have learned? We'll accept comments for Chapter 9 through July 21. We will cover Chapter 10 during the week of July 22 - 28. We look forward to reading about your thoughts and insights.
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Have you ever identified with Isaiah when he said "woe is me, for I am undone"? I am identifying with those very words! That light of truth is shining brightly and it hurts!! I do feel wounded. My application this week has been through much prayer and contemplation. How far am I willing to go to get my way as opposed to seeking God's way? My sin nature is so ugly and has such a hatred against the good I want to do! Last week I was saying NO to everything, this week it's gotten harder! On page 92 it's talking about making it our aim to not sin.
I keep finding reasons to justify my sin. Do you ever find yourself doing that very thing? This is where that word commitment comes into play! My commitment has been to not sin very much. It should be to not sin.
That's why I've decided to memorize Romans 8:13! Aren't you glad to read that practicing this scripture(putting to death my misdeeds) is a slow and painful process which is fraught with failure. We're on the right track. It's not the easiest road, but it's the best road. It's the road I see my godly mentors walk. We're traveling that same road the "saints of old" traveled. I aspire to follow in their footsteps, just as they followed in Jesus' steps, even through the pain. Though none go with me, still I will follow....
Who are you following today?
Our pastor did a study in Isaiah and when he taught on the portion that says "woe is me, for I am undone" I realized that I was completely undone! But as I prayed about it and thought about is some more I realized that in order to use us, God needs for us to be undone. He needs us to undo our selfish behavior and live for Him, He needs us to undo the things from our old lives in order that He may put the things of His kingdom in their place.
This weeks lesson I really had to take a hard look at where I was placing the blame for my sin. Was I trying to shove it off onto God saying that He hasn't "motivated me to stop"? Or do I realize that some things are not sinful until I make them so? Watching TV is not a bad thing, unless I do it for hours a day neglecting my quiet times and am watching things that are not glorifying to God. How much do I dabble in sin thinking that I have control over it but then end up getting pulled somewhere I never intended to be. This has really made me aware that I need to be on guard at all times and start using God's scale of holiness rather than my own.
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