Augustus Toplady wrote a great hymn called the Rock of Ages. In it we sing that Christ, the Rock of Ages, is “the double cure”, cleansing us from sin’s guilt and power. We thought about applying the first of those last week: Christ takes away our guilt. How marvellous!
But we all still struggle with sin, committing the same sins over and over again, and it sometimes makes me wonder whether Christ really has broken sin’s power over me: it can be really disheartening! God’s answer in the Bible is a resounding “Yes He has!” Take this verse from Romans 6:6, “Anyone who has died [with Christ] has been freed from sin.” So how do we apply this truth as we battle with sin?
First of all, we remember that the Holy Spirit is at work in us (see Romans 8). We are not alone as we battle sin. So be encouraged and pray! Secondly, talk to yourself again. Tell yourself the great Bible promises and make them personal:
Out of His glorious riches, God, my Father, will strengthen me with power through His Holy Spirit (from Ephesians 3:16).
I can work out my salvation for it is God who works in me, both to will and to work for His good pleasure (from Philippians 2:12-13).
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, which means I can say “no” to sin (from Philippians 4:13).