“For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.” (Romans 6:14)
The lust of the flesh drives; it impels toward an end. It involves a MUST, an insistence on submission. Where sin reigns in the members of the body there is a demand for fulfillment greater than the power of resistance. Where Christ has set free from the law of sin there is the ability for submission to God greater than the force of temptation.
This is the first thing to be understood about Christ’s victory over the flesh. Where sin abounded, grace now much more abounds. Where sin would exert its rule and declare its authority, it must be met with a counter-declaration that it no longer has any authority. Its reign is over; its rule has been deposed. This is the gospel declaration to every redeemed child of God: “Sin shall NOT have dominion over you!”
Even as God gave sin authority over man through Adam’s disobedience, so God has given man authority over sin through Christ’s obedience. Those who were previously condemned as sinners, enslaved to the oppressive power of sin, can now stare the old master in the face and declare, “You no longer have dominion over me, and I will not serve you!”
How much greater is the gift of Christ’s obedience to those that are born again than the consequence of Adam’s disobedience to those born once. The transgression of the first man resulted in the judgment of God upon the whole race of man. The fidelity of the second Man brought condemnation upon sin, and glorious liberty to all those who He has redeemed.
The believer must realize that he is under no necessity to sin. No matter how strong any temptation may be, the saint of God has the ability to say NO in the name of Jesus. If you will take authority over anything, take authority over the sin which Christ has already set you free from. You are free indeed. Walk in your Christ-given liberty to obey God.
“For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.” (Romans 8:2)