Reflection
This chapter talks about our death to sin. Paul did not only speak about forgiveness, but also about the freedom we have from the power of sin. It is a wonderful reminder of how great the love of Jesus is for us.
Just as Jesus was crucified on the cross, our old self was crucified with Him. The person who was once a slave to sin has been put to death through Christ. Through the blood of Jesus, we have been washed clean and made white as snow. However, this does not mean believers no longer struggle with sin.
Paul reminds us that through the death of Jesus, our old self has been crucified and judged. Sin is no longer our master—Jesus is. We now have a new identity in Christ and have been set free to live for God and walk in obedience to Him. Sin may still tempt us, but it no longer has authority over us.
Application
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When the enemy reminds us of our past, let us remind him of his future. Sin and Satan no longer have authority over those who belong to Christ. Temptations may still come in many forms, but we should remember the cost of our salvation and the price Jesus paid for our sins.
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May we continue to grow in faith, deepen our knowledge of God, and mature spiritually so that the schemes of the enemy will have no room to take root in our lives.
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Let us pray continually, intentionally, and earnestly for sanctification. May the Holy Spirit continue to guide us, convict us, and help us hate sin more and more. We should live each day in dependence on Him, remaining attentive and sensitive to His leading.
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Let us give thanks to Jesus, not only for forgiving our sins but also for giving us a new life, a new beginning, and a new identity in Him.
Jesus did not only die for us; in Him, our old self died as well. Christ did not simply improve us—He made us new. Praise God for His mercy and grace, which are new every morning. May God bless you!