Today I want to talk about an important topic in the church: sin. James explains that temptation begins within us: each person is drawn away by their own desires. When those desires take hold, they produce sin. And sin, when it matures, leads to death (James 1:14–15).
This shows something important: sin doesn’t appear randomly. It grows out of the desires of the flesh. That’s why Paul says that nothing good lives in his flesh (Romans 7:18).
If we live in this body, those desires will still influence us.
But the gospel brings a powerful truth. Paul also teaches that our old self was crucified with Christ so that the power of sin would be broken! Praise be to God!
Because of this, we are no longer slaves who are helpless to obey sin! (Romans 6:6).
Jesus said the same thing in a different way: anyone who sins is a slave to sin, but if the Son sets you free, you are truly free (John 8:34–36).
Before being born again, a person is bound to sin. They don’t have real freedom. But after being set free by Christ, there is now a choice—who will you serve?
Paul continues by explaining that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Through Him, the law of the Spirit of life has set us free from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:1–2).
What the Law could not accomplish because of human weakness, God accomplished through His Son.
Now, the key difference is how we live:
Those who focus on the flesh move toward death.
Those who focus on the Spirit walk in life and peace.
The flesh resists God and cannot please Him. But those who belong to Christ are no longer controlled by the flesh—they are led by the Spirit. God’s Spirit lives in them, giving them new life and the power to overcome sin.
Yes, you can be free from sin!
Because of this, we are no longer obligated to follow the flesh. Instead, by the Spirit, we are called to put to death sinful actions!
Those who are led by the Spirit of God are His children (Romans 8:1–14).
So the message is clear: Jesus has truly set you free from sin. But that freedom is not a license to continue in it. If you choose to go back to sin, it still leads to death. True freedom is found in choosing to walk in the Spirit and live the life God has given you.
Jesus finished the work on the cross, and thanks to Him we can live free from the power of sin!
What will you choose? (HEIN SWARTS)
Kingdom News: Free from sin, not free to sin
