Knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. For he who has died has been freed from sin. Romans 6:6–7 (NKJV)
Yesterday we talked about your power to overcome bad habits, temptations and addictions. According to 1 John 4:17, we believers are like Jesus in this world, which means we can overcome anything that threatens to limit us or take us down.
We also discussed the key to walking in that freedom: getting the beliefs contained in God’s Word established in our hearts.
Let’s say I have a bad habit I can’t seem to kick. I’m using wisdom and willpower to do my best to stop it, but at the same time, I’m working on my heart beliefs. Here are a few scriptures I might meditate on:
Romans 8:9 says, “But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you” (NKJV). Now, I won’t just read that verse; I’ll think about it. What is it saying? I’m not in the flesh. I’m in the Spirit. Holy Spirit lives in me. He’s empowering me to overcome what I’m struggling with.
Now what about today’s verses, Romans 6:6–7? It says the old man has died—that sin nature within me is gone. I’m no longer a slave; I’ve been freed from sin! I have the power to overcome whatever tempts me!
Study God’s Word in this way and you’ll begin to change your heart beliefs. Over time you’ll be amazed at how your desires change and you stop wanting things that are bad for you.