Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:35-39 (NIV)
Want to be more than conquerors? Be joined to Jesus. Take your sins to the cross and, as Spurgeon states: “For the old self can only be crucified there: we are crucified with Him. The only weapon to fight sin with is the spear which pierced the side of Jesus.” We received salvation by coming to Jesus and we kill sin in the same way. Flesh will fail us here as it is forever giving way to carnal lusts. If we want to give a death blow to persistent sins which trouble us, it will only be through the Holy Spirit’s power indwelling every true believer in Christ. He may totally take it away or He may give us the power to continually master it. Sin no longer is to be our master – nor is it to have dominion over us – it is Christ Jesus that does. We are to pray that He will strengthen us through His power and cause us to stand. And He is faithful and able to cause us to stand. He doesn’t just give us salvation and leave us, He saves His people from their sins.
Ordinances themselves will never mortify sins, neither will prayers, repentance and tears. These are all worth nothing apart from Him. We must be conquerors though Him who has loved us with an everlasting love. Do not be discouraged by the trials and difficulties rising against us when we resolutely determine to walk with God – they are a given and we were destined for them. Yet, if God is for us, who can be against us? Jesus Christ and His love for believers enable us to triumph victoriously. Do not fear where Christ is leading the way.
For I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:11-13 (NIV)
What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31 (NIV)