We know that our old self was crucified with him [Christ] in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin…. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions (Rom. 6:6, 12).

The question can be fairly asked, “If as Christians, we are no longer slaves to sin, then why do we still sin?”

The answer, while not pretty, is pretty simple: We sin because we love it. Consider this: If a sin did not attract us, then it would have absolutely no power over us. The object of our lust, bitterness, ambition, or greed ultimately controls us – not because we are helpless before it, but because we are desirous of it.

Sin gains power over us not by its indomitable force, but by our divided heart – torn between love for Jesus and love for the sin.

So, if our love for sin is what grants it power over us, how do we drive such love out of our heart? The scriptural answer is plain: with a greater love. When our love for Christ is supreme, it drives out the passion for sin that is its power source.

What will make love for Christ supreme in our hearts? Remembering – really being gripped by – how great is his love for us (1 Jn. 4:19). When the dimensions of Christ’s sacrificial love and eternal care fill our hearts, sinful affections lose their hold on us. When Christ is our first love, walking with him is our first priority and greatest passion!

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, help my heart to be gripped by how great is your love for me so that I love you more than my sin. May my passion for you become preeminent, so that walking with you becomes my first priority.