Mainly for Men: NO LONGER A SLAVE TO SIN

NO LONGER A SLAVE TO SIN

In the Bible are many letters written by Paul, a leader or apostle in the early Church. They were recognised as Divinely inspired and included with other authors’ work to form the New Testament. This had the same authority in the early Church as the ancient Jewish scriptures.

Amongst other things, in these letters Paul discussed the freedom from compulsion to do wrong or to sin that a follower of Jesus can and should have. To the church in Rome, he wrote ‘For we know that our old self was crucified with Him (Jesus Christ) so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin’. Romans 6.6

No matter how hard we try, compulsively saying and doing wrong is a very common human experience. It’s part of our make up. However, to a greater or lesser extent, most Christians find that although breaking free from a habitual sin is difficult, it’s not impossible. We don’t have to be a slave to a sin. But, staying free is a lifelong process, to which we have to be continually proactive.

As Christians, Jesus has been punished not only for the wrong we have done but also for the sins we may commit in the future. God has completely forgiven us and eternal life is ours. However, in order to enjoy the freedom Paul talks about, we have to learn to overcome each habitual sin, which takes real effort.

We are all conditioned to respond automatically to certain stimuli. Our experiences in life affect the way we react to a situation, so each one of us face unique temptations. The way we have been brought up and the example shown by our parents have a profound effect on our behaviour. We are subtly influenced by what we read, watch on social media/TV and by the opinions of family, friends and acquaintances. Some men needing to be liked, will do wrong things just to be part of the crowd. We have to recognise these influences and take action to control/avoid them.

The physical state of our bodies plays an important part in the way we react. We get upset and angry more easily when we are tired or hungry. Indeed, when we are hungry, angry, lonely, tired, stressed or sick, most of us find it easier to give into temptation. Alcohol also lessens our inhibitions and causes us to do things we really don't want to do.

To start the process of breaking free we have to
a) repent (be genuinely sorry) and admit to ourselves, to God and ideally to another man, that we are engaging in sinful activities to which we have become a slave and
b) ask God for wisdom to know exactly what we should do and
c) identify what is driving that activity and then
d) probably seek the confidential help of a trusted man.

We are all different and what affects you, may not affect me. What affects me may not affect you!