For since we have become one with him in dying as he did, in the same way we shall be one with him by being raised to life as he was. And we know that our old being has been put to death with Christ on his cross, in order that the power of the sinful self might be destroyed, so that we should no longer be the slaves of sin. For when a person dies, he is set free from the power of sin. Since we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. For we know that Christ has been raised from death and will never die again - death will no longer rule over him.

Romans 6:5-9

By faith we are one with Christ. His Spirit lives within us to enable us to overcome sinful thoughts, attitudes, and actions. Our faith must not be passive. We have sinful tendencies and we need to recognize them, and then reject them.

No victory is ever won without a struggle. We can rest in the knowledge that we can resist and overcome - with the power of God's Spirit in us.

To break sin's grip - put yourself in God's hands.

Our Daily Bread - August 3, 2002