Staying Free And Clear Of Sin

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. 1 John 1:7 

  

  I frequently pray: Lord, keep me free from Satan’s power, and my own weaknesses. By saying this I recognize a few things. We have an enemy called “Satan” who prowls about trying to destroy people (1 Peter 5:8), and we have an innate weakness called “the flesh” that pushes us toward sin. We need the Father’s help to overcome both of these challenges. 

  Sin drives us away from God. It is no wonder the enemy of our soul has the primary goal of leading us into sin. That fact is not helped by the reality of living in a flesh-and-blood body prone to sin. We live in a world filled with sin and sinners.  

  So how do we resist sin and survive in such circumstances? Thankfully, we have a Savior in Jesus Christ who has gone before us and defeated sin and Satan. Christ’s death on the cross defeated sin and Satan for all time. 

  The follower of Jesus has advantages that sinners without Christ do not possess. When we accept Jesus into our hearts we are made new on the inside. What was corrupt becomes clean and pure. What was destined for death and destruction is redeemed for eternal life. The old dead self is supplanted by a new holy person united with the presence of the Holy Spirit. Suddenly things look much brighter than what had once appeared. 

  The enemy of our soul is dangerous, yet what terrifies him is a sin-free, born again, Holy Spirit filled, child of God.  

  The flesh, that old man of sin, who once held us in bondage is suddenly kicked to the curb. He cries, begs, pleads for us to welcome him back into our lives with his terrible old habits and filthy ways but our house is now occupied by the Spirit of Christ. 

  We have so many challenges in this world, enemies on every side. Yet we also have priceless advantages and a powerful Friend. God is for us, so who, or what, can truly be against us? 

  Prayer: Lord Jesus, we are beset on every side with enemies, yet we have You as our Friend. Deliver us Lord, protect us from enemies without, and weaknesses within, for You have overcome Satan and sin. Thank You Lord! Amen.