Paul explains our new life in Christ with an illustration of slavery-  you decide if you want to be ruled over by sin or ruled over by righteous living. We each chose to be either a slave to sin , which leads to death,  or a slave to righteous living in Christ which leads to eternal life. It seems this new life of being born again begins with baptism, it is the spark that makes everything move into place. Acts 5:32 says the Holy Spirit is given to those who obey. This act of Baptism plus obedience with a pure heart of sincere love of the brethren (1 Peter 1:22-24) is the total act of being born again in a purification of the soul through the Word of God, which endures forever. Therefore! lay aside all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, evil speaking (I’ll go on with.. evil shows, music, movies, words, news) and instead, desire God’s word so you can grow.

This reminds me of the verses:

Be simple to what is evil and wise to  what is good (Romans 16:9)

So you must commit you soul to Him, your faithful creator, in doing good (1Peter 4:18)

There is NO DOUBT that life is full of temptations everywhere we turn. Even though we have died to sin through Christ’s death and resurrection, sin still stands at the door with enticing sweetness yet hidden so deceitfully is the stench of death . As Jesus said: the way to life is narrow, it is difficult and few people find it. The road to death is wide and broad (easy way) (Matthew 7 and Luke 13) So, I tell you as the Lord warned Cain in Gen 4;6-7, If you don’t do what is right, sin lieth at your door, it desires you rule you, but you must rule it. Sin wants to control you, rule you, devour  you, reign with a power over you. In Baptism:

1. You are joined with Christ
2. You died and were buried with Him
3. United now with Christ in His death and raised to new life with Him
4. Sin no longer has power over you
5. You are no longer a slave to Sin, you have been set free from the Power of Sin
6. You have the ability to live a NEW LIFE under the freedom of God’s grace
7. Your old sinful way was crucified and put to death

just as Jesus died once to break sin’s power, and now He lives for the Glory of God,

• we too, must live for Him
• give ourselves completely to God
• we must not give into our sinful desires (yes, they may still be there)
• do not let your body be an instrument of sin – don’t let your mouth, eyes, hands, feet, ears become instruments of sin – I’m going a step further and don’t let the way you dress, speak, etc.. become an instrument of sin either – God see’s our motives !

Sin is NO longer your master. However, sin and the power of sin don’t take a nap because you’re saved and baptized.  The power of sin is still at work, remember satan is god of this world, and this sin/power wants to destroy you. It’s not all over after you say the sinners prayer.  Yet God has given you everything to be victorious,

 For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power.  But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless. 1 Corinthians 15:57-58

(Posts on spiritual warfare: 1- Shoes of peace, Eph 6:13  2- Eph 6: Put on your armor, 3-Eph 6: Put on the belt of truth  4- Eph 6, know your enemy  5- Eph 6 Armor of God new discoveries ) Now that the Holy Spirit is in you, live a life that does not grieve Him. The Holy Spirit is like a best friend but even greater. He will never leave you.  He will guide you, comfort you and direct you, but when you don’t obey, it grieves  and saddens Him greatly.  This is because the Holy Spirit wants what is best for you, He directs you according to the Father’s will and cares deeply for you. So it’s up to you. You become a slave to whatever you obey Remember the term slavery is used as an illustration to help us , in our human weakness, to understand this concept. You can be a slave to righteousness or a slave to sin You can set your foot on the difficult narrow path to life that few find or you can easily jump on the wide broad easy path that leads to death. The freedom of Gods’ grace and the gift of the Holy Spirit are given to us as free gifts,  but for what?  So we can get salvation and keep on sinning? Did Christ die for nothing? Can we keep doing everything we desire? No, these great gifts given to us because God wants us to become HOLY! I know, weird concept, me? be holy? be perfect? YES.  I know church likes to bring people in with “no perfect people” marketing, but the reality is, that Jesus told us to be perfect as He is perfect (Matthew 5). We are to be holy as He is holy. (1 Peter 1:16, Lev 21:8) He will make us Holy. Not many will tell you that, but don’t let this message scare you away. Think about it, what an amazing life goal. What? give up on anger? malice? deceit? hate? greed? impatience? lying? evil words? watching filth? lusts of the flesh? Is there really a sin you want to cling to? The devil wants you to think this goal of being righteous and holy is a boring life, but this is a LIE! God wants you to live in abundance, in joy, in peace- yes, even in difficult times, hope and eternal life lie ahead.  You must continue to fight the good fight

run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.  Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have declared so well before many witnesses. 1 Tim 6:11-12

Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. Phil 2:12

The Lord isn’t an evil master beating you down reminding you of all your sins. He gives you His Holy Spirit who is kind and gentle. He will lovingly convict your heart of things you need to change and eliminate from your life. He will not condemn you nor will he crush you, but gently take you by the hand and show you the way to go. You never need to fear.  Paul gives us Steps of Salvation in the THE BOOK OF ACTS: 1-BELIEVE IN THE LORD JESUS CHRIST- FAITH 2-CONFESS YOUR SINS AND REPENT 3-TURN BACK TO GOD- He wants you to SEEK HIM – TURN FROM YOUR WICKED WAYS 4-BE BAPTIZED IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST-WASHING AWAY YOUR SINS 5-PROVE IT BY THE WAY YOU LIVE 6-GET RID OF ALL SIN AND WICKEDNESS 7-WATCH OUT FOR FALSE TEACHERS AND WOLVES IN SHEEP’S CLOTHING Be aware of the enemies lies. Remember:

• You are worthy ( who you are in Christ)

• You are loved

• You are chosen

The Lord desires to be with you, to walk with you and be one with Him and in Him building up the temple of the Lord.  

The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. May the grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.