Romans 6:12-14

Ok, so we're going backwards in Romans, but we're still in Romans, how can that be a bad thing?

Romans 6:12
Interesting to see that it says not to let sin make you obey its passions. This makes sense, I don't feel that when I sin I'm even doing my passion. I really think my passion is for God, but I don't always follow my own passion. Of course, notice the "therefore," which is referring to Romans 6:1-11 about the fact that we are dead to sin and alive in Christ.

Romans 6:13
There is choice. And if there is choice, then there is the opprtunity to make the right one (1 Cor. 10:13). I used to think that there were some sins we would in essence always be in bondage to, i.e. once an alcoholic always an alcoholic. But isn't that in reality just saying that sin is greater than grace? Surely the goodness of God is big enough to conquor the power of any sin that is in me. Temptation is always a reality, but there must be a point in which my heart can desire and love God more than it loves myself. God brings this change through the Holy Spirit from the inside out, but still I decide whether or not to participate in this chnage by the choices I make. To be free, then I must obey. I am understanding Galtians 5:1 more and more I think.

Romans 6:14
Sin will have no dominion over you... I need to hear that. As I struggle with lust and food, I need to know that these things do not have dominion over me. God is the one who has dominion over me. He has set me free, so I can live in Him and by His grace not put myself under the boothell of sin again. Love God more than yourself, love God more than your sin, choose life not death.

Paul is such a genius here. All this just makes so very much sense to me. As I read it I feel like a ight is going off and I'm like, "Of course! How could I not see that before?" Thank you Holy Spirit for continuing to grow and develop me so that I might be sanctified. It is so empowering, refreshing, rejuventing to know that God's grace is so complete and tht His love so amazing that He continues to work and chnage me. What a great God!