Romans 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for you are not under the law, but under grace. (a Lenten sermon): — There are different states of "sin." There is sin latent, and fully manifest; there is sin you are striving to subdue, and sin dominant. It is concerning this last state that we have this promise — "Sin shall not lord it over you." And there is a state beyond this when the sin is so conquered that it is actually changed into grace. A besetting sin, a characterising virtue; strong passions, ardent love; fear, humility; credulity, faith; weakness, leaning on the strong. Consider — I. HOW THE STATE OF DOMINEERING SIN IS FORMED. 1. We must never forget that it is in sin's nature to grow. Weeds very generally grow faster than flowers. And this is the process. First, an empty space; a life unfenced; no sense of danger; no watch; no self-distrust; no trust in God. Under such conditions "sin," in some form or other, must come in and get stronger and stronger and stronger, till it over-crops and over-shadows the whole moral being of the man. 2. Sin has a strange power of hiding itself, partly because Satan can "turn himself into an angel of light," and trace everything in forms of beautiful colours, and partly because "sin" warps the judgment and dims the eye. And still more it hardens the heart and sears the conscience. II. HOW IT IS TO BE OVERCOME. I will suppose the case of one who has been conscious of the growth of some "sin" in his own heart, and who is very desirous of getting rid of it. What should you do? 1. Thank God that you have this consciousness and desire. It is a proof that the Holy Spirit has not left you. 2. Claim this as the ground of your argument with God: "Lord, Thou hast showed me my sin, and made it hateful. Now, Lord, complete Thine own work." 3. Having said this to God, attend to the little things. Listen for the still small voices, and act out at once every conviction and any better desire which God has given you. 4. Next, have some definite work in hand which is for God's service and Christ's sake. Impart what you feel and what you know. By warming another's heart, you best warm your own. A work for Christ is a great antagonism to a domineering sin. 5. Then take care of the first signs of declension from what you now begin to do. Remember that in your heart there is a great danger of a reaction taking place. 6. Do not be discouraged by your feeling and the returning of besetting sins. A religious life is a campaign; and in that campaign some battles will be victories, and others defeats. The great principle is how to rally after defeat. 7. Be very careful to encourage the habit of silent prayer at the critical moment, when you know that you are getting into danger, when you feel the enemy is strong. 8. Remember that spiritual life is in Christ. He is the life, and nothing lives but as it is in union with Him. Then, as He says, "Because I live, ye shall live also." 9. There must be the constant inward breathing of the Holy Spirit in you. He must prompt, guide, strengthen, give both the will and the power. The only way to get rid of any "sin" is to put God in His right place. (J. Vaughan, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.WEB: For sin will not have dominion over you. For you are not under law, but under grace. |
    |