Sin Has No Dominion Over You

Child of God, you have the promise that “sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace” (Rom. 6:14). If sin does not have dominion over a Christian, why do they sin? You have heard, “Oh, the devil made me do it.” Not so: no Christian sins unless they choose to. With the help of the Lord, we can resist the temptations through the power of the name of Jesus. Romans 6:22&23 says, “But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death…” Death is not only the cessation of life but could be a life of sickness, depression, failure, lack, etc. So, why would any child of God sin?

James 1:14-16 says, “But every man is tempted, when he is drawn way of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin when it is finished, bringeth forth death. Do not err, my beloved brethren.” In other words, something entices the flesh that is contrary to God’s Word; His Will. Something seen, heard, felt, emotional need, etc. pulls upon the flesh to sin. Let’s consider the sin of adultery. A man makes covenant before God to his wife in marriage. A beautiful woman at his office begins to talk to him. She shares intimate emotions and feelings. Her behavior draws upon the man’s emotions. He feels drawn to her. He begins to think about her. He engages in more communication, lunch, and soon has an ongoing affair with her. He breaks covenant with God and his wife. What happened? Notice the progression: (1) he was drawn away by his own lust (desires); (2) he was enticed; (3) lust (desires) are conceived—like a seed planted in soil; (4) this brings forth sin—a seed produces after its own kind; and (5) sin grows until it brings forth death—a full-grown seed will bring forth its harvest.

Notice Jesus said, “That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart” (Mt. 5:28). We read in Job 31:1 says, “I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid.” We need to make covenant with our flesh that we will “give no place to the devil” (Eph. 4:27). In our example, the man allowed his eyes to behold the woman. He gave her place in his life by thinking about her. Church, Beware what you are thinking. Remember Proverbs 23:7, “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.” You may think that your thoughts will hurt no one. You are so wrong. When we receive satan’s thoughts (his seeds), those seeds will grow and produce satan’s intended harvest—to steal, kill, and destroy. The man in our story committed adultery. Proverbs 6:32 says, “But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding; he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul.” Is there forgiveness for this sin. Yes; but there are consequences. This man may lose his family; deal with condemnation, guilt, and shame; lose position in the church; and etc. even though he repents of his sins. God does forgive and forget, but oh, the possible ugly consequences.