It is easy for Christians to get accustomed to sin. Instead of having a militant attitude that hates and opposes it, we gradually get used to sin, sometimes without even realizing it. The one thing that will destroy “the rest of our time” is sin. A believer living in sin is a terrible weapon in the hands of Satan. Peter presented several arguments to convince us to oppose sin in our lives.

Our Lord came to earth to deal with sin and conquer it forever. He dealt with the ignorance of sin by teaching the truth and by living it before men’s eyes. He dealt with the consequences of sin by healing and forgiving; and, on the cross, He dealt the final
deathblow to sin itself. He was armed, as it were, with a militant attitude toward sin, even though He had great compassion for lost sinners.

Our goal in life is to “cease from sin.” We will not reach this goal until we die, or are called home when the Lord returns; but this should not keep us from striving.

As we yield ourselves to God and have the same attitude toward sin that Jesus had, we can overcome the old life and manifest the new life.

Scripture for today: “Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by His blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve His God and Father—to Him be glory and power forever and ever!” (Revelation 1:5-6, NIV)
Other Scripture: 1 John 2:28; 3:9.

Action assignment: Meditate on what it cost Jesus to free you from the penalty of sin, and on how He is able to give you victory over the power of sin. Confess known sins to God, and thank Him for the blood of Christ that cleanses us from sin.