Fighting with Faith

“For we know that our old self was crucified with Him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin – because anyone who has died has been set free from sin.”
Romans 6:6-7 (NIV) 

Throughout the New Testament, God’s ways are likened to those of a gardener. And in the garden of God, whatever dies produces fruit.

Today’s verse says that you have already died with Christ and received new life in Him. The “old self,” or “flesh,” has been crucified with Christ. But what does that mean?

Obviously you have not literally stopped breathing, died, and been physically resurrected. But because you trust Christ, your life is now found in Him. And so you also died with Him. Your “old self”, the person who used to rebel against God, has been put to rest and no longer has the final say in your life. 

The Word of God declares that death has freed you from sin. And yet, you still sin. You may even be struggling with the same sin over and over. So how do you live in freedom? The key to your victory is faith–simply trusting God. 

How do you fight sin with faith? Out of all the armor that God gives you to fight Satan (See Ephesians 6:10-17), only one piece is a weapon–the Sword of the Spirit. The Sword of the Spirit is the Word of God. And when it comes to fighting sin, this weapon is mighty and effective. How do you wield it? By faith. 

The good news is that faith is not something you need to produce. Horticulturist Gertrude Jekyll explains garden growth like this: “A garden is a grand teacher. It teaches patience and careful watchfulness; it teaches industry and thrift; above all it teaches entire trust.” You grow and overcome through God’s work of faith in you–your entire trust in Him. 

How does your faith grow? Romans 10:17 says that faith comes by hearing the Word of God. When you listen and respond to the Word of God, faith grows within you. 

So when you are tempted, you can trust that God’s Word cuts through every lie. As your trust in God grows, you desire Him more than the fleeting pleasure of sin. Instead of temporary relief, God cultivates the fruit of lasting joy and peace within you. 

Listen and respond to God’s Word today. As you do, you won’t rely on your own strength, feelings, or wisdom. Your life is lived through a simple trust in God, and this faith pleases Him. (See Galatians 2:20)

Even when you do sin, you are no longer a slave to sin. As you believe Him and take Him at His Word, the Great Gardener will grow in you the freedom and peace of resurrection life.

Prayer: Father, This Christmas season, I thank You for the gift of Jesus, giving me resurrection life. I trust You and want to live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me. May I have the grace and wisdom to live each moment from this truth. Thank You for calling me Your child. Help me experience the fullness of resurrection life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.