Day #6 "Sin Has No Dominion Over You"

Romans 6:13 And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. 14 For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.

Christians sometimes struggle with living righteously. Even though we are in right standing with God (righteous), there is the challenge to live the right way. However, the key is do not “try” to be righteous, but let God’s grace work in you.

Living better is a matter of growing stronger in our walk with Jesus Christ. More than anything else, it is recognizing that sin doesn’t have actual power over you. In Christ, sin only has the power that we give it, because it is already defeated. Jesus also delivered us from something called a “sin consciousness” (Heb. 10:2) which is the false feeling that we are still somehow sinners. No, you are the righteousness of God in Christ! (2 Cor. 5:21)

People who are not Christians cannot stop themselves from sinning. Christians already have the power to live victoriously. We only need to remember this truth: “dead men do not sin.” We gain strength, not from “fighting” bad impulses, but from knowing and exercising the grace we already have.

Think of it like this, when you are serving God and “front-sliding,” there is no time for “back-sliding.”

Reflection Question: Why are you dead to sin?

Dr. Bryan Hudson's sermon focuses on 1 Corinthians 13, emphasizing that love is the greatest virtue above faith and hope. He explains that love is not just a feeling but an action, motivated by God, and highlights how compassion is "love in action."

1. Love as Action, Not Just Emotion

   • The Apostle Paul describes love as patient, kind, and selfless, rather than merely an emotion.
   • Love must come from the heart and be motivated by God, not just by personal satisfaction or recognition.

2. Compassion: Love in Action

   • Jesus demonstrated compassion by healing the sick (e.g., the leper in Mark 1:40).
   • True love moves us to act, just as Jesus was moved with compassion and performed miracles.
   • Compassion leads to obedience to God, even when circumstances seem difficult or inconvenient.

3. The Greatest Commandment: Love God & Others

   • Jesus taught that the greatest commandment is to love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and the second is to love your neighbor as yourself (Mark 12:28-31).
   • True love is expressed through giving and service, not just words.
   • Love is the foundation of Christian faith and identity.

4. God’s Love vs. Human Love

   • Human love is often conditional and limited, whereas God's love is unconditional, sacrificial, and eternal.
   • John 3:16 illustrates that God’s love is demonstrated through giving—He gave His Son for humanity’s salvation.

5. Love Overcomes Fear

   • 1 John 4:18: "Perfect love casts out fear."
   • Dr. Hudson clarifies that it is not our imperfect love, but God's perfect love that removes fear.
   • Fear is often false evidence appearing real (F.E.A.R.), and understanding God's love helps us overcome anxiety and doubt.

6. Obedience in Love

   • Just as Jesus obeyed the Father, believers should obey God’s call to love and serve others.
   • Love is about doing the right thing, even when it is inconvenient or unrecognized.

Dr. Hudson emphasizes that love is the foundation of our faith—it sustains hope and strengthens faith. God's perfect love is what casts out fear, and believers are called to love in action rather than just words. Love is not something we try to produce—it is something we allow God to work through us.

Welcome to Firm Foundation Inspiration Minute #156! This is a special edition as we prepare for a 21-day devotional on Principles of Empowerment, beginning February 7th.

• Psalm 119:11 – "Your word have I hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against you."
• God’s Word is a source of strength, guidance, and empowerment.
• In an age of overwhelming information, discerning God’s voice is crucial (John 10:27).
• Jesus, as the Word of God, strengthens us when His Word abides in us.

• Sin means "to miss the mark" (from archery).
• Without God’s direction, we lack aim and purpose.
• True empowerment comes through aligning our lives with God's truth.

• Begins February 7th – short daily readings with scripture and reflection questions.
• Day 1 Theme: "Free Indeed – The Beginning of Empowerment" (John 8:31-32).
• Key thought: “In Christ, I am free indeed and free forever.”
• Reflection question: "What have I substituted for the true freedom that only Christ can give?"
• True freedom is a treasured inheritance through Christ.

• Access the devotional at:
  • NewCovenant.org
  • BryanHudson.com
• Subscribe to receive daily email lessons at 5:30 AM.
• Each lesson includes a reflection question and personal insights.

• Empowerment = Receiving the ability to do what you couldn’t do before.
• Being in a community of faith provides strength and support.
• Listen to the recent sermon "Solitary and Safe" about the importance of spiritual family.
• Stay encouraged, stay strong, and let God’s Word empower you!

God bless!