Devotional: No Longer Slaves to Sin

[I have enjoyed the Morning and Evening devotionals of the late 1800’s Particular Baptist preacher, Charles Haddon Spurgeon, but find them a bit archaic in presentation. So I have re-written them in more modern fashion for modern ears, in some cases even modifying them.]

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. (Romans 6:6, NIV)

Christian, what have you to do with sin? Hasn’t it cost you enough already? Burnt child, will you play with the fire? What! when you have already been between the jaws of the lion, will you step a second time into his den? Haven’t you had enough of the old serpent? Did he not poison all your veins once, and will you play upon the hole of the asp, and put your hand upon the cockatrice’s den a second time? Oh, don’t be so crazy! so foolish! Did sin ever provide you with real pleasure? Did you find solid satisfaction in it? If so, go back to your old drudgery, and wear the chain again, if it delights you.

But inasmuch as sin did never give you what it promised to bestow, but deluded you with lies, don’t be ensnared a second time by the old bird hunter–be free, and let the remembrance of your ancient bondage forbid you to enter the net again! It is contrary to the designs of eternal love, which all have an eye to your purity and holiness; therefore don’t run counter to the purposes of your Lord.

Another thought should restrain you from sin. Christians can never sin cheaply; they pay a heavy price for iniquity. Transgression destroys peace of mind, obscures fellowship with Jesus, hinders prayer, brings darkness over the soul; therefore be not the serf and bondman of sin. There is yet a higher argument: each time you “serve sin” you have “Crucified the Lord afresh, and put him to an open shame.” Can you bear that thought? Oh! if you have fallen into any special sin during this day, it may be my Master has sent this admonition today, to bring you back before you have backslidden very far. Turn to Jesus anew; he has not forgotten his love for you; his grace is still the same. With weeping and repentance, come to his footstool, and you will be once more received into his heart; you will be set upon a rock again, and your goings will be established.