Living in total freedom from sin is the hallmark of a godly character that derives his strength from obedience to God’s word. He does everything in righteousness and yields to the leading and guidance of the Holy Spirit. The Lord Jesus Christ suffered to purchase salvation for mankind, so that, we can be free from sin. By following and identifying with Christ, we are able to live a sin free life, even during persecution.
Saved by grace, the Lord sets us apart completely, not for the world, but “for himself…” and His glory. God called the Israelites to Himself and commanded them to fear Him to avoid sin. Those who sin do not believe in God. If they do and believe that He is present everywhere, observes them and will eventually bring all actions into judgment, they will not live carelessly. A true believer loves God and would not do anything to offend Him.
Christ does not give us licence to sin or behave like outlaws. After His encounter with the impotent man and the woman accused of adultery, Jesus warned them to “sin no more.” The Lord wants us to prove our love for Him by living a life that is free from sin. “Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.” Believers who relapse into sin are not free from sin and will not make it at the rapture, except they repent.
Sinning despite claiming to be born again reveals allegiance to the devil. Whosoever commits sin, regardless of their position, “is of the devil…” Therefore, every genuine believer in Christ, who has received the grace of God, must steer clear of sin. He or she will not allow worldly things or favour from men to influence him or her in to sinning against God. “We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.”
As good stewards of God’s grace, we willingly endure suffering for the sake of preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ to every creature we come in contact with, and in the process, fulfilling the divine mandate handed to all His followers.
Despite the suffering we may face for the great commission or helping others to grow in the faith, we must remain courageous and calm as we declare the gospel without fear or favour. Suffering should not deter us from obeying God, because we are doing the Lord’s work, He will not allow us to suffer beyond what we can bear. “Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to Him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.” Nebuchadnezzar tried to exterminate the lives of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego as he threw them into the fire. But they eventually emerged from the fiery furnace with a powerful testimony. Instead of being afraid, they were strengthened the more.
Sadly, many people prioritise self-preservation over serving God. They are afraid of going out to spread the gospel, but Jesus said: “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it.” Such people cannot stand the frown of Pharaoh, Nebuchadnezzar and Herod. When we are intimidated by criticism or ridicule, instead of mourning, we should “rejoice… and leap for joy: for, behold, (our) reward is great in heaven.”
Regardless of the challenges that may confront us, we must continue to glorify God and preach the soul-saving gospel and not to be ashamed of the gospel, for “it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”
• Further reading (King James a version): 1 Peter 3:14; 1:6-9; 2:19,20; 3:17,18; 4:1,13-16; 5:1,10. 1 Peter 4:1-5; Psalm 4:3,4; Exodus 20:20; Psalms 39:1; 119:1,3,11; John 5:14; 8:11; Romans 6:2,6,7,11,12,18,22; 1 Corinthians 15:33,34; 1 John 3:8-10; 5:18. 1 Peter 4:10-19; Mark 8:35-38; Luke 6:22-26; Colossians 1:24; Acts 20:23,24; Romans 1:14-16; 10:9-17.
