Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts. –– Romans 6:12

Run amok was a phrase I remember hearing when things were chaotic. It was often referenced to a situation that was out of control. A parent that feels defeated because their children are misbehaving or even worse, a public protest or demonstration that turns into a riot. It seems to me that children misbehaving is within the parent’s control, a riot on the other hand can get out of control. If we allow sin to reign it will “Run Amok”

“Do not let”, a phrase that indicates responsibility. “Can’t vs Won’t”, a term that tries to remove responsibility. On the heels of celebrating the victory won by our Savior Jesus Christ, it’s important for me to remember what that victory is. It’s easy for me to take a seat on the sidelines and cheer my Savior on as he defeats death and the grave, but the scriptures tell us that if we belong to Christ we are in the game with Him. There’s a truth that is found as we see our position in Christ that invites us to also die,

This is a faithful saying:
For if we died with Him,
We shall also live with Him.. (2^nd Timothy 2:11)

I believe there are many times we as Christians do not understand the exchange that takes place when we are saved.

There is a concept that leads us from can’t to wont, “Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord” Romans 6:11. To allow sin to have its way in our lives is not what we are supposed to be doing. “Do not let”, tells me I can’t sit back and say “I can’t.” We don’t want to confuse this with self will power, but the understanding that we can be overcomers because of what Jesus did.

I can usually tell the difference as to whether I’m doing it in my own strength or relying on the power of Christ in me. If I find myself defensive or entitled it’s always fueled by the flesh, if I’m aware of the spiritual battle that is taking place and I relinquish my rights and allow the Holy Spirit to have control over my emotions. Sinful behavior is the same thing, I can either say “I can’t” and continue in it or I won’t and make a choice to walk in victory.

I think we can all agree that this world has “Run Amok”, and we as believers know the only true peace comes from God. Let’s rejoice today and live out our lives as a testimony to the victory we have in Christ. Amen!

Written by Rob Russomano: Rob Russomano is married to Terri, and serves with her as full time staff members. He is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and is also available as a speaker of the grace of God with a message of Hope for church events. You can contact him at rrussomano@americaskeswick.org.

The Daily Bible Reading: Judges 13-15| You can download our 2017 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here

Daily Quote: “This day, my God, I hate sin not because it damns me, but because it has done Thee wrong. To have grieved my God is the worst grief to me.” – Charles Spurgeon

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:

But I will hope continually, And will praise You yet more and more.
Psalm 71:14