Read Romans 6:1-14

 “Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions.” (Romans 6:12)

Paul says something powerful here: sin doesn’t have to reign in us anymore. Notice he doesn’t say sin is gone or that temptation disappears. Instead, he says sin no longer has the right to rule.

Think of a dethroned king. He might still shout commands, but he has no authority. That’s what sin is like for a believer. Before Christ, sin was our ruler. We obeyed its passions because we didn’t have the power to resist. But now, Jesus sits on the throne of our hearts. Sin can still tempt, but it cannot demand.

Here’s where grace gets practical. Too often we excuse sin by saying, “That’s just who I am,” or “I can’t help it.” But Romans 6 reminds us: in Christ, we can help it. Grace gives us the power to say no.

Does this mean we’ll never stumble? No. But it means we don’t have to keep bowing to the same master. You’ve been given a new King.

This truth should stir both confidence and responsibility. Confidence, because we don’t fight sin in our own strength—we fight in the power of Christ. Responsibility, because now we must choose not to let sin rule where it has no authority.

What’s reigning in your life right now? Anger? Lust? Fear? Pride? Remember—those are dethroned rulers. Christ alone is King. Walk in the freedom He purchased for you.

Reflection Questions:

• How is sin like a dethroned king in the life of a believer?
  
• What passions or desires try to “reign” in your life most often?
  
• How does grace empower you to resist temptation differently than willpower alone?
  
• What practical step could you take this week to live more fully under Christ’s reign?

Journaling Prompt:

Write about an area where sin has tried to rule in your life. Then, write a declaration: “Jesus is King here. Sin has no authority.”