Sin Still Causes Pain
Misdeeds of the Body

Scripture Reading: Romans 8:12-17

Key Verse: Romans 8:13
For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live

This is an interesting phrase in today’s Scripture Reading: “misdeeds of the body”. Webster says it means simply: “wrongful behavior.” Our bodies involve many deeds or behaviors. Unfortunately, some of these behaviors are not pleasing to God. When a behavior violates a biblical principle, it becomes a misdeed.

What should we do about misdeeds of the body? The Apostle Paul tells us to put them to death!

How does a person slay a misdeed, especially if it is in the form of a habit or addiction? Again, God’s Word reminds us that we can only accomplish this when God’s Spirit is freely working in us.

People who live with misdeeds are never truly happy. Death has already started draining the life out of them. Paul reminds us that if we live according to the sinful nature (these misdeeds), we will die!

If you could sit in on some of my counseling sessions and hear the pain that comes out of people who have lived with misdeeds, you would agree: Sin still causes pain!

God’s Spirit in us leads us to right choices and this deals a death blow to sinful behavior. Not only will the Spirit lead us, but He will also empower us. We are not alone in our task of putting to death the misdeeds of the body! When we take one step, God’s Spirit empowers it to two steps. As we listen and obey the Spirit’s inner voice, we receive power to follow through.

We cannot do it alone. God will not do it alone. It is teamwork! We must do our best and then God will step in and do the rest!

Father, I commit to fighting the battle of misdeeds. I will trust Your intervention to help me win and live free. In Jesus’s Name, amen.