Believers are tempted to sin every day in many ways. But God provides a way out in every situation. He wants us to put up a stop sign against the enemy of our souls. And the Lord teaches us how to do it. We must be established in Christ and know that our identity is in Christ. 1Corinthians 15:34 tells Christians to "Awake to righteousness and sin not." First, we must be alert and aware of our position in Christ. 1Corinthians 5:21 tells us that Jesus was made sin for us, "… that we would be made the righteousness of God in Him". It's a glorious exchange for our benefit and blessing. Jesus gave us His own righteousness and a brand new nature. We are spotless, so awake to righteousness. In God's eyes we are just like Christ and have right standing with God the same as Jesus does. That is a powerful spiritual truth. Do you see yourself as righteous in Christ? Second, we are to “sin not”. If we listen to the Holy Spirit and allow the Word to be our guide, sin won’t be so enticing. Believers must put on Christ and their new identity. Let go of sin, guilt and shame. When the devil tempts you and tries to deceive you, stand firm on the Word of truth. Hold up your stop sign and declare out loud who you are in Christ. Put your breastplate of righteousness on and fight the good fight of faith. Jesus' righteousness is a spiritual force that cannot be stopped. Pray for your eyes to be open to your spiritual righteousness in Christ and go forward in victory.
