Because of Calvary – Lesson 2 – (I Am Free From Sin)
Because of Calvary – Lesson 2 – I Am Free From Sin
Downloadable Notes: Because of Calvary – Lesson 2 – I Am Free From Sin’s Bondage
Wednesday Bible Study • Because of Calvary
I Am Free From Sin’s Bondage
Romans 6 • 1 Corinthians 10:13 • 2 Corinthians 10:5
| Because of Calvary, sin is no longer my master, so I choose to live free from sin’s control. |
THE BIG QUESTION
If Calvary set us free, why do we still struggle with sin?
In our last lesson we learned that Because of Calvary, I am free from guilt. This lesson answers the bigger question about freedom itself.
What Sin Is
- Sin is anything that falls short of imaging God’s character or reflecting what God looks like.
- Sin can be something we do, or something we fail to do.
- Before Calvary, sin had full control over us — we had no power to stop ourselves.
| Sin’s Control | Sin’s control shows up in many ways: immorality, language, hatred or unkindness, greed or selfishness, lying or stealing. These remind us that sin is real in all of us — which is exactly why this question matters. |
What We Learned in Winning the War in Your Mind
BECAUSE OF CALVARY, WE ARE FREE FROM SERVING SIN
Romans 6:6–7 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin.
| Before Calvary | What Calvary Did | Right Now |
| Sin ruled over us with full authority. | Sin’s authority was broken at the cross. | Sin may still tempt us, but it is no longer our master. |
However, Every Disciple of Jesus Must:
- Choose to believe this truth.
- Choose to practice this truth.
Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
James 2:17–18 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
HOW TEMPTATION WORKS: Sin is not a powerful force that takes control of your body. Temptation is asking you to participate in sin. It is never able to take control of your body — which is why we remain accountable for our actions.
| The Key Truth | Temptation may feel powerful. But it never removes our ability to choose. |
Temptation Attacks on Three Fronts
| 1 | Temptation Attacks the Mind
Temptation begins as a thought — a suggestion that something sinful would bring pleasure, relief, or advantage. If the thought is believed and allowed to stay, it grows stronger. James describes this as being drawn away and enticed before sin ever takes place. (James 1:14–15) |
| 2 | Temptation Engages the Emotions
Sin appeals to feelings like anger, loneliness, pride, fear, or the desire for comfort. When emotions are strong, people are more likely to make poor decisions because they want relief. Many people notice they are more vulnerable when tired, discouraged, stressed, or hurt. |
| 3 | Temptation Can Create Physical Urges
Certain sins produce strong physical cravings or impulses. This is especially clear in addictions, but the same thing happens with many other temptations. The body can begin to crave what the mind has entertained. |
James 1:14–15 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
1 Corinthians 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
| Remember | Temptation is strong, but it is not in control of our decisions — we are! |
APPLICATION: THREE TOOLS TO LIVE FREE
Application #1 — Believe What the Bible SaysRomans 6:11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Reckon means to count something as true. The battle is won or lost in the mind. Paul instructs us to intentionally believe what God has said about our freedom from sin. This is not wishful thinking — it is choosing to agree with what God has declared. |
Application #2 — Catch the Lie and Replace It with God’s Truth2 Corinthians 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. Temptation often begins as a thought. Believers must capture those thoughts and replace lies with truth. Every thought that rises up against what God says must be brought under the authority of Christ. |
Application #3 — Practice Gratitude Toward God1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Practicing gratitude shifts our focus from the lie in temptation to the truth that God has given us victory. Paul warned that those who are unthankful to God become more vulnerable to sin. Lack of gratitude leads to corrupt thinking — and corrupt thinking leads to sinful behavior. (Romans 1:21) |
Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
| Application #1 | Application #2 | Application #3 |
| Believe It
Count yourself dead to sin and alive to God. |
Capture It
Catch the lie and replace it with what God says. |
Give Thanks
Gratitude shifts your focus to what God has already given. |
When we focus on the lie temptation promises…sin will follow. |
When we focus on the truth God promises…sin is avoided. |
Because of Calvary, sin is no longer my master, so I choose to live free from sin’s control. |