Don't Let Sin Rule You - Friday Praise & Pray (for others) May 8, 2026

All through the Bible, we are warned about sin and the need to stay away from it. This topic comes up so much that many have become a little deaf to it. When people mention 'sin,' eyes glaze over and minds veer off to other issues. However, the warnings about iniquity have always been for our good because the Lord understands how powerful sin can be and how it can control people when care is not taken.

We are told in Romans 6:12 - Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. This is a call to avoid sin at all costs. And the writer, Apostle Paul, didn't stop there. He said in Romans 6:13 - Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness.

God wants us to submit our very lives to Him as an instrument for His righteousness. Remember, we are the temples of the Lord. The place He wants to dwell in, right here on the earth. That can't happen when we are the instruments of sin and wickedness instead. We can't play around with sin, thinking that God's Spirit will remain in us. He is like a white dove, easily disturbed by what is evil. Further, He is intentional not to get blemished.

The devil, on the other hand, wants us to be slaves to sin because when that happens, then we are under its dominion. It might not seem like that at first, but that's because satan is a liar. It doesn't want a person to realize that they are walking down a wide pathway to destruction.

And so, at the beginning, the sin is sweet and very pleasing. But with each passing day, that sinful behavior chips away at the part of God within us, dulling our sensitivity to His Spirit and to what pleases Him. Instead, sensuality and the need to do what pleases our flesh grow until we can hardly discern what a sin is anymore. At that point, anything goes as long as it satisfies our itch. The itch to sin and thereby agree with satan.

You might be reading this and think the message is for drug addicts or drunkards. You might think this message is for those who physically abuse their spouses or children. Your mind might be trying to convince you that this message isn't for you. However, it is. This message is for every person who claims to be a Christian. Do not let sin rule you!

Do you give God part of your day? Is it the best part when you are alert, or do you give Him a quick drive-by prayer when you're rushing to do something else, or maybe falling asleep? Do you prioritize Bible study and fellowship with the brethren? Are you obeying His word to keep anger, fornication, lust, and idols away from the door of your heart? Or are you lackadaisical about it all and playing around with sinful habits, deluded into thinking you, and not satan, are in control?

This is why we are told to practice discipline and to guard our hearts. This is why Wisdom teaches people not to go near the road where the adulterer lives (Proverbs 5). Sin beckons with a sweet song, calling all to come and savor. We always think we can handle things, forgetting that satan is well-versed in tempting people. And we don't even pray to God for help against temptation. And so instead, Christians keep falling into sin and struggling to get out of that pit.

But thanks be to God for Jesus Christ. The Lord knew we would need a lot of help, and He sent His Son to do the heavy lifting. We can repent and call on Jesus for help. We can also lean on the Holy Spirit for wisdom to circumvent sin when it calls to us, seeking to tarnish the glory of God resting upon us. God knew every struggle we would face with sin and has given us the victory already. We have to choose to take that help, so we walk as those who are not bound by sin's tentacles but walk free, with heads held high.

If you are struggling with sin, Jesus has set you free. It is time to call on Him and ask for the grace and strength to walk in the freedom He purchased on your behalf at the cross. Yes, you might stumble. But the righteous will always get back up (Proverbs 24:16). Make the choice not to be controlled by sin and let the good Lord help you walk in His strength, not yours. Be intentional in making choices that take you away from sinful habits. Seek help and support as you grow stronger, and trust God to give you victory. You were created not to be ruled by sin. Jesus gave you authority over it. Hold His hand, and live free, IJMN Amen.

As you await fellowship at Noon EST, consider reading the Altar Call below and the following previous P&P messages:

1. The Tormentor

2. Do God's Will

3. satan Has No Hold Over Me

4. Enemies of the Cross

5. Sinful Desires

6. The Opposition We Face

7. You Need To Know God's Grace

8. What Would God See When He Looks At Your Heart?

9. What Fruit Are You Producing?

10. Pray Not To Be Tempted

11. Pray Against Willful Sin

12. Agree With God Not satan

13. Topic: Jezebel, witchcraft, occult, false gods, idols, idolatry

14. Topic: Sin