Saved to Defeat Sin

Daily Devotional – Sunday, October 22, 2023
And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.
Matthew 1:21 (NKJV)

The Jews were tired of Roman oppression. They looked forward to the coming of the Messiah, whom they believed would emancipate them from Caesar in a mighty way. Joseph, a devout carpenter living in Nazareth, was probably such a person.

He Will Save His People from Their Sins

In contrast, God sent a different kind of Messiah than the one the children of Jacob had expected. While informing Joseph that he would be the foster parent of Christ, the angel of God said, “And you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21).

The Messiah was not to be a Moses-like emancipator. He was not on earth to wage physical warfare against the Romans. The Jews should not expect him to organize a militia to conquer the world. Indeed, many, like two of Christ’s disciples, would later confess, “We were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel.” (Luke 24:21).

Delivered to Become Victors

His mission was different. He came to earth to save people from their sins! Sin and its author, Satan, are the greatest enemies of God and humanity. Christ’s mission was to deliver us from the bondage, guilt, power, and corruption of sin. He came to offer the children of Adam the power to defeat Satan—the battle our parents had lost in Eden.

His sacrificial death on the cross was the ultimate price for our salvation. When He resurrected, He proved He had power over Satan, sin, and death. Consequently, those who believe in Him have the power to defeat sin. To guarantee our victory, Jesus freely fills us with the Holy Spirit, because by ourselves we cannot emancipate ourselves from the shackles of sin.

Saved to Defeat Sin

Today, if you are struggling with sin and its numerous temptations, remember that Jesus came to save you from your sin. You are saved to defeat sin. God promises that you will win “not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit.” (Zechariah 4:6). Ask Him for more grace, faith, and power to make Him proud by resisting the temptations of the devil and emerging a victor.

Prayer
Dear Jesus, thank You because You saved me to defeat sin. By myself I cannot triumph. Come and dwell in me through Your Holy Spirit that I may emerge victorious.