Christ followers find strength to resist temptation through Jesus’ transforming power. His perfect sacrifice offers both forgiveness and freedom.
by George Clackum
“I say, then, walk by the Spirit and you will certainly not carry out the desire of the flesh.” — Galatians 5:16
I stood in my kitchen staring at a box of Oreos—the world’s best cookie. I had eaten two of them, but that wasn’t enough. I wanted more. No, not more. I wanted them all. Yes, I knew it was a bad idea, but I wanted the whole box. Let me back up and give you some context. I’ve struggled with gluttony my whole life. Moderation was a skill I had not mastered. Many times, I had eaten entire boxes in one sitting, and the opportunity, once again, was before me.
The Gospel of Jesus is a beautiful thing. God put on flesh, was tempted in every way, just as we are, and yet remained without sin. He was crucified and laid in a cold, dark tomb. He took the penalty for my sin. Because of His death, we have forgiveness. Yes, my past is filled with weakness—including times I gave in to gluttony—but because of Jesus, I’m forgiven. I’m still in right standing with God because Jesus bore the consequences of my sin. That’s amazing, but how does it help me now? How does it help me as I peer into the pantry and see that bright blue box? My own forbidden fruit. I know the Gospel means I’m forgiven if I fail, but is there power to resist? To change?
“You do not have to sin. By the Spirit, you can be transformed. You are forgiven, and you are free.”
George Clackum
If I keep going as I am, I won’t have the strength to be the husband and father Christ has called me to be. I may not even live to see my daughters’ weddings. I need to change, but how? If I’m just a sinner, does that mean I’m forgiven but forever stuck in sin? Is the Gospel only grace to keep sinning? Paul answers this in Romans 6: “Absolutely not!” God’s grace is more than forgiveness; it’s freedom. Jesus died for our sin, but He did not stay dead. On the third day, He rose. He defeated sin and death. He is our victorious King. Through Him, we can walk in victory, too. The Gospel of Jesus is both pardon and power. Our sin is no longer counted against us, and it no longer controls us. Paul says it plainly: “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” You do not have to sin. By the Spirit, you can be transformed. You are forgiven, and you are free.
So about those Oreos. In that moment, I reminded myself that God had healed this area of my life. I prayed for strength, closed the cabinet and walked away. By God’s grace, I’ve been changed, spiritually and physically. I’ve lost over 100 pounds. Without His grace, that would never have happened.
That same victory is available to you. What in your life needs to be surrendered? Where have you settled for forgiveness but not freedom? The Good News of Jesus that changed me can change you, too.
George Clackum is the lead pastor of Revive Church in Covington. For information, visit revivechurchga.com.
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