RULE OVER SIN

Willpower is defined as “energetic determination.” Is energetic determination what God was instructing when He told Cain that he “must rule over” sin? Genesis 4:7. Am I determined to rule over sin? But how does sin start?

James 1:14-15 states, “But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.” Do I spend my energy making sure sin is not born? Am I determined to avoid temptation by keeping my desires in line with the will of God?

The first step in ruling over sin is having correct desires. “You shall love the Lord you god with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.” Deuteronomy 6:5. “[B]ut in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy.” I Peter 3:15. “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness.” Matthew 6:33. Allowing God to have your whole heart best rules over sin.

If God has your heart, your desires are consistent with His will. Focusing your desires on the will of God avoids temptation then unholy desire does not have a chance to conceive and give birth to sin. Consequently you rule over sin. In other words, rule over sin by not having your desires fall outside the will of God.