“Your right hand, O Lord, has become glorious in power; your right hand, O Lord, has dashed the enemy in pieces” (Exodus 15:6, NKJV).
Even though some Christians know they are forgiven and safe, they lack a sense of power against the flesh. They have not come into the knowledge of ‘full deliverance’ from their evil nature. By his blood, he secures us; then by his mighty hand, he breaks the power of sin in us. Sin still dwells in us, but it does not rule!
What an incredibly encouraging word in these days of disillusionment and super-human efforts to be free of sin's power! Yet we are so reluctant to acknowledge the work of God's hand. It goes against our pride, our sense of justice and even our theology to accept the truth that our deliverance from sin's dominion comes from a power other than our own. However, look at our example: Israel went out armed, but all the battles were the Lord's. “…the Lord does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give you into our hands” (1 Samuel 17:47).
The blood secured Israel from divine judgment, but the high hand of God delivered them from the power of the flesh. They had experienced security and rejoiced in it; now they needed power. Power to once and for all do away with the old enemy, and power to arm them against all the new enemies to come. That power is in the Lord's high and mighty hand.
We have been given great and precious promises surpassing those given to Israel. God has promised to deliver us from all evil and seat us in heavenly places in Christ Jesus, free from the dominion of sin.
However, first we must learn to hate sin. No agreements or compromises. Coddle your sin, play with it, let it remain, refuse to demolish it, and one day it will become the most painful thing in your life.
Do not pray about victory over the sins of the flesh until you have cultivated a hatred for them. God will have nothing to do with our excuses and appeasement. Are you enslaved by a secret sin that causes turmoil and anguish both physically and spiritually? Do you hate it with a passion? Do you feel God’s holy wrath against it? Until you do, victory will never come.