The Shadow of Sin

In our lives exists a shadow. This shadow can be compared to our own shadow, but it has different intentions. The shadows from the sun reflect our image unto another object. However, the shadow of sin seeks to reflect its own image within our own lives.

The intention of the shadow of sin is to control the object in which it follows. It wants nothing more than to control the life that it tracks. It wants to be in control and will wait for its moment. It often seems like at every moment, turn, and direction of our day, temptation and sin are waiting. So what must we do? Are we forever doomed to live under the shadow of sin and darkness?! NO!

1 Peter 5:8-9 – Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

Romans 7:17-25 – Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.

Reviewing Peter’s and Paul’s statements, we discover that our adversary is seeking whom he may devour…and within us, evil is ever present. However, there is deliverance in Jesus!

So how can we live beyond the shadow of sin that always seems to be ready to make its move upon our lives?

1. Resist the devil stedfast in the faith (1 Peter 5:9).

To resist is translated from the Greek as to set one’s self against, to withstand, resist, oppose. Stedfast is translated as strong, firm, immovable, solid, hard, rigid. Therefore, we must be able to set ourselves against the devil in a manner that is firm and rigid and doesn’t move. We do this in the faith. We remain firm that we will be one day be redeemed from the body of sin and receive an eternal reward for living in obedience to Him (Hebrews 11:6).

2. With the mind, serve the law of God.

If you think about evil all day, why be surprised when you do evil. The mind is the guide (and director) of your life. If you want to change the direction of your life, a change in your thoughts is needed.

Take an inventory of the things you think, meditate, and dream on throughout the day. You may find that many of the things you’re thinking about may lead you closer to the flesh and sin rather than the Lord.

Psalm 119:9-16 – Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Blessed art thou, O LORD: teach me thy statutes. With my lips have I declared all the judgments of thy mouth. I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches. I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways. I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.

3. Stand with the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18).

The armor of God must a part of your daily equipment. You cannot afford to live without it! Spend time each day reading and meditating over Ephesians 6:10-18 and visualize yourself with the armor of God, ready to take your stand.

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