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Some people think they’re perfect or at least pretty good. Some people think sin is OK and won’t hurt anyone. Some people think their particular sin is OK because they were born that way. Some people think they are stuck with sin. None of those are true. And yet, God knows all about every sin you have committed, and He has a plan to set you free so you will never sin. That will be how it is once the Holy Spirit transforms you into the image and likeness of Christ. That’s true. That might seem like something too big to believe, but let me explain.

Everyone is born with a problem. We’re all born as slaves to sin. That means we’re born as slaves to the devil. For example, Romans 3:23 says “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” And Psalm 51:5 says, “Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.” Every person was born sinful. Every person was born a slave to sin. Some people say, “I can’t help it. I was born this way.” On their own, they can’t help it. But Jesus will set them free if they allow Him to do it.

Not only was everyone born a slave to sin, everyone also has sinned. And, when they sin, they become slaves of the one they obey. The devil tells them to sin, and they do it. For example, Romans 6:16-18 says, “Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness? But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness.”

While many churches and schools emphasize rules and traditions instead of teaching people how to listen to God and follow Him, God desires a relationship with us. Romans 14:23 says that anything not done in faith is sin, and Romans 10:17 explains that faith comes by listening to Him. Jesus said, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” True life and everything good begin when God speaks, and we listen, trust, and yield ourselves to His love. This is righteousness—allowing God to lead and work through us, rather than relying on our own efforts.

Ask God to answer these questions.

1. What does it mean to be a slave to sin?
2. Since you were born sinful, how can you be set free from sin?
3. Why do people sin if they know it’s wrong? How about you?
4. What does it mean for you to be set free by Jesus?
5. Why does sin lead to death?

Bonus questions:

1. What does it mean for you to be a slave of righteousness?
2. Why do some people believe they are perfect or that some sin is acceptable?
3. Why is that fact that you were born sinful not excuse sinful behavior?
4. How does the Holy Spirit transform you into the image and likeness of Christ?
5. What does it mean for you to fall short of the glory of God?
6. How can you be set totally free from your natural slavery to the devil?

God designed your mind to flow in His Spirit. It won’t work properly without His presence. Learn to stand in God’s presence and hear His voice. Then teach others to do the same.

1. Pray for the Lord to protect you and keep you in His presence and His presence only.
2. Direct your mind toward the Lord only.
3. Ask God what He want’s to talk about.
4. You can ask God any questions. In all of this, be led by the Holy Spirit. God promises that He will answer you if you ask Him.
5. Do not edit or change what God says even if you don’t understand it.
6. Reject the lies and receive the truth.
7. Take notes.
8. Transfer your notes to your journal without editing what God said to you.

Keep in mind that God doesn’t want you to ever disconnect from Him. He wants to flow through you constantly in knowledge, wisdom, and love.