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Slavery is illegal everywhere, yet today 20 to 30 million people are trapped in bondage– sex, labor, and child slavery. Slaves harvest cocoa in Africa, make charcoal in Brazil, harvest tomatoes, tuna, shrimp, cotton, diamonds, iron, sugar, and gold. Ending physical slavery is a goal we all support. Yet our slavery to wicked habits is also pervasive. God’s provision to give us victory over slavery to sinful habits is tied to the death of His Son Jesus. In Romans 6, the Apostle Paul explains it this way: “[W]hen we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined him in his death.” “We died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.” Faith in Christ unites us with Him and makes it possible for sin not to control us. Based on this truth, Paul urges God’s people, “Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires. Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. … Sin is no longer your master.” Yes today, as we submit to God’s Spirit, He helps us resist sin and do what is right in all the areas of our life.
