The Real Enemy
The sermon explores the internal struggle against sin and emphasizes the victory found in grace through self-denial and service to others.
Miles J. Stanford preaches about the victory of a Christian being over oneself, not over others, emphasizing the need to slay one's old self and live a life of selflessness and service to others. He highlights that the Christian's triumph comes through defeat, living through dying to self, and finding strength in weakness, ultimately establishing the cause of the marginalized and lost. Stanford underscores the seriousness of sin in the life of a child of God, pointing out that sin goes against the Father's love and grace, which aims to lead believers to holiness and prevent sin from reigning over them.
Text
"For sin shall not have dominion over you, for ye are not under the law, but under grace" (Romans 6:14).
Hatred for others comes easy for some; but to fully hate one's old man comes hard for all. The Lord Jesus loves us too much to allow us to go on loving ourselves.
"The Christian's victory is not over others, but over himself. His sword is drawn, not to slay his fellowman, but to slay himself. He wins by losing. He triumphs by being defeated. He lives by dying. His crown is a crown of thorns. His throne is a Cross. His weapon is not strength but weakness.
"His victory is not found in establishing his own cause but in establishing that of his fellow-men; the poor, the sick, the disinherited, the brokenhearted, the wayward, the lost. This may be foolishness to men. But we must not forget that 'the foolishness of God is stronger than men' (1 Corinthians 1:25). -F.J.H.
"How blessed it is to know, and at the same time how solemn to realize, that the sin of the child of God is against his Father, and that it is the love of relationship that is called into exercise about it-love which acts towards us 'for our profit, that we might be partakers of His holiness' " (Hebrew. 12:10).
"It is impossible that He should treat it lightly; and it will be impossible in the end for any one of His own to treat it lightly either. Grace abides towards us; and because grace abides, sin cannot be permitted to have sway over "The objects of it." -W.K.
"Let not sin, therefore, reign. . . " (Romans 6:12).
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Understanding the nature of sin - The dominion of grace over law - The internal battle of the believer
- II points: - The concept of victory in Christ - Winning through losing - The paradox of strength in weakness
- III points: - The call to serve others - The foolishness of God vs. human wisdom - The importance of love in our relationship with God
- IV points: - The seriousness of sin in the life of a believer - God's discipline and love - The necessity of grace in overcoming sin
- V points: - The role of grace in daily living - Rejecting the reign of sin - Living as partakers of His holiness
Key Quotes
“The Christian's victory is not over others, but over himself.” — Miles J. Stanford
“He wins by losing. He triumphs by being defeated.” — Miles J. Stanford
“Let not sin, therefore, reign.” — Miles J. Stanford
Application Points
- Reflect on areas in your life where sin may be reigning and seek God's grace to overcome.
- Embrace the paradox of strength in weakness by serving others rather than focusing on your own needs.
- Cultivate a deeper relationship with God by recognizing the seriousness of sin and the importance of His love and discipline.