Have you ever felt like you’re constantly battling between doing what’s right and giving in to temptation?
You’re not alone. Every believer faces this struggle. Some days, it feels easier to follow the crowd—whether it’s compromising our values, giving in to sinful habits, or making choices that don’t honor God.
But here’s the good news: we don’t have to be slaves to sin. Through Jesus Christ, we’ve been given the freedom to choose righteousness over sin, life over death, and obedience over rebellion.
Romans 6:12-13 reminds us that we are called to yield ourselves to God, offering our lives as instruments of righteousness.
This isn’t just about saying we believe in Jesus—it’s about living in a way that reflects His love, grace, and holiness. So, how do we do that in our daily lives? How do we stop sin from controlling us and start living in true obedience to God?
Let’s dive in.
Understanding Romans 6:12-13, 19
“Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that you should obey its lusts. Neither yield your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. – Romans 6:12-13
“I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded yourself servants to uncleanness and to iniquity and more iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.” – Romans 6:19
The struggle between righteousness and sin is an ongoing battle for every believer. By nature, we are inclined to give in to temptation—what the Bible calls the “infirmity of our flesh.” Our human weakness makes it easy to drift into sin.
But there is hope! Though sin entered the world through Adam, grace, and salvation entered through Jesus Christ. Because of His sacrificial death and victorious resurrection, we now have the freedom to choose righteousness over sin.
The Struggle: Who Will You Yield To?
Every day, we are faced with choices. Will we yield to the desires of our sinful nature, or will we surrender ourselves to God’s righteousness?
The world constantly tempts us—whether through pride, greed, lust, anger, or selfishness. But as believers, we are no longer slaves to sin. The Bible teaches that obedience to God is a reflection of our faith.
Why Should We Yield to God?
1️⃣ Because We Have Been Set Free from Sin
Before knowing Christ, we had no power over sin—it ruled over us. But through Jesus, we have been set free! This means we can actively choose righteousness instead of being trapped in sinful patterns.
2️⃣ Because Jesus Paid the Price for Our Freedom
Imagine receiving a priceless gift, only to throw it away. That’s what it’s like when we accept Christ’s salvation but continue in sin. Christ suffered and died for us—our response should be gratitude through obedience.
3️⃣ Because Our Lives Should Bring Glory to God
Every action, thought, and decision should reflect the righteousness of God. When we submit to His will, we glorify Him and become living testimonies of His grace.
How to Yield to Righteousness Daily
Yielding to righteousness is a daily commitment that requires intentionality, discipline, and dependence on God.
Here are practical steps to help you live in obedience and align your life with God’s will:
1️⃣ Pray for Strength
Temptation is a constant battle, but we don’t have to fight it alone. Through prayer, we invite God to strengthen us and help us resist sin.
Practical Applications:
- Start each day with a prayer of surrender, asking God to guide your thoughts, words, and actions.
- When faced with temptation, pause and pray for strength instead of reacting impulsively.
- Keep a prayer journal to record struggles, victories, and answered prayers—this helps build faith and gratitude.
- Memorize 1 Corinthians 10:13:
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.”
2️⃣ Renew Your Mind with Scripture
Our thoughts shape our actions. The more we fill our minds with God’s truth, the easier it becomes to reject sinful desires.
Practical Applications:
- Read the Bible daily, even if it’s just a few verses, to keep your mind focused on God’s ways.
- Meditate on key scriptures about righteousness, such as Romans 12:2:
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
- Write down Bible verses and place them where you’ll see them often (mirror, phone wallpaper, notebook, etc.).
- Listen to sermons, Christian podcasts, or worship music that reinforce biblical principles.
3️⃣ Surround Yourself with Godly Influences
The people we spend time with can either draw us closer to God or lead us away from Him. Fellowship with strong believers helps us stay accountable and encouraged.
Practical Applications:
- Join a Bible study group or church community where you can grow spiritually and support one another.
- Seek out a mentor or accountability partner who can pray with you and help you stay on track.
- Be mindful of the content you consume—limit exposure to media, entertainment, or conversations that glorify sin.
- Encourage others in their faith journey by sharing what God is teaching you.
4️⃣ Be Intentional About Your Choices
Living righteously means making conscious decisions that reflect Christ’s character. Before acting, ask yourself: Does this honor God?
Practical Applications:
- Before making a big decision, seek God’s guidance through prayer and scripture.
- In daily interactions, choose kindness, patience, and integrity—reflecting the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).
- When tempted, pause and ask: Would I do this if Jesus were standing beside me?
- Be mindful of how you spend your time—invest in activities that build your faith and serve others.
By implementing these steps, you will develop spiritual discipline and consistently choose righteousness over sin. God gives us the strength and grace to walk in obedience—we just need to surrender to Him daily.
Conclusion: The Choice is Yours
At the end of the day, the question is simple: Who will you yield to?
Will you continue giving in to the world’s temptations, or will you surrender your heart, mind, and actions to God? Will you let sin have dominion over your life, or will you walk in the freedom Christ has given you?
Yielding to righteousness is a daily decision. It’s not always easy, and we’ll stumble along the way. But the beauty of God’s grace is that He is always there to lift us up, guide us, and strengthen us.
If you’ve been struggling with sin, don’t lose hope. Turn to Jesus—He is the source of true freedom.
The Final Choice: Life or Death?
Romans 6 reminds us that every person must choose between the emptiness of sin and the eternal life found in Jesus Christ.
What have you chosen?
If you haven’t yet surrendered your life to Christ, now is the time. Accepting Him as Lord and Savior is the most important decision you’ll ever make.
If you are already a believer, commit daily to yielding yourself to righteousness. Let God reign in your life, and experience the peace and joy that come with walking in His ways.
So, what will you choose today?