YOU DON’T HAVE TO DO IT

Romans 8:12-14
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.

Life in the Spirit

12 Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. 13 For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live. 14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.


The comedian, Flip Wilson, created a character named Geraldine. When Geraldine was behaving badly, as she often did, her pat response was, “The devil made me do it.” The way she said it was funny and fit well into her comedy routine. However, in real life it is no laughing matter. There is nothing funny about sin and her excuse does not hold up under the light of God’s word.

Yes, Satan is powerful, cunning and deceitful but Paul writes that we, as believers, are under “…no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do.” Because the Spirit of God lives in you and is more powerful than Satan’s traps, you have a great defense. You don’t have to sin. You don’t have to do what the devil tries to make you do.

Sin is a choice you make. And likewise, it is a choice you don’t have to make. No Geraldine (insert your name), you don’t have to do it.