The Reign of Sin
Jenkin Jones. Romans 6:12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in the lusts thereof. "Let not sin reign" because it is — I. A TYRANNIC REIGN. 1. Sin has usurped its sway over the heart. It forms no part in the original plan of our world. 2. It gains the ruling power gradually. If the criminal knew from his first sin the tremendous power it would have upon his life his downward course would have been arrested. The chain was drawn tighter by degrees. 3. As Britons we hate everything oppressive, the public sentiment is against all tyrants; still the greatest of all is tolerated in the hearts of thousands. II. A DISHONOURABLE REIGN. Occasionally we are obliged to blush at the deeds done in the name of England. But as a rule we are proud of our country, not so much on account of its wealth and military strength as the position it has gained for uprightness. Sin is dishonourable to God and to man. It is the transgression of the best law, and the highest ingratitude. III. A DESTRUCTIVE REIGN. Peace, moral beauty, and strength are destroyed wherever sin has the ruling power. It is a cancer that eats its way gradually, yet effectually, to the very roots of our being. Conclusion: Subjects we must be; it is for us to decide under whose government. We cannot govern ourselves, we must serve either righteousness or sin. How thankful we ought to be that there is a higher, stronger, purer power ready to enter the heart and rule there. We are under no obligation to let sin have the throne. The Spirit is willing to govern if man will open his heart. (Jenkin Jones.) Parallel Verses KJV: Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. WEB: Therefore don't let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts.