Not Pruning, But Death

The old life is gone—Christ is my life, and in Him, I walk in newness

Insights from the Abide Above Devotional

Many believers seek victory over sin by pruning away external habits or suppressing self-effort in certain areas, only to find that self resurfaces elsewhere. This approach only strengthens the root of the old life rather than removing it. The truth is, we were crucified with Christ, and the only way to experience true freedom from sin’s dominion is to reckon upon His death as our own.

Romans 6 teaches that our old man—the self we were in Adam—was crucified with Christ so that we no longer have to serve sin as our master. But this is not a truth to be grasped merely by mental assent. It is only through the Holy Spirit making this reality known within us that we walk in the power of Christ’s resurrection life. Instead of attempting to manage sin by our own strength, we rest in the truth that Christ is our life, continually displacing the old nature. As we yield to Him, He manifests His life through us, putting to death the inclinations and habits of the flesh.

Personalized Journal Entry in the Holy Spirit’s Voice

You were crucified with Christ. The life you once lived in Adam has no claim on you, for it was put to death at the cross. Sin’s power was broken—not by your striving, not by your attempts to cut away its fruit, but by My work within you. You are dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.

You do not fight to put to death what has already been crucified. Your part is to walk in the reality of My life within you. The desires of the flesh may whisper, but they have no authority. Reckon yourself as I see you—hidden with Christ in God, made new, filled with My Spirit.

I am your life. As you abide in Me, I manifest My righteousness through you. I displace the old ways, not by effort on your part, but by the power of My indwelling presence. Rest in Me. Yield to Me. I will live through you.

(Romans 6:6, 10-11; Galatians 2:20; Colossians 3:3-4; 2 Corinthians 5:17)

Prayer of Trust

Father, I rest in the truth of Your finished work. My old life is gone, crucified with Christ, and I now live by His life within me. I refuse to return to pruning what You have already put to death. Instead, I choose to trust that You are living in me, displacing everything that is not of You. Thank You that my part is not striving, but yielding—walking in the reality of Christ as my life. You are faithful, and I trust You to make this truth manifest in every moment. Amen.

Image Intent: A road disappearing into the sunrise, symbolizing a new life lived in the power of Christ..