Stop Knocking Yourself Out

“For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin—because anyone who has died has been set free from sin.”
Romans 6:6-7 (NIV)

One story still stops me in my tracks. C.D. "Bigboy" Blaylock was a 6-foot-6-inch-tall boxer at Louisiana State in the 1930s. One night, he faced a stocky opponent from Mississippi State and threw a devastating roundhouse right. His opponent ducked in, and Bigboy's arm whipped full circle, connecting with his own chin at full force. He staggered across the ring and dropped—the only boxer in history to knock himself out with his own punch.

Maybe you feel like Bigboy this new year, knocked out by your own battles. You're trying so hard to defeat sin, but somehow you keep losing to yourself. You feel shame, frustration, and exhaustion of fighting the same fight over and over.

Today’s verse offers new hope and promise: "For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin—because anyone who has died has been set free from sin," (Romans 6:6-7, NIV).

When Jesus died on the cross, you died with Him. The old you, the one enslaved to that sin, is dead. Now sin is just a bully that whispers, "You can't beat me." But you must change your thinking. The power switch has been turned off. Sin may be resident in you, but it's not president of you. 

In other words, you don't have to throw another roundhouse punch trying to knock out sin. The fight's already over. Get this truth into your mind and keep it there: You are dead to sin and free from it through Christ's finished work. That means when you are tempted, it’s a temporary condition, not your identity. 

And this isn’t just theoretical; it’s very practical. When you feel irritated with your spouse, that’s not who you are. You died to that sin, so stop, pray, and respond with love. When resentment tries to take root, choose to let go, every morning if you have to, because remaining angry was the old you. The new you forgives as Christ has forgiven you. 

Bigboy knocked himself out because he was fighting the wrong way. But you don't have to keep swinging at an enemy that's already been defeated. You're no longer a slave to sin—you're a vessel of righteousness. That's not a goal you're reaching for. That's who you are right now. 

Stop fighting what's already dead, and start living like you're already free.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for the promise in Your finished work on the cross. Help me see the truth that when You died, I died with You. The old me is gone, and sin has no power over the new me. I am dead to sin and alive to You, Lord! Let me live in truth from the freedom You purchased. In Your Name, Amen.