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I. WHAT IS IT FOR SIN TO REIGN OVER US.

1. All men are sinful (Romans 3:10-12).

2. There is no sin but all men by nature are prone to (Psalm 51:5).

3. But there is some sin that everyone is inclined to more than others (Psalm 18:23), by —

(1)  The constitution of his body (1 Corinthians 9:27).

(2)  Vocation.

(3)  Custom (Jeremiah 13:23).

(4)  Condition in the world (Proverbs 30:8, 9).

(5)  Temptations (1 Peter 5:8).

4. The sins we are most inclined to may have a prevalency over us, either —

(1)  Partial (Romans 8:20, 21), or —

(2)  Plenary, without resistance (Romans 6:12, 20).

5. When sin has a full prevalency in us it is said to reign over us. Because we —

(1)  Are subject to its power.

(2)  Obey its minions (Romans 6:16; Romans 7:5).

II. WHY SHOULD NOT SIN REIGN OVER US. Because —

1. It has no right or title to this kingdom, but only God as —

(1)  Our Creator.

(2)  Preserver (Acts 17:28).

(3)  Redeemer (1 Corinthians 6:20).

2. We are buried with Christ by baptism into His death, and so are free from sin (Romans 6:1-3, 7, 10, 11, 14).

3. If it reign in us it will ruin us (Romans 6:23).

III. HOW SHALL WE OBTAIN THE VICTORY OVER IT. By —

1. Faith in Christ.

2. Prayer (Psalm 119:133; Romans 7:24).

3. Watchfulness (Proverbs 4:23).

IV. USES.

1. Of examination. That is a reigning sin —

(1)  Which is your chief end and greatest pleasure (Colossians 3:5; Philippians 3:19).

(2)  Which is made habitual by custom (Jeremiah 13:23).

(3)  Which your thoughts run most upon and study most for (1 John 3:8, 9).

(4)  Which we most willingly submit to (John 8:44; Romans 6:13; Romans 7:21, 22).

(5)  Which we do not love to hear reproved.

(6)  That for whose sake we commit others (Psalm 18:23), as David's murder for adultery.

(7)  Which distracts us in holy duties (1 John 2:15).

2. Of exhortation. Consider —

(1)  Sin is the greatest slavery in the world (2 Peter 2:19; Titus 3:3).

(2)  Christ came into the world to redeem thee from it (Romans 3:26).

(3)  If sin reign in thee, thou hast no part in Christ (Matthew 6:24), for Satan reigns over thee (2 Timothy 2:26).

(4)  Thou wilt have but bad wages for thy service.

(a)  In this life — the torture of a guilty conscience — a curse on thy estate (Malachi 2:2) — the wrath of an offended God (Psalm 7:11).

(b)  In the life to come — separation from God — imprisonment in hell (ver. 23).

(Bishop Beveridge.)

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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.