Romans 6:11 So you also must regard yourselves as dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus.
Martin Luther said that Christians are "both righteous and sinners" in this life. Romans 8:13 presents this tension before us: we have life in Christ, yet we may still choose to submit to the flesh and face death. The passage doesn't tell us to rely on willpower for self-discipline, but clearly points to the only path—"to put to death by the Spirit." This reminds me that sanctification is not denying our continued weakness, nor is it indulging in weakness, but rather acknowledging our need for the Holy Spirit's ongoing work in every real struggle. True repentance is not looking at oneself in despair, but turning to rely on the Lord who has already accepted me.
Lord, you have justified me in Christ, yet you have also honestly revealed to me that there is still flesh within me that needs to be dealt with. Forgive me for those moments when I habitually submit to the flesh and refuse to rely on the Holy Spirit. Today, I do not condemn myself to death, but ask the Holy Spirit to work within me, that I may die to sin and live to you. Let me humbly walk in the grace I have received, and experience true life through continuous repentance. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.