Romans 7
May Memory Verse: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 NIV
Read: Romans 7
If you have been a Christian, even for a short while, you understand that holiness does not come without struggle. Even though in Christ we are no longer slaves to sin, we still struggle with sin (see Romans 6). In Romans 7:13-25, we see Paul writing about his own struggles with living out the freedom from sin that he has been offered in Christ.
Read again how Paul describes the struggle that is real in every believer:
Because of Christ, we are no longer bound to sin, but that does not mean the battle with sin is complete. Our standing before God has been defined by Jesus, and it is Jesus that must help us be transformed more and more to his image as we put to death the flesh and bring to life what we already have in Christ.
It is easy, even as Christians, to allow the shame and guilt of our sin to dominate our minds. But we must learn the delicate balance between the conviction of the Holy Spirit in our sin, the seriousness of our sin, and the serious need for repentance, while also relying on the power of the gospel so that we do not dwell in the condemnation that Satan desires we live in. I love how Paul expresses this:
As much sin as exists in us, there is that much more grace and mercy available through the gospel. Praise the Lord that he has saved us even when we were dead in our trespasses and sins.
By: Graham Withers
Read: Romans 7
If you have been a Christian, even for a short while, you understand that holiness does not come without struggle. Even though in Christ we are no longer slaves to sin, we still struggle with sin (see Romans 6). In Romans 7:13-25, we see Paul writing about his own struggles with living out the freedom from sin that he has been offered in Christ.
Read again how Paul describes the struggle that is real in every believer:
15 I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate... 18 And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. 19 I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway… 21 I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. 22 I love God’s law with all my heart. 23 But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me.
Because of Christ, we are no longer bound to sin, but that does not mean the battle with sin is complete. Our standing before God has been defined by Jesus, and it is Jesus that must help us be transformed more and more to his image as we put to death the flesh and bring to life what we already have in Christ.
It is easy, even as Christians, to allow the shame and guilt of our sin to dominate our minds. But we must learn the delicate balance between the conviction of the Holy Spirit in our sin, the seriousness of our sin, and the serious need for repentance, while also relying on the power of the gospel so that we do not dwell in the condemnation that Satan desires we live in. I love how Paul expresses this:
24 Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? 25 Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin.
As much sin as exists in us, there is that much more grace and mercy available through the gospel. Praise the Lord that he has saved us even when we were dead in our trespasses and sins.
By: Graham Withers
2 Comments
As I read this chapter I realized that I'm so familiar with almost every word. This is such a powerful
chapter that I think I grew two inches while reading it. I think I'm going to read this on a regular basis from now on.
Thanks Graham!
Hey Graham and Nick on chapters 6and 7 . Good words . These are two of my favorite chapters in the Word. They really expound on God' s Holy Mercy and Grace ., It's so great to know that when we mess up He is there to forgive and show his mercy and grace . This helps us to trust Him, draw closer to Him , and to get back in step to obeying Him . I am so thankful to be his child and have Him as my Father . Thanks again , you all are a great Blessing to my life .