Romans 7:15-17 New Living Translation
“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. But if I know that what I am doing is wrong, this shows that I agree that the law is good. So I am not the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.”
If you’ve ever found yourself doing something you actually disapprove of, you will understand how Paul is feeling when he writes the last portion of the 7thchapter. There are 3 lessons Paul has learned from his self-assessment. First, that knowledge of the rules is not the answer. He felt no remorse when he didn’t understand the Law, but once he understood it he knew in his heart that he was doomed to fail. Secondly, he found out that struggling in his own strength didn’t bring him success. He only found himself sinning in ways he wouldn’t even have thought of. Lastly, once he became a believer in Christ all sin was not stamped out and all temptation averted. Sure, he was forgiven of all sin just as if he had never committed them in the first place, but sin and temptation still existed in the world. Becoming born again transpires in a moment of time, when our faith is sparked; however, becoming like Christ is a lifelong process. God never said the journey would be easy, he just said it would be worthwhile.
Knowing the difference between right and wrong is an admirable trait to have, but actively choosing that which is right at all times is the point of the discussion. Some struggle mightily with sin, at times revisiting sins they had committed in the past and already been forgiven for. God understands the difficulty involved in following him. That is why he gave us the Holy Spirit as a comforter and guide. While our faith will most assuredly be tested, it is only a means of building trust in our Lord.
There is nothing in this life that cannot be overcome if we adjust out focus off the chains that we’ve allowed to bind us and place it squarely on the chain breaker. Life can be hard, but we tend to make it a whole lot harder than it needs to be. We become captivated by the circumstances that surround us and begin to believe that we have no way out. But we are looking at it all wrong. It’s true, WE can’t do anything to work our way thru our circumstances, but God, who created all things, has complete control over those same created things and will not let us fail. We are his beloved children. He paid a tremendous price to save us from certain death. That makes us priceless! Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!
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