We still struggle with sin.
Click here for an online Bible Romans 7:13-25
The Law is good in that it shows sin. Paul says that the Law shows the exceeding sinfulness of sin. We are in the world and often use the world’s standards to determine sin. We gauge sin as comparisons to other people. I may not be perfect, but I am not as bad as another person. We should make judgments based on God’s standards. He gives us His standards in the Law. The New Testament amplifies His standards. We recognize sinful behavior as we look to God’s perfect word.
Paul said that when we come to Christ, we die to sin. Rather than slaves to sin, we become slaves to righteousness. So why do we still struggle with sin? We are still fallen corrupt people. When we come to Christ, there is a change. Our allegiance changes, but we still are fallen humans. We still struggle with sin.
There is a constant struggle. Notice that Paul compares the mind with the body. He says that his mind is on Christ, but his body sins. He is just using figurative language. His point is that there is a struggle within us. However, we need to fix our minds on Christ. The battle begins in the mind.
We can follow Paul’s example. He says that in his mind he is a slave to God’s instructions. In the next chapter, he will challenge us to follow the leading of the Spirit.
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2 comments:
I somehow find it comforting that the Apostle Paul struggled with the issue of sin in his walk. He is the follower of Christ with whom I feel most aligned.
I think it's a little intimidating to try and phathom how big is the grace that covers the many sins I have committed or will commit. I understand the part about desiring to do what is right, but being unable to do it, at least in my own power. Knowing something is a sin doesn't stop the appeal or hold the sin has on me - it only makes guilt come into the picture.
And I believe it's only by the power of the Holy Spirit that I can truly overcome any sin and break free from the strongholds or bondage of that sin. If I could do it on my own, I wouldn't need the sacrifice of Christ. And I am certain that I do need Christ - desparately!
I am on about by 6th read through of these versus - this time and have read them at least a dozen other times. Like Bobbie, these versus hit home and I want to take out of them EVERYTHING that was intended to be in them. It is mind-boggling and sombering to think Paul was going through the same thing as I do. Realizing this makes me cling all the more to the salvation offered by Christ.
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