May 27, 2021 -- Romans 7:12-13 -- Freed from hateful sins
/So the law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good.
13 Did that which is good, then, bring death to me? By no means! It was sin, producing death in me through what is good, in order that sin might be shown to be sin, and through the commandment might become sinful beyond measure.
Romans 7:12-13 English Standard Version
Paul Washer was approached by a Christian man who was struggling with his sin. He said to Washer, “I don’t feel like I’m a Christian. I have all these horrible thoughts and wicked temptations”
Washer replied, “I’ll get a phone book, call you a taxi to go to the most wicked place in town where you can party.”
“No! Do not do that!” the man shouted.
“Why not? If you are not a Christian, this should not trouble you.” Washer replied.
Isn’t that the point. Of course we wrestle with sin. The law of God shows and teaches us what sin is.
The glorious work of the Spirit is to show us how much He has transformed us so that sins which used to be attractive to us are now seen as sinful beyond measure. Wicked, passing thoughts happen when the devil is pressing the “easy button” which is temptation to the sin that used to trip us up every time. Now that we are in Christ and a new creation, the devil is trying to get us to fall for the old sins that used to fascinate and attract us. The Spirit is showing us sin produces death and the Spirit is directing us deeper into the new life that is ours in Christ. We are trophies of Christ’s grace held up by the Spirit all to the glory of the Father. Fellow Christian, do not be stare at the terrible temptations, instead, rejoice in the new life which is yours and has taken hold of you so strongly that old sins have become a horror to you. Great is the pleasure wrought in us by the wondrous deeds God the gracious is working out in our lives.
Mighty God, we know how wretched we were. Thanks be to Your great Name, O God our Father that You have rescued us through Jesus Christ our Lord! By Your Spirit help us to serve the law of God with our whole heart and mind. Amen.
Prayer based on Romans 7:25
https://youtu.be/-jkMnq2Hfzo
