August 28, 2024 -- Romans 7:18-19 -- Wretched sinners filled with the knowledge of amazing grace

/

For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing.
Romans 7:18-19 ESV

The first question that must be addressed is to ask what Paul is describing here? Is Paul writing as a man who is not a Christian, or is he writing of the experiences he has as a Christian? A non-Christian would not be arguing that nothing good lives in him. Think about it. Many non-Christians, when asked if they’ll go to heaven, believe if their good deeds outweigh their bad deeds, therefore they reason God will be kindly disposed towards them. He won’t. In the Old Testament, a particularly godless period in Israel’s history is recorded in Judges. The key phrase that describes the faithlessness of the people is “everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (Judges 21:25). It is the same wickedness that exists today, whereby people speak of your truth and his truth and her truth, denying ultimate Truth which is found in God alone. So, Paul is describing his life as a Christian. It is a difficult text. How are Christians any different than non-Christians then? 

R. C Sproul (1939 - 2017) was a theologian, philosopher and gifted teacher. He noted “In one sense, life doesn’t begin to get complicated until one becomes a Christian. When we are born of the Spirit we are born anew into a fierce struggle between the old man and the new man” (Pleasing God. 1994 reissue, page 150). When a believer is gripped by the grace of Jesus, his old life is revealed as wicked, sinful and rebellious against God. Even a man’s best intentions are prideful and selfish. Salvation is not a little light renovation of the soul, it is the complete demolition of one’s old nature and the conquering of every sinful inclination.

Are you finding it difficult to live for Jesus?

  • Then take heart, the Spirit of God has awakened your conscience and is leading you in the way of salvation.

  • Right and wrong will be revealed as very different. Even mostly right and right will be discernable because of the Spirit’s presence in your life.

  • Keep reading the Word of God so that you will be instructed in the new life that is yours in Christ.

  • The Word of God will reveal compromises in your life, areas where sin has a strong grip on you. That is why Scripture is compared to a light and a lamp (Psalm 119:105). Confess the sin that has been revealed and ask for forgiveness, seeking the strength of the Spirit to turn from those wicked ways.

  • Spend time in prayer, ask the Spirit of God to direct your living so you will be prepared when temptations come your way.

  • Know that friends with whom you used to spend time with, who are not Christians, will question your choices and hate your newfound way of life. Even if you don’t say a word, your old associates will know you are condemning their evil practices. Expect strong push back and pressure to return with them to sinful ways.

  • When you face trials like those, rejoice, because each one is a confirmation that you belong to Jesus Christ. You have been counted worthy to suffer for His Name’s sake.

Father in heaven, with Paul, as each one of us sees the tide of faithlessness and sins that still swirl around within, frustrated and confused cry out “I am a wretch! Who will save me from this body of death?”  As Paul did in his day, so in our day and in each life also, help us to hear Your Spirit’s testimony deep within, offering this glorious response “thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord”! Yes, Merciful Father, thank You for the perfection of Jesus, credited to every believer so that His righteousness is the clothing of faith. Bless Your people so we are strengthened in this daily battle to live for Jesus, and are empowered by Your Spirit so that we do not grow weary in doing good. Amen.
(Quoted in this prayer is Romans 7:24-25)

https://youtu.be/eXp6XXBPiCg?si=xPB4uakUaRgRvjv4 Soldiers of Christ, Arise

Copyright © 2024 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.