Romans 7:14-25
We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it. So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to our God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!
Devotion
In chapter seven, Paul describes his ongoing struggle to live in the power of the Spirit and to overcome the sinful tendencies that still reside in his heart. Here Paul outlines the old nature and the new nature. Both natures reside in the heart of the believer. Paul realized that victory over the power of sin was a matter of yielding ourselves to the Spirit of God and letting the Spirit of God live this new life through us. We don’t get rid of the old nature when we are saved. The same God who delivers us from the penalty of sin must also deliver us from the power of sin through Jesus Christ our Lord. This is a daily battle!
Questions to Ponder:
Do you ever experience this struggle in your Christian life? Do you do something, then hate yourself because you have done it? When you are attempting to serve God in the Spirit, have you discovered that the old nature is right there to bring evil? How does this passage of Scripture encourage you today?
Prayer Points
- Thank the LORD that there is nothing that will separate us from His love. Praise Him that you are secure in Him, and your name is engraved in the palm of His hand.
- Thank Him for His amazing grace. God, who is holy, righteous, and perfect, paid the price for you. He paid the penalty of death, condemnation, and took on the wrath of God all so that You could be with Him where He is. How much more will He enable You to walk in the light and walk in the Spirit if you go to Him and ask for help? Look to Him. Ask Him. Depend upon Him. Listen and obey.
Suggested Prayer
Forgiving Father, thank You for being my all-in-all. Thank You for providing for me and giving me my daily bread for what I need each moment of the day. Oh, how I need You, Lord, every step of the way. I know You are always enabling me, helping and guiding me, and I’m not even aware of the countless blessings, help, and interception that You provide every second of every day. Help me and Your church to see, understand, and take hold of Your love and sacrifice that was so costly to You. Help me and Your bride to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. I want to walk in the fullness of You and Your love. Help me to be a servant as You, oh God, are the Servant of all. I ask in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.