Living Romans 7

There are days that you realize how sinful you are . You know those days when your thoughts or actions undermine the Christian you want to be . Old temptations sneak up or you give breath to thoughts or actions that should not be. I call those moments or days living Romans 7 . In Romans 7 Paul discusses the law,sin and the position of the believer in relation to them. This passage has been at the center of much debate to whether it refers to a believer or non-believer. After reading numerous views , I find it hard not to side with those that believe it is describing the battle within with sin after conversion and the life of a Christian

[19] For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. [20] Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me.
(Romans 7:19-20 ESV)

With this passage Paul talks about the doing evil and not doing the good he wants to do. It appears to me that only one who has been made alive in Christ and now sees the law as good , would have any real grief over this struggle. If you are a heathen or unbeliever , in general there would be no inner turmoil concerning sin or the struggle within . Plus who among even the holiest saints can honestly confess they have not struggled at times with sin .As we walk this pilgrims journey there are days in seems that the road is full of pits and falls,some of ones own making.Granted it may not be committing adultery or murder but anger,pride,greed etc..all can still hold sway in your life . Sin is a joy stealing vice that robs a believer of his peace.

So if one has one of these moments what should one do ? I love the way Paul ends chapter 7 .[24] Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? [25] Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin.
(Romans 7:24-25 ESV) The only hope we have is Jesus . When we have a Romans 7 moment , repent ,confess and look to Jesus. Its the gospel that we need to cling to more and more. Paul also makes it clear that even though we will struggle with the sinful nature , it is never an excuse to sin . Yes it is a battle , but the war was won on the cross and the victory assured when Jesus rose from the dead. Walking in the light of that truth and bathing in the love that was on display , will give us courage in the fight.

So if your having a Romans 7 day , move into Romans 8 and with confidence preach those words to yourself.
We are soldiers in a battle , if you get wounded or fall , get up and set your gaze on the one who is calling you to take up your cross and follow Him.

Verse Of The Day  :  [8:1] There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
(Romans 8:1 ESV)