Romans Part 3 - LIFEಮಾದರಿ

Did I Do That??? (Compliments of Steve Urkel)

I find this law at work:

“Although 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 me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death?”

I hesitated... I really didn't feel capable of writing a devotional, but I told Logan I'd give it a try.

Then, he gave me the verses and I thought, "Are you kidding? Thanks a lot, Logan, Why did you choose ME for these verses?" (It was a hint, I was sure)

But, quite honestly, they fit me perfectly! Do I want to sin? Of course not, I can't wait to be free of it! Then, why do I sin? Well, I sin because I

want to! Sounds really goofy, but it's true, and it describes me. In these verses, Paul describes a war of laws that is going on within himself. Paul writes this referring to his present life, not to his past life, and believe me, he is the most hardcore, converted, committed, die-hard apostle of the New Testament. Paul is being honest and open to encourage his readers. You see, there are two laws at war in us, also. Laws? They are what rule us. The first is evil: wicked, bad, and destructive. It's right there, waiting, always beside us, ready to rock and roll when we least expect it. The second law is the one that wants to do good. This law wants to pursue holiness, delight in God's law, follow Christ, please God. Both are at work in every Christian. Sin doesn't go away when we become a believer, unfortunately. Yes, we love God's Law. Why? Because God has written it on our heart and it reveals His Holiness and it reveals God Himself. It reveals what is right and wrong, it is a defense against sin in our lives. But, this other law... ugh... it's still in every bit of me and it never agrees with God's law. I want to do what God wants, but the sin in me causes me to do wrong. We all struggle with this “I” against “Me.”

How does Paul see himself?

He sees himself as the same kind of person I am; not as I was, but AM: wretched, miserable. I can't work this out on my own; my will is not strong enough; and I need to be rescued. This is where God wants us, needing a Savior.

So, Who will rescue us? The Only One who can. I added verse 25 and here is the answer:

"Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!"

He has already done it. He died for you and for me and His blood has freed us. So, yes, Logan, as you text me: "You've got this".... you are right; I do. I have Jesus, and He is enough. Even though we will never be completely delivered from sin during this lifetime, we have the assurance that we will have full victory over sin when we enter in His Glory!!

-Touch Brunner