For we know that the law is spiritual:
but I am carnal, sold under sin.
Romans 7:14
The apostle Paul, who was probably the most respected Christian who ever lived, struggled with the same problem all Christ’s disciples face - the power of sin in our lives...
but I am carnal, sold under sin.
Romans 7:14
The apostle Paul, who was probably the most respected Christian who ever lived, struggled with the same problem all Christ’s disciples face - the power of sin in our lives...
A friend on the outside told me about her inner battle of wanting to do what is right, but often finding herself doing wrong. The desire to subdue and conqueror our sinful nature is a struggle that is common to those who seek to serve the Lord.
It’s an issue I have to deal with, as well. And I’m still working on it. But the answer, I believe, is never to jump off the wheel of the Master Potter. This being the wheel He designed to help shape and mold us into the image of His Son, with the help of His Holy Spirit. For we cannot do it on our own.
The reality is that we have three terrible enemies: the world, the flesh, and the devil. The world offers us its temptations and allurements - the flesh, its passions, and desires. While the devil tries to take advantage of both.
But praise be to God that Jesus has overcome the world, and He has set us free from sin and death (John 16:33, Romans 7:24-25)! Greater is He that is in me (1 Corinthians 6:19) than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4)! When I struggle, I can take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5), knowing that ALL things are subject to Him (Ephesians 1:22), and I can cast all of my anxiety on God because He cares for me (1 Peter 5:7).
My advice: Be patient with yourself, and learn to trust and lean on God (Matthew 6:34 & 11:28-30, Luke 12:25, John 14:27). Jesus is the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2), and He who began a good work in us will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6). As Paul said, "Keep going forward in the grace and knowledge of the Lord. Never lose faith, and never give up."
D.B.
It’s an issue I have to deal with, as well. And I’m still working on it. But the answer, I believe, is never to jump off the wheel of the Master Potter. This being the wheel He designed to help shape and mold us into the image of His Son, with the help of His Holy Spirit. For we cannot do it on our own.
The reality is that we have three terrible enemies: the world, the flesh, and the devil. The world offers us its temptations and allurements - the flesh, its passions, and desires. While the devil tries to take advantage of both.
But praise be to God that Jesus has overcome the world, and He has set us free from sin and death (John 16:33, Romans 7:24-25)! Greater is He that is in me (1 Corinthians 6:19) than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4)! When I struggle, I can take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5), knowing that ALL things are subject to Him (Ephesians 1:22), and I can cast all of my anxiety on God because He cares for me (1 Peter 5:7).
My advice: Be patient with yourself, and learn to trust and lean on God (Matthew 6:34 & 11:28-30, Luke 12:25, John 14:27). Jesus is the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2), and He who began a good work in us will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6). As Paul said, "Keep going forward in the grace and knowledge of the Lord. Never lose faith, and never give up."
D.B.
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