Monday Devo
Scripture:
Romans 7:5-6
5 When we were controlled by our old nature, sinful desires were at work within us, and the law aroused these evil desires that produced a harvest of sinful deeds, resulting in death. 6 But now we have been released from the law, for we died to it and are no longer captive to its power. Now we can serve God, not in the old way of obeying the letter of the law, but in the new way of living in the Spirit.
5 When we were controlled by our old nature, sinful desires were at work within us, and the law aroused these evil desires that produced a harvest of sinful deeds, resulting in death. 6 But now we have been released from the law, for we died to it and are no longer captive to its power. Now we can serve God, not in the old way of obeying the letter of the law, but in the new way of living in the Spirit.
Commentary:
7:5 Flesh here stands for the old “Adam”—the unregenerate former life of those who now believe. The law, contrary to the view of contemporary Judaism, did not bring life. Instead it stimulated sin and led to death. Although sin leads to death (cf. 6:23), in Christ there is life (John 14:6; 1 John 5:12; cf. Prov. 1:19).
7:6 But now represents the new era of redemptive history. Christians are free from the Mosaic law and now enjoy new life in the Spirit.
7:6 But now represents the new era of redemptive history. Christians are free from the Mosaic law and now enjoy new life in the Spirit.
Questions:
- Paul tells us in Romans 7 what it looks like to serve God in the New Covenant. Before it was about the rules, regulations and sacrifices. He says that with Jesus things have changed. We serve God not in the old way of doing better and trying harder, but in the new way of the Spirit. When we are saved, God baptizes us with His Spirit... He places His Spirit inside of us. And to follow Jesus in the New Covenant means placing our hope in Jesus and walking in step with the Holy Spirit. What do you think it means to "walk in the Spirit?" Do you think you experience this in your daily life?
- Because of the new life we have in the Spirit, we don't have to be controlled by our sinful nature. Jesus died so that we might have victory over sin, and the Holy Spirit empowers us to live for Him instead of gratifying our flesh. Is your life controlled by sin? How often are you asking the Holy Spirit to give you self-control, one of the fruits of the Spirit?
Pray:
- That you would learn to walk in the Spirit.
- That you would ask the Holy Spirit to strengthen you and give you self-control so that you don't gratify the desires of the flesh.
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