Tuesday Devo
Scripture:
Romans 7
21 I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. 22 I love God’s law with all my heart. 23 But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. 24 Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? 25 Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin.
21 I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. 22 I love God’s law with all my heart. 23 But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. 24 Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? 25 Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin.
Commentary:
7:21–23 The meaning of the word “law” in these verses is the subject of debate. Some think that every use of the word refers to the Mosaic law, but most argue that in vv. 21 and 23 the term means “principle.” All agree that the Mosaic law is in view in v. 22. The Greek word nomos can take either meaning.
7:24–25 Who will deliver me? The living presence of Jesus Christ is the answer to the problem of sin in one’s life.
7:24–25 Who will deliver me? The living presence of Jesus Christ is the answer to the problem of sin in one’s life.
Questions:
- As a Christian, it can be easy to get defeated when we struggle with sin. We can heap condemnation onto ourselves and wear ourselves out on the hamster wheel of guilt and shame. So what is the answer to the struggle? Paul says in verse 25, "Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord." How often do you condemn yourself for your past failures? What would it do for you to realize that God doesn't condemn you?
- Paul says in Romans 8 that there is "no condemnation for those who belong to Jesus Christ." Because of Jesus' finished work on the cross, we no longer stand condemned for our sin. Should we be broken and repentant over our sin? Absolutely. But should we condemn ourselves? No. God doesn't. So why do you think we are so set on heaping condemning upon ourselves? What are the dangers of this way of thinking?
Prayer Topics:
- That God would remind you that you are no longer condemned.
- That you would be broken over your sin but that you wouldn't condemn yourself.
This Week's City 7:
Try to commit to memory!
4. Can a person be good enough to go to heaven? No. Because Jesus rose from the dead, proving He is God, I believe a person is saved by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone.
(John 1:12, 14:6; Acts 4:12; Romans 4:1-25, 5:1-2, 6-11, 6:23, 10:1-4, 10:9; Galatians 3:26; Ephesians 2:1-9; 1 Timothy 2:5-6; Titus 3:4-7)
(John 1:12, 14:6; Acts 4:12; Romans 4:1-25, 5:1-2, 6-11, 6:23, 10:1-4, 10:9; Galatians 3:26; Ephesians 2:1-9; 1 Timothy 2:5-6; Titus 3:4-7)
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