Today’s Reading: Romans 7:14-25
Today’s Verse: For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. Romans 7:14 KJV
The New Living Translation of Romans 7:14-15 says, “So the trouble is not with the law, for it is spiritual and good. The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin. I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it.”
We all have our moments when we realize that we are fighting a war within ourselves.
We know we need to look at how we are doing things and make the right changes.
Recognizing that sometimes we try to do things on our own and that it can be difficult.
In this passage the Apostle Paul is describing his internal battle.
He said, “And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t” (Romans 7:18 NLT).
Previously noting that, “the trouble is not with the law, for it is spiritual and good. The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin (Romans 7:14 NLT).
He went on to acknowledge that he loves God’s law with all his heart. But there was another power within him that was at war with his mind.
It made him slave to the sin that was still within him.
He was sad. Asking “Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? (Romans 7:22-24 NLT).
Paul knew where all his help would come from and acknowledged it.
“Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 7:25 NLT).
The Savior desires that we all see things as they are.
In our minds we really do want to obey God’s law, but because of our sinful nature we are a slave to sin.
The good news is that in faith, we can always go to the Savior in prayer.
Admitting our wrongdoings and the need for Him in our lives.
When we do it, we immediately become a new creation.
Never forgetting that our spiritual journey is lifelong. We will continue to face things in life that need to change.
A change for our good will always come.
In the end it will be as John the disciple observed: “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is” (1 John 3:2 KJV).
Continuing to take our struggles to the Lord is how we remain strong in faith and reap the benefits in the end.
A WORD OF PRAYER
Father, we are thankful that we can bring all our struggles to You. We know You know all about them. That You know the best way for us to manage them. Your love for us is never-ending. Our prayer is that we continue to rely on Your teaching. That we listen to the Holy Spirit. We want to be more like the Savior each day of our lives. With You, we know it will be so.
In Jesus Name We Pray, Amen