Romans 7:20–21: Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good.
When you are attempting to serve God in the Spirit, have you discovered that the old nature is right there to bring evil? Perhaps an evil thought will come into your mind. Every child of God, regardless of his state, must admit that in every act and in every moment evil is present with him. Failure to recognize this will eventually lead to shipwreck in the Christian life. 1
The principle Paul recognizes is that he is a man with two natures. One delights in the Law of God. The other wages war against God’s Law. The Christian is subject to two forces simultaneously and thus lives in a state of tension. 2
Application
- Every Christian faces this battle everyday, but not every Christian wins this battle everyday. Through Jesus Christ, they can.
- God has a real battle plan for daily victory. Please start praying about your upcoming 5-week journey to freedom through Romans 8. Open your heart now to the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit.
Prayer
Lord, lead me in victory today over my evil and selfish desires.
1. McGee, J. V. (1991). Thru the Bible commentary: The Epistles (Romans 1-8) (electronic ed., Vol. 42). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
2. Hughes, R. K. (1991). Romans: righteousness from heaven. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
