FAITH: Comes by Hearing the Word of God
Romans 7:24–25: O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin.
FAITH: Comes by Studying the Word of God
Ray Stedman writes: There are teachers who teach that this passage in Romans 7 is something a Christian goes through but once. Then he gets out of it and moves into Romans 8, never to return to Romans 7 again. Nothing could be further from the truth! Even as mighty a man as Paul went through it again and again. This is a description of what every believer will go through many times in his experience because sin has the power to deceive us and to cause us to trust in ourselves, even when we are not aware we are doing so. The law is what will expose that evil force and drive us to this place of wretchedness that we might then, in devotion of spirit, cry out, Lord Jesus, it is your problem; you take it. May we learn these lessons well. 1
FAITH: Comes by Obeying the Word of God
And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Colossians 3:17
You can go from wretched living to Spirit-filled living in a matter of a few moments though personal brokenness, and the power of the Holy Spirit. There is an immediate response to a cry of deliverance when it is directed to the Lord in humility. So whatever you do, do it with thanksgiving, and honor the Lord with your obedience.
FAITH: Comes by Experiencing the Transforming Work of God
A hope-filled life is a surrendered life, filled with the fullness of His life.
FAITH: Comes by Praying with the Word of God
But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Galatians 5:18
Dear Father, lead me by the Spirit, into Your presence…in Jesus Name. Amen.
1. Hughes, R. K. (1991). Romans: righteousness from heaven (pp. 144–145). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
