I remember when I first read the scripture for today. It was so confusing that I had to read it several times before I could get it straight in my mind. Haven’t we, like Paul, had similar thoughts regarding the conflict between our sinful nature and our desire for godliness?
Paul desired to live a holy life but sin was still an issue in his walk as a follower of Christ. He was grieved in that he knew what he wanted and needed to do and yet continued doing things that he did not want to do.
His temper, words and behavior were a stuggle for him at times. That is me! I try so hard and then the enemy will put a situation or someone in front of me that becomes a test that brings a less than godly reaction from me. Perhaps in a moment of irritation we snap the head off a beloved family member or friend? The enemy provides many sin opportunities for us daily.
Paul wrote thirteen books of the New Testament. It is not known for sure if he was the writer of Hebrews which would make fourteen. If the one who contributed so much to our God inspired Bible, could struggle with sin…well, need I say more? He came to the conclusion that he was going to struggle with sin because sin dwells with the flesh even though his soul knew to live holy.
Thought For Today:
The Apostle Paul had a personal encounter with Jesus on the Road to Damascus. That encounter resulted in temporary blindness. He was converted and committed his life to the service of our Lord. I know he was living a holier life than I can ever attain and yet he still wrestled with sin. I think it is safe to say that as long as our soul dwells in our body of flesh…we are going to be dealing with sin. It is a daily battle. So let us be of good courage and take our place in that struggle with those who have walked before us. It was not Paul’s lack of holiness but the sin that had its dwelling place in his body…likewise, it is not we who do it but sin that dwells in us. Have we identified the primary challenge of living in a sinful world?
Scripture For Today:
Romans 7:15-20
15 For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do. 16 If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good. 17 But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. 18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. 19 For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. 20 Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. (NKJV)
Prayer For Today:
Hello Father! It is only through You that we can live in this world of sin. We pray that we are able to retain holiness while fighting the sin that desires to slip into our lives disrupting our peace of mind and causing questions and confusion. Forgive us of our sins. In Jesus’ name. Amen.