Tuesday 30 March, 2021

14 We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. 15 I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. 16 And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. 17 As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. 18 For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. 20 Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it. 21 So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. 22 For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; 23 but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. 24 What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? 25 Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God’s law, but in my sinful nature a slave to the law of sin.

The struggle of the flesh vs the struggle of the heart is real!! Apparently, it’s not just me – Paul also knew this struggle. I am neither just a body (the flesh) or just a soul – and it seems there is frequently friction between the two. We see examples of spiritual self-sabotage all the time, when poor choices are made, temptation wins over good sense.

But I want to do better. Unless I acknowledge my own struggle, I am helpless to make better choices around my thoughts and actions. Vs 25 hints at a solution – through Christ Jesus it is possible to reconcile (not compromise) and overcome. The power of the Holy Spirit – not the power of me!! This is why it is so important every day to be renewed by the Spirit. This tug of war will last for as long as I have breath, but the power of God lasts for Eternity. When Jesus said ‘it is finished’ I believe this was what He was referring to. He understands my humanity but also the sovereign power of God. Today Lord let me choose your way!

Mighty Heavenly Father, I thank you for the power of the Cross over my life. Lord help me recognise the struggle of my flesh versus my will every day. I am sorry for the times when get it wrong. I ask to be filled with your Spirit and help me to make good choices that will glorify you. 

Written by Christine Knight