Romans 7:14-18
For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.
As we read the words of today’s Scripture, it appears that there is no hope for us. If the Apostle Paul felt that there was no good thing in him, what about you and me? The fact is, as human beings, we are subject to failure.
Peter was adamant about his support of Jesus just before Jesus was arrested. But in spite of all his good intentions, Peter denied knowing Jesus three times before daylight. The other disciples were no better as they turned and ran away.
You may have faced situations in your life when your commitment to the Lord slipped. It was your intention to stand firm, but then you began to allow things to slip into your life and, before long, you were on the outside looking in. Does that ring a bell?
Paul ends his lament about the control sin has over our hearts with a shout of victory in verse 25: Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord! There is our answer and our source of deliverance. It is not in or through our best efforts, but only through the shed blood of our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. Humanity fails, but Christ wins!
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil