May 12th

Scripture - Romans 7

Observation - Humans are sinful creatures by nature. It is something that automatically happens at births. No one can get around it. However, God longs to restore humanity back into a place of agreement with his good and perfect will. Paul himself explained how much of a struggle it is to live for God, when he said, “But if I do what I don’t want to do, I am not really the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it. I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. I love God’s law with all my heart. But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me.” (Romans 7:20-23). Paul didn’t stay there though, he also celebrated the overcoming power of God when he said, “Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin.” (Romans 7:25)

Application - How do we handle sins that are stronger than our will? In our strength, we can do nothing. But we can achieve victory over them through Jesus Christ and through the Spirit of God, who mercifully frees us from the law of sin and death and enables us to live holy lives. Take some time to pray, thanking Jesus for overcoming sin, because of him, we have power over sin, and grace when we fall.

Prayer - Father, each day help me to make the right choices. I know that when things come my way that tempt me, I can’t do it on my own accord. My strength isn’t enough to defeat temptation and get the sin out of my life. I can only do that through the work of your son, Jesus. I realize that I, like Paul struggle to do what’s right. I realize just how much I need you- Your Strength to fight, and your Grace to get back up when I fall. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.