Romans 7-9

Paul is talking about some really heavy stuff in Romans 7-9.  While these chapters have some of my all-time favorite scripture, they do not come without a huge sense of responsibility for me.  Paul is trying to explain that Christ's death means things of this world also die in us when we believe.  Through our faith, we are called to let go of old ways and embrace all the newness we have in our risen Christ.  Thank goodness God knew we couldn't do it on our own.  The Holy Spirit is a crucial GPS system for all of God's children.  

Paul points out that we can't help ourselves.  We mean well, but we mess-up and get tangled in sin all the time.  Even with the Holy Spirit in our lives, we still make mistakes and wrong turns.

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.

Romans 7:19

Jesus is such a necessary gift from God.  How many times do I catch myself doing the very things I said I wouldn't do because I know they are wrong?  It's too many times to count; I can tell you that.


We are naturally born sinners in the flesh.  Our struggles are unique to who God made us to be, but we all struggle with sin.  

My struggles are between God and me.  I have to own them so God can step in and save me from myself. 

6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.

Romans 8:6

This is where I feel a huge sense of responsibility as a Christian.  This is a lot to take in and understand.  This is where I get scared, and this is where I mess up often.  

So, the question is, how am I choosing to live at this moment, each moment?  Am I living by the Holy Spirit at work in me, or am I living by my own desires?  How do I know the difference?

Chances are, if I feel restless, if my heart is not at peace, I have gotten lost somewhere.  I am needing some more God in my life.

Living in faith is not easy, but living on my own is hopeless.  

Paul is reminding us today that there is always Good News with our good and perfect God.  Because of God's love for us, through our faith in Jesus Christ, we have hope.  Because of Him, there is nothing that can separate us from God.

38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[a] neither the present nor the future,nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:38-39

God is exactly what I need, every minute of everyday, always.

A prayer for today-

Dear God,

Thank you for knowing me completely and loving me always.  Forgive me for trying to keep things from You and for avoiding Your Spirit that is forever at work in me.  You know all my struggles.  Help me give them to You.  I pray for strength in my weakness.

In the name of Jesus I pray,

Amen

Grace and peace,