Scripture to Read: Romans 7:19–20
As we continue our walk through Romans 7:15–25 this week, God had Paul continue to share the struggle with his “flesh.” Today, we read in Romans 7:19–20, For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want. 20 But if I am doing the very thing I do not want, I am no longer the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me. We’ve all felt the struggle of wanting to do the right thing while feeling the weight of the temptation to make the wrong decision and commit sin. Again, some theologians believe that God had Paul describing his struggle before he surrendered to Christ. Paul says he wants to make the right choice, but instead, he makes the wrong decision. Then Paul says it is not him, but the sin that lives in him. Other theologians believe God had Paul share his battle between his “flesh” and the Holy Spirit in him. Either way, as we have seen in the first two devotions, the battle is real. For a soul still lost in sin, that person is under the control of the spiritual forces of darkness. God reveals this in 2 Timothy 2:26, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will. So, a lost soul is being held “captive” by the devil to do his will. As Christians, our “flesh” is strong, but we have a way of escaping (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Challenge & Application
The battle is real, but we do not have to be controlled by our “flesh;” so what victories have you seen in your life?
What are some things you do daily to prepare for the battle, and whom will you share to help them in their battles?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!