Scripture to Read: Romans 7:22–23
It may seem like this talk about the battlefield will never conclude, but hang in there because God is faithful through it all. Today, we read in Romans 7:22–23, For I joyfully concur with the law of God in the inner man, 23 but I see a different law in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is in my members. So, we know from the earlier devotions this week that some theologians believe Paul had been describing his battle before he surrendered to Christ. But God sheds some light for us today, for God had Paul share that he joyfully delighted in God’s Law in his “inner man.” Some translations call Paul’s “inner man” his “new nature,” which only comes to those who have surrendered to Christ. Apart from Christ, no “new nature” exists, and our “old nature” will never delight in God’s Law or anything else of God. We also read that our sinful nature, our “flesh,” wages war within our minds. We need to know that the battle starts in our minds. God knows how powerful our minds are, for He created our minds. God also gives us several commands of what we need to do so our minds are ready for the battles we face each day. Take time to examine the Scriptures and remember that God’s Word is powerful (Hebrews 4:12), giving us what we need to win (Ephesians 4:23, 2 Corinthians 10:3–5, Romans 12:1–2, Colossians 3:1–4).
Challenge & Application
Since we know our “old nature” never hungers for God and His Word, who will you share Christ with this week?
How are you guarding your mind each day, according to the Scriptures you read in the devotion?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!