June 23, 2010
Romans 7
Mike Schwiebert
I am convinced that if you are struggling with sin as Paul explains in Romans 7, it is an effort to make yourself holy. Paul did not describe the Christian experience. He described the experience of a person trying to live out relationship with God through rules and regulations.
If you have been crucified with Christ, the law has no authority over you - because you died. You have also been raised with Christ to live “in the new way of the Spirit.” That is your reality!
What if you are trapped in a habitual sin? Do you give up? Do you pretend that you aren’t? No! Instead, live in the freedom of Romans 8:33: “Who can bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God Who justifies.”
God makes us right with Himself, and not your struggle. Only the Holy Spirit can produce Godly fruit.
If you find yourself in the Romans 7 pattern, repent for trying to be holy through your effort, receive God’s forgiveness and submit to His Spirit-work in your life. He will make you right with Himself.
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.
Did you know? From Mike’s point of view, the greatest vacation would be to travel the world with his wife and daughter. From Paris to China - Easter Island to Machu Picchu and the Greek Isles – he would love to see these famous places and share them with his family.
