Scripture
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.
Observation
Paul expresses the dilemma faced by many people. He says: I want to obey God’s law, I want to do what is right, but I don’t. I know God’s law is good, but my sinful nature is what keeps leading me into sin.
If I cannot do what I want to do, then it shows that I am a slave to sin. Sin is like a power that fights me.
There s only one way out of this dilemma, and that is through Jesus Christ.
Application
The old nature, the old man, the flesh, the sinful nature- it has many names. The fact is that as long as we live in this life, we will be prone to sin.
We can only live the holy life we want to live to the extent that we have crucified our old nature and allowed Christ to take control.
The christian life, the way of discipleship, is an ongoing process of allowing God to show us our sin and letting Him deal with it.
That is why Paul says that the answer to out sin problem is Jesus Christ. It is not just about forgiveness of sins, but deliverance from sin. It is not just about salvation but also about sanctification.
We were saved for good works (not saved by good works). When we allow Jesus to break the chains of our sins, then we can begin to be set free to live the lives that we were created for.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, you are the way out of sin. You don’t just forgive us but you also teach us and equip us to live holy lives. Thank you. Amen.
