Too many Christians are stuck in Romans seven. A precious young woman that I have mentored recently wrote this on her Facebook page, "Trying to find some motivation to workout and eat better. 'I don't really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don't do it. Instead, I do what I hate." {Romans 7:15} Many Christians use this as an excuse for their sin. "Well, if Paul struggled, of course I will struggle."
This is wrong thinking! In Romans seven, Paul is telling us what life is like while living under the law or walking in the flesh. If you read Romans six and eight, you find out about our new lives in Christ, walking in the Spirit, and covered in His grace.
Let me just give you a few verses to remind you that you can now do ALL things through Christ who strengthens you ~
"How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? ...As Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace...Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness...But now being made free from sin and become servants to God ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life...For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death...That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit..But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you."{Taken from Romans 6 and 8}
Stop speaking lies to yourself but be transformed by the renewing of your mind with God's Word. He tells you that you are dead and freed from sin. When you are tempted to sin, remind yourself of this beautiful Truth. I believe in order to be transformed, you must spend a lot of time in God's Word at the feet of Jesus. You must read the Truth continually. This is how you transform your mind.
Way too many Christians spend very little, if any, time studying and meditating upon God's Word. You will never have victory over sin if you try to do it yourself. You must spend lots of time with Jesus and continually ask Him to give you the strength to overcome your weaknesses and sins. We are not puppets on a string. He gave us free will and tells us to discipline ourselves for the purpose of godliness.
There is nothing better than walking in the Spirit close to Jesus and putting on the full armor of God. Jesus died to give you an abundant life but you will never experience that life if you try and do it on your own. Get serious about time in God's Word. Make it a priority in your life every morning if you can. Begin your day with Him and see how much easier it is to walk in the Spirit with His transforming Word in your mind and heart.
