Do you find yourself using those or similar words? It’s the same lament that Paul wrote about – doing the things he doesn’t want to do and not doing the things he did want to do (Romans 7:19). I definitely get irritated with me when I do this … and it’s not just the 1st time – it sometimes is a repeat. However, I also don’t have Paul’s verse as an excuse – perhaps an explanation of sorts, but not an excuse. Simply because Paul and so many of us seem to act on our old sin nature, does not excuse us. The old ‘I’m only human’ doesn’t work, Your point? And besides, isn’t that a rather lame excuse?
How many times does the Word tell us to put off the old man (Ephesians 4:22), to renew our minds (Romans 12:2), and other such exhortations? Bottom line is that this is something WE do… just not alone. Look at some of the reasons the Holy Spirit is sent to us: He’s our Helper, our Comfort, He brings the teachings of Jesus to our remembrance, He is the spirit of truth – and these identities only begin the process of knowing the Person and work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. But again – it isn’t something that’s done to us – we have to be intimately involved since we are the actors.
“Therefore, since we have been justified [that is, acquitted of sin, declared blameless before God] by faith, [let us grasp the fact that] we have peace with God [and the joy of reconciliation with Him] through our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed). Through Him we also have access by faith into this [remarkable state of] grace in which we [firmly and safely and securely] stand. Let us rejoice in our hope and the confident assurance of [experiencing and enjoying] the glory of [our great] God [the manifestation of His excellence and power]. And not only this, but [with joy] let us exult in our sufferings and rejoice in our hardships, knowing that hardship (distress, pressure, trouble) produces patient endurance; and endurance, proven character (spiritual maturity); and proven character, hope and confident assurance [of eternal salvation]. Such hope [in God’s promises] never disappoints us, because God’s love has been abundantly poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”
[Romans 5: 1-5]
Also, remind yourself – not as license or excuse: Romans 8:1
“Therefore there is now no condemnation [no guilty verdict, no punishment] for those who are in Christ Jesus [who believe in Him as personal Lord and Savior].”
When we find ourselves IN the situations of not doing what should be done, we should run to the feet of Jesus and follow 1 John 1:9. Then the Roman verses should immediately jump to our soul (mind, will, emotions) to act as a shield, a sword to fight off the temptations, to defeat the devil by the example Jesus gave when He defeated him (It Is Written). Until we realize we are in a battle – not against mankind – but our enemy and he will stop at nothing to defeat us – we set ourselves up for defeat.
I think the bottom line point is that we can’t allow ourselves to be defeated by a defeat. Yes… we will slip… and fall… and sin. But we don’t need that to define us nor do we need to sleep in that bed.
“The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows].” (John 10:10)
To me that’s a 2 point verse. What the devil tries to do and what Jesus did that covers it. Simply follow 1 John 1:9 and you will be cleansed, you can start anew. But don’t forget your lessons or you may repeat them. And repeating and disappointing the Lord is truly painful. The Lord gave us free will and He gave us a mind – we should use them.
‘Not Again’ does not have to be our legacy, our epitaph – we are more than conquerors
(Romans 8:31-39)!
