Christian liberty

I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. I love God’s law with all my heart. But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 7:21-25

From the text, Paul expresses the struggle we deal with; “I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong.” There is a concerted effort from Satan and his minions so that Christians will not experience victory in their daily struggles. Our inner being has become a battleground for the cosmic struggle between the powers of good and evil. This is why Paul calls on God to free him from such struggle. Paul knew the misery sin brings in to a person. As a child of God, he does not want to once again be enslaved by the power of sin. Continuing on in this condition will lead to death. Death here is not just the physical death but it includes emptiness and purposelessness. As soon as Paul realizes that victory over this struggle is only possible through the indwelling presence of Christ, he expressed his gratefulness. It is only by the presence of God within that we become free from the bondage of sin. “Because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death” (Romans 8:2). Every Christian needs to be constantly reminded of the ever-present danger of temptation. Sin is most potent in the life of the believer who forgets that he or she is always and totally dependent on the power of God to win the battle. Every person who will try to do the will of God by his or her own power will be defeated. We always have the propensity to follow our own selfish desires than to follow God’s will. Just like Paul, let us come to God for the answer to this struggle is found alone in Christ Jesus our Lord. “I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit” (Ephesians 3:16)

Blessings,