We Will Continue and Struggle and to Sin Until We Receive Our Glorified Bodies at the Resurrection.

In the journey of faith, we often find ourselves grappling with the constant struggle between our desires and our convictions. Romans 7:15-20 sheds light on this internal battle that each of us faces. As we delve into these powerful verses, we discover that the apostle Paul acknowledges the reality of our human nature, one that is prone to sin and imperfect in its obedience to God’s commands. Yet, there is hope within these words as well. Paul reminds us that our struggle with sin will persist until we receive our glorified bodies at the resurrection. This recognition of our inherent imperfection serves as a reminder to lean on God’s grace and mercy, continuously seeking His transformative power to overcome our weaknesses. Join us as we explore the profound insights of Romans 7:15-20 and discover how this passage can inspire and guide us in our pursuit of spiritual growth and redemption.

Understanding Romans 7:15-20

Romans 7:15-20 is a passage that offers a profound insight into the human struggle with sin. In these verses, the apostle Paul candidly shares his personal experience, expressing his frustration and the internal conflict between his desire to do what is right and his inclination to do what is wrong. He writes, “For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate” (Romans 7:15, ESV).

Paul’s words resonate with many believers who find themselves caught in a similar struggle. Despite our best intentions, we often find ourselves succumbing to temptation and falling into sin. This battle between our desires and our convictions can be disheartening, leaving us feeling defeated and discouraged. However, Paul’s honesty in sharing his own struggle offers us comfort and reassurance. We are not alone in this fight; even the apostle Paul, a great figure of faith, faced similar challenges.

The struggle with sin in our daily lives

As human beings, we are all prone to sin. Our fallen nature makes us vulnerable to temptation and disobedience. Romans 7:18-19 highlights this reality, as Paul writes, “For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing” (Romans 7:18-19, ESV).

These verses remind us that we continue to grapple with our sinful nature even as believers. We may have the desire to do what is right, but we often find ourselves falling short. This ongoing struggle can be disheartening, leading us to question our faith and our ability to live according to God’s commands. However, it is essential to remember that our struggle with sin does not negate our salvation. It is a reminder of our constant need for God’s grace and a call to rely on His strength rather than our own.

The role of the law in highlighting our sin

In Romans 7:7-13, Paul emphasizes the role of the law in revealing our sinfulness. He writes, “So the law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good” (Romans 7:12, ESV). The law serves as a mirror that exposes our sinful nature and reveals our inability to live up to God’s perfect standard. It reminds us of our need for a Savior and the necessity of God’s grace.

The law, however, cannot save us or transform us. It can only point out our shortcomings and bring awareness to our sins. As Paul explains, “For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin” (Romans 3:20, ESV). The law highlights our need for redemption, leading us to turn to Christ for salvation and transformation.

The battle between our flesh and the Spirit

Romans 7:14-25 vividly portrays the internal battle between our flesh and the Spirit. Paul writes, “For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members” (Romans 7:22-23, ESV).

This passage showcases the tension that exists within us as believers. Our renewed inner being desires to follow God’s commands and live a life that pleases Him. However, our flesh, influenced by our sinful nature, constantly pulls us toward disobedience. This struggle can be exhausting and discouraging, as we find ourselves caught in a battle that seems never-ending.

The hope of transformation in our glorified bodies

Amidst the ongoing struggle with sin, Romans 7:24-25 offers a glimmer of hope. Paul writes, “Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Romans 7:24-25, ESV).

These verses remind us that our ultimate deliverance from sin lies in Christ. While we may continue to struggle with sin in our present bodies, transformation is awaiting us. As believers, we have the hope of receiving glorified bodies at the resurrection, free from the bondage of sin and its effects. This hope encourages us to persevere in our faith, knowing that our struggles in this life are temporary and that a glorious transformation awaits us.

Finding comfort in God’s grace and forgiveness

In Romans 7:25, Paul acknowledges the key to overcoming our struggles with sin: relying on God’s grace and forgiveness. He writes, “Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Romans 7:25, ESV). Through Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, we find forgiveness for our sins and the power to overcome our weaknesses.

God’s grace is not limited by our failures or shortcomings. It is abundant and freely given to all who seek it. When we stumble and fall, we can find comfort in knowing that His grace is always available to lift us up and set us back on the path of righteousness. We are not defined by our past mistakes but by the transformative power of God’s love and mercy.

How to apply Romans 7:15-20 to our lives

Romans 7:15-20 offers valuable insights that we can apply to our lives as believers. Firstly, it reminds us to be honest about our struggles with sin. We should not be ashamed or hide our weaknesses, but instead, bring them before God in humility and seek His help. Secondly, this passage encourages us to rely on God’s strength rather than our own. We cannot overcome sin through sheer willpower or self-discipline but only through the power of the Holy Spirit working within us. Lastly, Romans 7:15-20 teaches us to live in constant dependence on God’s grace. We must continually seek His forgiveness and allow His transformative power to work in our lives.

Encouragement for those facing ongoing struggles with sin

For those who find themselves in an ongoing battle with sin, Romans 7:15-20 offers encouragement and hope. It reminds us that our struggles do not define us and that God’s grace is always available to us. We are not alone in our fight; even the apostle Paul faced similar challenges. This passage serves as a reminder that our faith journey is marked by growth and transformation, even amid our ongoing struggles.

The importance of relying on God’s strength and guidance

Romans 7:15-20 underscores the importance of depending on God’s strength and guidance in our daily lives. We cannot overcome sin on our own; only through the power of the Holy Spirit can we experience true transformation. As we surrender our weaknesses and struggles to God, He equips us with the strength and wisdom we need to navigate the challenges we face.

Conclusion: Embracing the promise of transformation in Christ

In conclusion, Romans 7:15-20 reminds us of the ongoing struggle with sin that we face as believers. It acknowledges our inherent imperfections and the battle between our desires and convictions. Yet, within these verses, we also find hope and the promise of transformation. Through Christ, we have the assurance that our struggles with sin will not last forever. We eagerly await the day when we will receive glorified bodies free from the bondage of sin. In the meantime, let us lean on God’s grace, trust in His transformative power, and continually seek His guidance in our pursuit of spiritual growth and redemption.

By embracing the profound insights of Romans 7:15-20, we can find solace in our struggles and be encouraged to press on in our faith. May these words serve as a reminder that we are not alone in our battle with sin and that God’s grace is more than sufficient to carry us through. Let us fix our eyes on the promise of transformation in Christ and allow His love and mercy to guide us every step of the way.

 

 

 

About the Author

Meet Bruce Mitchell – a man of the Word, a voice in the wilderness, and a shepherd to his flock. He is not just a speaker but a fervent Bible teacher, a dedicated Pastor, and a passionate writer who’s all about bringing heavenly wisdom into everyday life.

Bruce is pleased to have attended both Biola University and Dallas Theological Seminary. His heart beats for sharing God’s profound love and mercy with the world through his ministry, Agapao Allelon Ministries, and his blog, Allelon.us.  His mission? To weave the principles of Agapao Allelon into the fabric of society – a divine commandment of Loving One Another and reflecting God’s mercy, grace, and forgiveness in our everyday lives.

He has been Inspired by 1 Peter 4:8, Bruce believes that love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend. In line with 1 John 4:7-8, he upholds that devoid of love, one is devoid of God. And drawing from Ephesians 4:31-32, he persistently calls for love as Jesus loved us.

Join him as he unravels the essence of God’s word and helps you apply it in your daily life. Let’s share the love, as Jesus commanded!

Pastor | Bible Teacher | Speaker | Writer | Advocate for God’s Mercy, Grace & Love in daily life | He studied at both Biola University & Dallas Theological Seminary | 1 Peter 4:8

Check out more of his work here