A brief thought from Romans 7
In Romans chapter 6 Paul eloquently and effectively explained how in baptism a believer dies with Christ and is resurrected into a new life in Christ. When Paul continues his thought as we read in chapter 7 he proceeds to explain how this “new life” in Christ is not without problems, heartache, and struggles. I have often wondered if Paul is relating to his reader’s details about his way of life before he became a Christian or if he is giving us details about his way of life as a Christian. I personally lean toward thinking Paul is diving us the scoop about how he feels as a Christian with all the wresting and struggles in his own mind.
Often I read chapter 7 and place myself in Paul’s shoes. I might be a Christian in this new life after leaving a sinful life but I’m still struggling. I’m still wrestling around with trying to do what is right. There are times that I’m fleshly, I’m worldly, I’m back to my old way of doing things yet I’m trying my best to be what Christ wants me to be. It is in that where I can find encouragement. I’m saved… but I’m still struggling. As soon as I stop caring, as soon as I stop trying then the flesh has won, the devil has me and I have no hope. But as long as I’m still struggling then I’m safe in Christ.
Read Chapter 7 of Romans and place yourself in this passage.
I love you,
Alex