Struggling with Sin: Victory Through Christ
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into Romans 7:14-25, a passage where Paul grapples with the tension between his desire to do good and the reality of his sinful nature. This passage is a profound exploration of the human condition, highlighting the struggle every believer faces with sin and failure. Paul acknowledges that while the law is spiritual and good, it also exposes our sinfulness. He describes an internal war, where his mind delights in God's law, but his flesh is captive to sin. This struggle is not unique to Paul; it resonates with every believer who seeks to live a life pleasing to God but finds themselves falling short.
Paul's words remind us that the law, while good, cannot save us; it only reveals our need for a Savior. This leads to the central message of the gospel: despite our sin, God pursues us and provides a way through Jesus Christ. Jesus' sacrifice on the cross offers us freedom from the bondage of sin, even though we still experience its influence. The key takeaway is that while we are no longer bound by sin, we must actively battle it daily, relying on the strength and grace of God.
Paul's cry of "Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?" is answered with gratitude to God through Jesus Christ. This passage encourages us to recognize our sin, hate it, and fight against it with the confidence that comes from knowing we are already victorious in Christ. As a church, we are called to support one another in this battle, striving to be more like Christ every day.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Law Exposes Sin but Cannot Save: The law is spiritual and good, serving as a flashlight that reveals our sinfulness. However, it does not offer a solution to our sin; it merely shows us our need for a Savior. This understanding should lead us to a deeper appreciation of God's grace and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. [14:17]
2. Believers Struggle with Sin: Every believer, including Paul, struggles with sin and failure. This struggle is a sign of our awareness of sin and our desire to live a life pleasing to God. It is a daily battle that requires us to rely on God's strength and grace. [12:46]
3. The Importance of Hating Sin: We must not grow content with sin in our lives. Instead, we should hate it and actively seek to eradicate it. This involves recognizing the wickedness of sin and its impact on our relationship with God. [25:36]
4. Victory Through Jesus Christ: Despite our ongoing struggle with sin, we have victory through Jesus Christ. His sacrifice on the cross has set us free from the bondage of sin, and we can battle sin with confidence, knowing that we are already victorious in Him. [34:13]
5. The Role of the Church in Battling Sin: As a church, we are called to support one another in our battle against sin. This involves encouraging each other, holding each other accountable, and striving together to be more like Christ every day. [37:51]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[00:54] - Preparing Our Hearts for Worship
[02:00] - Reading Romans 7:14-25
[03:17] - Opening Prayer
[04:12] - The Weight of Romans
[05:10] - The Importance of Romans
[06:38] - Historical Impact of Romans
[08:01] - Augustine's Transformation
[09:11] - The Power of Romans
[10:05] - The Struggle with Sin
[12:46] - Believers' Struggle with Sin
[14:17] - The Law Exposes Sin
[15:13] - The Law and Salvation
[17:32] - The Wickedness of Sin
[19:13] - Personal Struggles with Sin
[20:57] - Paul's Struggle with Sin
[22:27] - Wrestling with Sin
[23:58] - Responsibility for Sin
[25:36] - Hating Sin
[26:17] - The Spiritual Battle
[28:37] - Awareness of Sin
[30:39] - The Inner War
[32:17] - Encouragement in the Struggle
[33:43] - Cry for Deliverance
[34:13] - Victory Through Jesus
[35:30] - Freedom in Christ
[37:09] - Battling Sin with Confidence
[37:51] - Church's Role in Battling Sin
[38:38] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- Romans 7:14-25
### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul mean when he says, "For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate"? ([02:00])
2. How does Paul describe the law in Romans 7:14-25? What role does it play in revealing sin? ([14:17])
3. What is Paul's reaction to his struggle with sin in verse 24, and how does he find hope? ([33:43])
4. According to the sermon, what is the significance of Paul's statement, "Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?" ([34:13])
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Paul's struggle with sin in Romans 7:14-25 reflect the common experience of believers today? ([12:46])
2. Why is it important for believers to recognize and hate their sin, according to the sermon? ([25:36])
3. How does the sermon explain the concept of being "free from the bondage of sin" while still experiencing its influence? ([34:40])
4. What role does the church play in supporting believers in their battle against sin, as discussed in the sermon? ([37:51])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt the internal struggle between wanting to do good and falling into sin. How did you handle it, and what could you do differently next time? ([21:28])
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of hating sin. Are there specific sins in your life that you have grown content with? How can you actively work to eradicate them? ([25:36])
3. How can you rely more on God's strength and grace in your daily battle against sin? What practical steps can you take to remind yourself of this reliance? ([12:46])
4. In what ways can you support fellow believers in their struggle with sin? Think of one person you can encourage or hold accountable this week. ([37:51])
5. The sermon mentions the importance of recognizing our need for a Savior. How can you cultivate a deeper appreciation for God's grace and Jesus' sacrifice in your daily life? ([14:17])
6. How can you prepare yourself daily for the spiritual battle against sin? What specific actions can you take to "gear up" for this battle each morning? ([26:17])
7. Reflect on the role of the church in your life. How can you contribute to creating a supportive environment where members help each other in their spiritual battles? ([37:51])
Devotional
Day 1: The Law Reveals Our Need for a Savior
The law is spiritual and good, serving as a flashlight that reveals our sinfulness. However, it does not offer a solution to our sin; it merely shows us our need for a Savior. This understanding should lead us to a deeper appreciation of God's grace and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The law exposes our shortcomings and highlights the gap between God's holiness and our sinful nature. It is through this realization that we understand the necessity of Jesus' sacrifice, which bridges that gap and offers us redemption.
Paul's struggle in Romans 7:14-25 illustrates this point vividly. He acknowledges that while he delights in God's law, he is also painfully aware of his inability to fully adhere to it due to his sinful nature. This internal conflict is a common experience for believers, reminding us that the law's primary function is to point us towards Christ, who alone can save us from our sins. [14:17]
Romans 3:20 (ESV): "For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin."
Reflection: How has the law revealed your need for a Savior in your own life? Can you identify specific areas where you have fallen short and need God's grace?
Day 2: The Daily Struggle with Sin
Every believer, including Paul, struggles with sin and failure. This struggle is a sign of our awareness of sin and our desire to live a life pleasing to God. It is a daily battle that requires us to rely on God's strength and grace. The presence of this struggle does not mean we are failing as Christians; rather, it indicates that we are engaged in the spiritual battle that every believer faces.
Paul's candid admission of his own struggles in Romans 7:14-25 serves as an encouragement to us. He describes an internal war where his mind delights in God's law, but his flesh is captive to sin. This ongoing battle is a reality for all believers, reminding us that we must continually depend on God's strength to overcome sin. [12:46]
Galatians 5:17 (ESV): "For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do."
Reflection: What specific sins do you find yourself struggling with on a daily basis? How can you rely more on God's strength and grace to overcome these struggles?
Day 3: The Importance of Hating Sin
We must not grow content with sin in our lives. Instead, we should hate it and actively seek to eradicate it. This involves recognizing the wickedness of sin and its impact on our relationship with God. Apathy towards sin can lead to spiritual stagnation, whereas a genuine hatred for sin propels us towards repentance and transformation.
Paul's cry of "Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?" reflects his deep disdain for sin and his longing for deliverance. This passage encourages us to adopt a similar attitude towards sin, recognizing its destructive nature and striving to remove it from our lives. [25:36]
Psalm 97:10 (ESV): "O you who love the Lord, hate evil! He preserves the lives of his saints; he delivers them from the hand of the wicked."
Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you have become complacent about sin? How can you cultivate a deeper hatred for sin and a stronger desire for holiness?
Day 4: Victory Through Jesus Christ
Despite our ongoing struggle with sin, we have victory through Jesus Christ. His sacrifice on the cross has set us free from the bondage of sin, and we can battle sin with confidence, knowing that we are already victorious in Him. This victory is not based on our own efforts but on the finished work of Christ, which empowers us to live in freedom.
Paul's declaration of gratitude to God through Jesus Christ in Romans 7:25 is a powerful reminder of the victory we have in Christ. Even though we continue to experience the influence of sin, we can face it with confidence, knowing that Jesus has already secured our victory. [34:13]
1 Corinthians 15:57 (ESV): "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."
Reflection: How does knowing that you have victory through Jesus Christ change the way you approach your struggles with sin? What practical steps can you take to live out this victory daily?
Day 5: The Role of the Church in Battling Sin
As a church, we are called to support one another in our battle against sin. This involves encouraging each other, holding each other accountable, and striving together to be more like Christ every day. The community of believers plays a crucial role in helping us grow in our faith and overcome sin.
Paul's words in Romans 7:14-25 highlight the importance of mutual support within the church. By sharing our struggles and victories, we can build each other up and strengthen our collective resolve to live according to God's will. The church is not just a place of worship but a community where we can find the support and encouragement we need to persevere in our spiritual journey. [37:51]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: How can you actively support and encourage others in your church community in their battle against sin? What steps can you take to foster a more supportive and accountable environment within your church?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Despite our sin, he pursues us. Despite what we have done actively against him in rebellion, he pursues us. More faithfully than a coin, we are more valuable than a sheep that has gone astray like a prodigal son. He pursues us. And he does that which we could not do. He made a way when there was not a way. By sending his son to the cross to take our guilt, our shame, our sin, and to die a death that we could never die. So that we might be able to be right with him." [10:56] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We serve an all-righteous, all-holy, all-perfect God. And praise God that we do. We don't serve someone who is just slightly better than us. But we serve someone who is infinitely better than us. And because he is all-perfect, all-righteous, all-holy, he cannot by nature have anything to do with sin. He can't. He's righteous. And so what he does is he justly punishes sin. Justly. Not unjustly, but he justly punishes sin." [10:05] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Wretched man that I am, who will deliver me from this body of death? Paul says, oh my goodness. Who can help? I'm struggling. Who can help me? Is there a solution of any kind? I know that I'm filthy. I know that I'm wretched. But at the same time I know that I've been made new. But at the same time I'm not making much of Jesus as I ought, as I would desire. Who can deliver me from this body of death? And who's the answer? The answer is the only answer. Jesus Christ." [33:43] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The good news, the hope that we have in Jesus is that we have been set free from bondage of sin. It no longer is going to drag us down into Hades. It's no longer going to separate us from being able to worship God as we see and know Him. But at the same time, post Genesis 3, we still have this flesh. We have this old man. We still have this influence." [35:30] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "As believers, we can battle sin with confidence. I know Paul has a lot going on here in Romans 7. I know theologians have a lot to say about the interpretation of Romans 7. There's a lot going on. But one thing that we can know for sure as a believer is we can battle sin with confidence. We don't have to walk up into the battle already feeling defeated. We don't have to do that. Because we have Christ who has set us free." [36:15] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Every believer consistently struggles with sin and failure. I think that might resonate with every single one of us. Now, I mentioned believers specifically because this is a church. I'm speaking to the church, but at the same time, nonbelievers struggle with sin and failure as well, right? The difference is that nonbeliever doesn't recognize sin. Nonbeliever doesn't know what sin is. Maybe they could give you a definition, but they don't understand what it means to be rebellious against an all-holy, all-righteous, all-perfect God." [12:46] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "While in Christ we are no longer bound by sin, that doesn't mean that sin still doesn't have an influence on us. Do you follow me? While in Christ we're no longer bound by sin, which means we have been freed from that. Look at what Paul says in Romans 8, 1 and 2. So we have chapter divisions, but the original New Testament had chapter divisions. Paul would have just kept on writing. He says, There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death." [34:40] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Paul says, For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want. But I do the very thing I hate. Paul says. I can't make sense of it. I just want to know. I just want to love God. I want to make much of him. John 3.30. He must become greater. I must become less. Paul lives by that daily. But yet he's trying to understand. What is happening? How come I'm not able to do so? How come I feel like there's still this sin that's attached to me?" [21:28] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Paul says, We know that the law is spiritual, but I'm of the flesh. I'm sold under sin. Paul reminds us of this argument that he's been making all the time in Romans, leading up even to Romans chapter 7, that there are kind of these two opponents that seem to go against each other. That which is good and spiritual, which is the law, and that which is sinful and bad, which is the flesh. And Paul says that the law is actually spiritual. The law is good." [13:40] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Do you hate sin? Do you hate it? Like not are you okay with it at times? Not are you well I don't enjoy it. But I just accept it as a part of it. As a part of life. No, no, no church. Do you hate sin? Do you truly desire to be more and more like Christ in every single way? Not willing to give an inch to Satan? Or are you at a point where you're just content with some of the sin in your life? Whether it's open sin or whether it's some of these secret sins that oftentimes we hold on to. And we think I'll just take that to my grave. No one has to know. Do you hate sin?" [25:36] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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