A Slave, But Whose?

I AM a slave, but to Whom?

Romans 7:14 – 8:17

Introduction:

As we read the Text from Romans earlier, did any of you feel like I did that Paul was talking about you. I struggle everyday with the desires of my flesh, like my love for food, and my tendency to be selfish and rude. Praise the Lord that He has given me victory in many areas of my life, but it is still a struggle.

The truth of the matter is this.

You will be a slave to Sin or to the Lord.

The only question is Which one will you serve?

I. See the Problem

• What we want to do, we don’t

• What we despise, we do anyway

• We feel helpless against sin

*** Tommy Lasorda the former Los Angeles Dodgers manager describes his battle with bad habits: "I took a pack of cigarettes from my pocket, stared at it and said, "Who’s stronger, you or me?" The answer was me. I stopped smoking. Then I took a vodka martini and said to it, "Who’s stronger, you or me?" Again the answer was me. I quit drinking. Then I went on a diet. I looked at a big plate of linguine with clam sauce and said, "Who’s stronger, you or me?" And a little clam looked up at me and answered, "I am." I can’t beat linguine. **

II. Envision the Solution

• There is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.

• This is the ONLY solution

• John 14: 6Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.

• Acts 14:12

12There is salvation in no one else! There is no other name in all of heaven for people to call on to save them.”

III. Claim the Promise

• You do not have to be controlled by your sinful nature

• We can be victorious over temptation and sin.

• You have no obligation whatsoever to do what your sinful nature urges you to do

• Our victory is not in our strength, but in God’s hand.

Conclusion:

School is starting again soon. You will either be a slave to your peers and people that want to steer you wrong, or you can be a slave to God and have success.

Adults, at work and in life, you will either be a slave to power and prestige or you will be a slave to God.

What is your choice?