Series: Action [#131]
THE CURE- BATTLING SELF
Romans 7:1-25
Introduction:
This morning we are going to talk about something that I know a lot about- Fighting. Now, before you judge me, most of you are really good at fighting as well. Whether it’s physically fighting, (like my brother and I use to) or it’s verbally fighting; probably all of us are proficient at it. We are going to look at what seems like an unusual fight; but most likely is the fight we fight the most often- The fight against ourselves.
Romans 7:1-6
This inward battle that goes on in many of our lives is based on this illustration. Before Christ, people were married to the Law. The Law was what the Jews were to live by; but that didn’t go so well for them. Through Jesus Christ, the Law dies; and we are to be devoted to Jesus. Paul uses the illustration of a woman remarrying after her husband dies.
Romans 7:7-13
Before we begin to think that Law is evil, I want to remind you that without the Law we would not know what is sinful. The Law is our school master. The Law shows us how we should live. The Law also shows us how evil we are. This battle between living holy and being evil is waged because of the distinct differences between obedience and disobedience to God and His Word.
Romans 7:14
I’m fighting…
1. Problems.
Paul has a problem- He is not living like a Christian should. His problem is himself. How many of you are your biggest problem?
Romans 7:15-16
I’m fighting…
2. Confusion.
Paul is confused. He doesn’t understand why he continues to do the opposite of what he is supposed to be doing. Does that sound familiar? It’s almost like you are watching someone in your skin mess up.
Romans 7:17-20
I’m fighting…
3. Frustration.
Paul is so frustrated with his life. He says, “There is nothing good that lives in me.” He had good intentions of doing the right thing; but it just wasn’t happening. There was sin living in him that was causing all of his issues. How many of you have tried to have “will power” not to do something sinful; but you just can’t make it?
Romans 7:21-23
I’m fighting…
4. Defeat.
Paul is tired. He just can’t win this inner battle between his flesh and the Spirit. I can speak from personal experience- It gets tiring to just struggle and struggle and struggle with sin. It often seems like it is the same sins that defeat us.
Romans 7:24
I’m fighting…
5. Being stuck.
Paul feels trapped. He doesn’t know what to do or where to turn. Many of us have hit this point of just wanting to be rescued from yourself. This is what I call hitting bottom.
Conclusion:
As we come to the end of this chapter, I want to point out that Paul talked about himself, his failures, and his pains through this entire chapter. Not only do I realize how horrible Paul was; but I realize that I’m no better. And then, there is this verse that solves it all.
Romans 7:25
The answer to this fight within is Jesus Christ.
