Today’s Devotional Theme What Do You Really Want?
Daily ScriptureRomans 7:14-15
“For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold under sin. For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.”
Encouragement
Free will is a remarkable gift God has given mankind. We can really do almost anything we want. Some things I don’t want to do – and obviously won’t, like jumping in front of a freight train. I can think of many other slightly more rational things I don’t want to do, but do anyway. Example: Getting mad at a rude driver who whips in front of me and slams on his brakes to make a turn. We are all slaves to certain sins, usually because we’re addicted to a bad habit. We know God hates pornography, yet many Christians are addicted to titillating websites. What Christian counselor hasn’t heard the words, “I really don’t want to indulge in pornography. But I just can’t stop.” A counselor might respond, “Do you really want to stop?” Common answer: “Yes, but you don’t understand The urge to drool over that stuff is too strong.” Here’s a truth that hurts: “Yes, we can stop. When we tie our will to God’s will for us, the Holy Spirit gives us the strength to stop.
Apply God’s Word
Paul freely admits that in his flesh he is a slave to sin. He goes further to point out in Romans 7:21-24 that even the law by itself lacks to force to help him stop sinning. The upshot, however, is Romans 8:1, “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.” Yes! The Holy Spirit gives us the power to stop our bad habits. That’s one of God’s innumerable benefits. God’s great grace avails His Spirit. But it’s not automatic. We, God’s people, must tie our will to His to release the Spirit’s supernatural power into our lives. Am I fully victorious? Honestly, no. But I no longer lament that I “just can’t stop.” When I want to stop badly enough, when the fleshly enjoyment I get out of plunging ahead becomes a stench in my nostrils instead of a drive to keep getting mad at rude drivers and making nasty comments, I’ll keep doing it.
Come into His Presence
Lord God, like Paul I’m a wretched man. But with the continual urging of Your Spirit, I’m determined not to stay wretched. We know that wretchedness and holiness are water and gasoline in our lives. They never will mix. Thank You for the work of Your Spirit! In Jesus' Name, amen.
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