How has your week gone? Have any of you sinned since last Sunday when you went to church in person or online? I have. I even confessed one of my sins on Wednesday night as part of an illustration in our church prayer meeting. If you have had a week like me where you have sinned or had some other difficulties, there is good news for those who struggled this week.
Sin Happens – O Wretched Man that I Am!
I think it is interesting what we learn from Romans 7 regarding Paul’s own sin.
For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do. If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good. But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. (Rom 7:15-20)
Did you read Paul’s struggle? He sins when he does not want to do so. Two different kinds of sin. He commits sin even when he does not want to do so. Plus, he does not do some things that would honor God that he does desire to do.
The problem? He struggles just like you and me. Your struggle and my struggle this week are hardly any different on this level than the Apostle Paul’s. You sin when you do not want to sin. You choose not to do good when you want to do so.
Paul’s summary of this event:
O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin.
Great News In Christ
Paul continues with another one-verse summary of God’s take on our struggle. Here it is:
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. (Rom 8:1)
If you are a follower of Jesus Christ and have been saved, then Paul reminds you of the great news, “There is therefore now no condemnation.” Praise the Lord for that!
I’ve written about this earlier this week here, here, here, and here if you want to read more.
Regardless of Your Week, God Awaits Your Worship Today
Regardless of whatever you have done, whatever your struggle has been, or however your emotions have struggled with your sin and relationship with God, God awaits your worship today. This is good news for those who struggled this week. You can worship today without any condemnation. Jesus took God’s wrath for your sin; you can enjoy worship today as those who have been justified in Jesus Christ.
So however you feel today…
Whatever you have done this week…
Wherever you have been discouraged…
God awaits your worship today as one who is under no condemnation.
God willingly awaits your fellowship as you understand your relationship in Christ and prepare for worship today.
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KevinCarson.com | Wisdom for Life in Christ Together