Romans 16:1-27 A Final Warning

...Now I urge you, brethren, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them. For such men are slaves, not of our Lord Christ but of their own appetites; and by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting. For the report of your obedience has reached to all; therefore I am rejoicing over you, but I want you to be wise in what is good and innocent in what is evil. The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you. ...To the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, be the glory forever. Amen.Romans 16:1-27 NASB

In this closing chapter of Romans, Paul sends personal greetings to many of the people in Rome. In the middle of these greetings, he takes time out for one last warning to the church.

It seems almost inevitable that wolves will try to sneak in among the sheep. This is so because Satan wants the church to fail. He will do everything he can to kill, to steal, and to destroy God's work.

We who are mature in the faith ought to watch over and help those who are younger or weaker in the faith.

It is up to us to recognize those in our midst who are stirring up trouble. They may use a variety of tactics to create dissension, such as gossip and backbiting. They may more subtly try to create doubt in the word of God, or in the other believers. They may entice vulnerable people into compromising their faith.

The manipulations of the enemy are endless, and it is impossible to know every tactic he will employ, but that should not frighten us, or cause us consternation.

The U.S. treasury department trains agents to spot counterfeit bills. Knowing that they can't possibly predict every potential counterfeit method, they are trained to recognize every detail of an authentic bill. Anything that does not match the original is counterfeit.

In the same way, we do not need to study all ways in which the church might be deceived. If you spend all of your time studying cults and what they believe, you can become confused and entangled in the very thing you are trying to protect yourself from. And who among us needs to be well versed in all the ways of sin?

As Paul said, "but I want you to be wise in what is good and innocent in what is evil."

Study the Bible to know what is true. We know that whatever is contrary to Scripture is false, whether that be a false teaching or wrong behavior.

Pray.

Get to know God a very personal level. Spend some quiet time in your prayers and learn to hear his voice. Jesus said, "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me" [John 10:27]. He will speak to your spirit and bear witness when something is not right in the spiritual world around you. Listen to Him, and He will keep your paths straight and clear.

If you are a younger Christian, or you have never been taught to rely on God, don't be ashamed to ask a more experienced believer for guidance. Do be careful to ask somebody whose example you know and trust, and who is trusted by others.

Also remember, it is not your job to defeat Satan. We are not called to take the battle to him. Ephesians 6:13 says, "Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm." [Ephesians 6:13]. We are not told to take up the armor of God so that we can storm the gates of hell. Rather, we are to be prepared, so that when the devil comes against us, we can continue to stand.

God will be the one to crush Satan. To the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, be the glory forever. Amen.

Romans 15:8-33 Spiritual Growth

...Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.  And concerning you, my brethren, I myself also am convinced that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able also to admonish one another. ...Now I urge you, brethren, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God for me, ...Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.Romans 15:8‭-‬33 NASB

 Romans 8:4-5 says, "The requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.

We are now being addressed with respect, with the assumption that we are walking in the Spirit.

We receive the blessing of joy and peace by the power of the Holy Spirit. As we walk in the Spirit, joy and peace will become a part of our life. We are told in Galatians, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law." [Galatians 5:22-23]

As you walk in the Spirit and grow closer to God, you will find that the fruit of the Spirit will become more obvious in your life, and the works of the flesh will fall away.

Coming to Christ doesn't mean that all of our faults will instantly vanish, and all of our doubts will disappear. Sanctification is a life-long process of growth. A baby doesn't become a mature adult in a day. In the same way, a newborn believer in Jesus needs time to mature. We help each other mature by admonishing and teaching one another.

"Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God."[Colossians 3:16 NASB]

Sometimes we need to warn (admonish) one another. And we can do so, because we have the Spirit of Christ in us, and He gives what we need. Jesus told us in John 14:26 “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you."

We learn from the Holy Spirit, and we share with one another what we have learned. 

We don't have to rely on a priesthood to tell us about God. We can know Him for ourselves. His plan for the church is that all of the believers will grow in him, and each of us will help the others along the way.

Romans 14:1-15:7 Grey Areas

Now accept the one who is weak in faith, but not for the purpose of passing judgment on his opinions. One person has faith that he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats vegetables only. ...Who are you to judge the servant of another? To his own master he stands or falls; and he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand.  One person regards one day above another, another regards every day alike. Each person must be fully convinced in his own mind. ...But you, why do you judge your brother? Or you again, why do you regard your brother with contempt? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. ...Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this-not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother's way. I know and am convinced in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself; but to him who thinks anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. ...The faith which you have, have as your own conviction before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves. But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and whatever is not from faith is sin. ...Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves. ...Therefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God.Romans 14:1-15:7 NASB

In the first century, it was common for animals to be sacrificed in temples to idols. The meat was then sold at the meat market. So any meat you would buy in the market may have been sacrificed to an idol.

As a result, many Christians of the day proclaimed that eating meat was the same as idolatry, and therefore, a sin.  They were at odds with other Christians who believed that, as long as they didn't worship the idol, it didn't matter if they ate the meat.

Romans 14 makes it clear that the eating of meat is not sinful, nor is the abstaining from meat holy. Rather, "whatever is not from faith is sin." If you have faith to eat meat, then for you it is not sinful, if you do not have faith to eat meat, then for you it is sinful.

Fast forward a couple thousand years, and we have our own issues.

In the 1970's, many churches taught that Rock and Roll music was sinful. It had no place in the church because the words were irrelevant. The beat, they said, was derived from African pagan rituals, and the driving beat was demonic. Today, most of those same churches play that beat at every Sunday morning worship service. For those who believed it was sin, it was indeed sinful. But a new generation arose that believed that the music was a gift from God, and could be used to glorify Him. Because of their faith, it became a part of our 21st century Christian culture.

Just recently, I read that many church leaders believe that yoga is sinful because it derives from eastern religion. They say that it doesn't matter if you practice the religion. The positions themselves have a meaning, and invite demons into your life. Christian practitioners of yoga say that, stripped of the eastern religious practices, yoga is just good exercise. For those who believe that yoga is a sin, to them it is sinful. To those who have faith believe that yoga is not a sin, to them it is not a sin.

There are things that the Bible clearly says are sinful: idolatry, sexual immorality, drunkenness, stealing, and such. They are black and white. But there are also many "grey areas".

Many of the rules and regulations we have in churches are merely man's attempt to enforce a form of righteousness, while denying the power of the Holy Spirit to work righteousness in each one of us.

We are under the New Covenant. Hebrew 10:16 says, "This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the  Lord: I will put  my laws upon their heart, and on their mind I will write them,"

Righteousness cannot be enforced by church rules. It comes from God by grace through faith. If we allow him, He will teach each one of us right from wrong.

Rituals cannot replace the freedom of the Holy Spirit. Jesus said, “God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” [John 4:24]. Don't try to replace spirit and truth with rituals and regulations.

At the same time, those who are strong in the faith need to account for those who are weak in the faith. If my sitting with my legs crossed reminds a weak believer of a yoga lotus position, and they are tempted to violate their conscience by emulating me, then I will sit upright in a chair.

1 Corinthians 10:23 says, "All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful, but not all things edify." [1 Corinthians 10:23]

Some believers like to have a little wine or a beer in the evening. If you like a drink of wine, but are aware of a fellow believer who believes all alcohol is sinful, it will be better to avoid drinking wine in public if that believer may see you and be tempted to drink.

Adopt the attitude of the apostle Paul, who says, "Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no offense either to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God; just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit but the profit of the many, so that they may be saved." [1 Corinthians 10:31-33]

You have great freedom in Christ, but do not use that freedom to the harm of another Christian. It is better to deny yourself, so that you can build your brother up and help him to grow in the faith. It is simply an act of love.

Romans 13.11-14 Proper Behavior

Do this, knowing the time, that it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep; for now salvation is nearer to us than when we believed. The night is almost gone, and the day is near. Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts.
Romans 13:11‭-‬14 NASB

The Christian life is full of hope. We hope to spend an eternity with God in Heaven. We hope that we will live to see Jesus return and gather us to Himself. "But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened  and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers that are in the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the  son of man coming in clouds with great power and glory. And then He will send forth the angels, and will gather together His elect from the four winds, from the farthest end of the earth to the farthest end of heaven." [Mark 13:24-27]. 

And if we die before His return, we hope to be resurrected into a new body. "Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. [1 Corinthian 15:51-52]."

This hope should serve to keep us alert, and focused on behaving as we should.

The way to overcome sin is: don't try to overcome sin. Any effort on your part to overcome the flesh, is itself an act of the flesh. The more you focus on overcoming sin, the more you think about the sin, and the more likely you are to stumble.

To lay aside the deeds of darkness, put on the armor of light. Just as light dispels darkness, so the Holy Spirit will dispel the works of the flesh.

Put another way, "put on the the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh." Jesus is our armor of light.

Jesus said, "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me." [John 15:4]. 

Abiding in Christ is not praying in the morning, doing a devotional, and then going about your day. It means to take up residence with Him. Jesus said, "Abide in me, and I in you." When we are saved, we are promised that His Spirit will dwell inside of us. Jesus abides in you. He doesn't come and go. He doesn't check in on you once in a while. He is always there, and He is always aware of you.

In the same way, we need to abide in Christ. We need to give Him our attention all day long, every day, no matter what we are doing. We need to always be aware of Him; always turning our mind towards Him. That is what it means to abide in Him. When you abide in Him, you are walking in the Spirit.

Don't think that it is too hard. It takes practice. If you get distracted, there is no condemnation, just turn your mind back to Him. If you keep at it, you will form a habit of being aware of God at all times.

This is what it means to "put on the Lord Jesus Christ". He is our armor against the darkness. He will overcome the deeds of the flesh in you, if you let Him.

Romans 13.1-10 Governing Authorities

Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. ...For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil. ...Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor. Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. ...Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.
Romans 13:1‭-10 NASB

Let's take a look at the historical context of the book of Romans. Nero was the emperor of Rome. Religious persecution was not only tolerated under Roman rule, it was often instigated by the government. Only recently, under the rule of Claudius, all of the Jews, whether Christian or non-Christian, were expelled from Rome. They were only recently allowed to return after the death of Claudius.

Paul suffered many persecutions, not just from religious leaders of the Jews, but from the local Roman governments. Roman justice was sadistic. Punishments included floggings, beheadings and crucifixions.

It was into this environment that Paul said, "Be in subjection to the governing authorities." In verse 2 he says, "Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves."

Having just spent several chapters telling us to live by faith and not by the law, Paul is now essentially telling us to obey the law. This is not a contradiction. We cannot please God through works of the law, but we are to live our lives in peace by obeying the law of the land.

You may or may not like particular political leaders. Whether you agree with them or not, God wants you to honor them for the office they hold. After all, "there is no authority except from God."

In the United States, we have the freedom to speak our mind if we disagree with our leaders. I say, express your opinion respectfully. Name calling and belittling those with whom you disagree will not win your argument. Rather, it makes you appear to be both arrogant and ignorant.

We also have the right to vote. A vote for a righteous candidate makes an eloquent statement.

Keep in mind that there are many parts of the world where people don't have these rights. Speaking against certain governments is considered treason, and is punished by imprisonment. In countries where dictators rule, the dictator's word is law, and failure to obey that law can have dire consequences. Still, we are told be be subject to government authorities.

Here in the United States we are seeing laws pass that some consider hard to follow. For example, non-discriminatory laws have passed that require Christian service business to serve homosexual couples, even though we believe that homosexuality is a sin. We, of course, rise up in indignation at this violation of our conscience. We try to explain that we don't hate the sinner, we hate the sin. But the world can't see the distinction. All they see is a self-righteous church that is rejecting them. Think for a moment - who did Jesus sit and eat with (Matthew 9:10)?

I agree that Christians are being discriminated against in such laws. It seems the feelings and rights of Christians are disregarded for the sake of others. To put it bluntly: suck it up! Consorting with people who make you uncomfortable is not the same as denying Christ. "I wrote you in my letter not to associate with immoral people; I did not at all mean with the immoral people of this world, or with the covetous and swindlers, or with idolaters, for then you would have to go out of the world. But actually, I wrote to you not to associate with any so-called brother if he is an immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler—not even to eat with such a one. For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Do you not judge those who are within the church?" [1 Corinthians 5:9-12]

We who are Christians have no business judging the people of the world. We will not win them to Christ by condemning them, but by loving them the way they are.

Let me ask: did you have to change and become a righteous person before you came to Christ? No! Of course not. Why then, do we expect sinners to come to Christ by distancing ourselves from them, and telling them they have to straighten out. If we love them and associate with them, we may be able to introduce them to Jesus. Then we can let the Holy Spirit teach them to be the person He wants them to be, just as he is teaching me and you.

Romans 12.14-21 Vengeance

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. ...If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord."But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.Romans 12:14‭-‬21 NASB

I enjoy watching a good crime mystery on TV. There's something satisfying about seeing the smarmy, arrogant villain get his in the end. Life, however, is not like TV. The good guys don't have all he answers, and the villain often gets away it.

Some of us are touched by violent crime, but most of us - at least in the United States - face lesser forms of villainy. A co-worker who makes snide remarks; a friend who spreads malicious gossip; a boss who makes your life miserable; a bully who has picked you to be his target.

The natural, human response to any situation in which you are the victim is to fight back. Lash out with angry words; try to get that co-worker fired; hire Liam Neeson to come in and beat them into submission (maybe not).

But how does the Bible tell us to respond to bullies? By blessing them. Counter to all of our human drives, we are to bless those who persecute us. No cursing. Don't pray that God will bring them down. Pray that God will bless them.

Remember, your personal bully is lost, just as you once were. What they need is not vengeance, but salvation. They need to have the Holy Spirit in their life to change them from a hateful bully to a loving servant. Yes, God can do that, and He wants to do that.

Want to make things even more awkward? Go beyond praying for God's blessings and be nice to your enemies. Is he hungry? Feed him. Is he thirsty? Give him a drink. If you see that your enemy has a need, do what you can to meet that need. Who knows if these acts of kindness will turn his heart toward God.

What if, in spite of your prayers, blessings, and acts of kindness, your enemy doesn't change? Some people are prone to dig in their heals, reject God, and rain terror down upon every person they can.

Our response doesn't change. Continue to be a blessing in honor of Jesus.

But, perhaps it is a consolation that, one day, they will pay for their crimes. They will face the wrath of God. By doing good to those who torment you, you are heaping burning coals on their head.

If you allow yourself the luxury of revenge, you will become like your enemy. You will have been overcome by evil. The way to overcome evil is not by revenge, but by doing good.

Romans 12.11 Service to God

...not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;Romans 12:11 NASB

 "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might." [Ecclesiastes 9:10 NASB].

How do you serve the Lord? What is your gifting? What has He called you to do? The best way to know God's calling is to spend time with Him in prayer. Listen for the inner prompting of the Holy Spirit. And be patient. God will reveal Himself to you, if you seek Him with a sincere heart.

You can search online for spiritual gift assessments or surveys. These can be useful in helping you to sort your thoughts or define your strengths. But in the end, it is the voice of God speaking to your spirit that you need to hear.

Once you know what your calling is, then what? Let's say you discover that you have the gifts associated with a pastor. In prayer, you believe that God is confirming to your spirit that He is calling you to be a pastor.

Does this mean that you should run out and start up a church so that you can be its pastor? Unless you have received a very clear, confirmed word from God to do so, the answer is no.

I will assume you are part of a church. Get involved. Be useful. Talk to the church leadership and find out what kind of training and/or experience is necessary to fulfill your gift.

If you find that you have a gift such as the gift of prophecy or healing, you may find that your gift is not welcome in some fellowships. With God's direction, and with much prayer, you may need to find a fellowship of believers who will receive your gift, and can help you grow and be trained in your gifting.

If you are new to a church, don't expect to come in like a gang buster, dazzling the congregation with awesomeness that is you. Be patient and humble. Serve where you can, and let your reputation follow.

Often with God's calling, there is a time of waiting. Everything will happen as it is supposed to, when He wants it. Not necessarily when we want it. So, if God wants you to wait, be diligent and fervent in your waiting. Don't think of it as lost time, but take advantage of the time to pray and study the Scriptures. Develop your relationship with God while it's quiet. Prepare yourself for your service to God.

Wherever you are in your service to God, whatever He's called you to do whether you are active or preparing to be active, do it with all your might.

Romans 12.9,17 Righteousness

Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. ...Respect what is right in the sight of all men.Romans 12:9‭,17 NASB

 The simple - and obvious - definition of righteousness is doing what is right. Even more simply - and obviously - God wants us to be good.

But, what does it mean to be good? Is it obeying the law? Following the rules? No. Any attempt to be righteous by following the rules is an act of the flesh, which is to say, an act of your own will. It has been firmly established in the book of Romans that no one is able to be good by their own will (See Romans 7).

So what then? We follow the teaching of Romans 8 to walk in the spirit. Galatians 5.16 says, "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh."

What about temptations? The devil is real, and he "prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." (1 Peter 5:8). But, "greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world." (1 John 4:4)

Yes, temptations can be strong and hard to overcome. Many a Christian has sat on the couch with fists clenched, and knuckles white in a effort to resist the temptation to sin. But, again, this is an act of the flesh. The more you fight, the more power you give to your flesh for sin.

But, what does the Bible say? "Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you." (James 4:7-8). You resist the devil by drawing near to God.

And not all temptation is from the devil. James 1:14,15 says, "But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death."

When you give in to temptation, you have to mentally turn your back towards God, and pretend that He doesn't see what you are doing. You make the choice to not think about Him, but to think instead about the lust, or hate, or fear, or desire that is tempting you.

Try this: when you are tempted, don't even try to resist. Acknowledge the temptation, and pray. Let God know that you are being tempted, and ask for His strength. Worship Him. Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.

Turn the focus of your mind on Jesus. Experience His presence. He lives within you, so He is with you always, even in temptation. If you are in the Spirit, you will not give in to the flesh.

With practice, you can keep your focus on Jesus throughout the day, even when you are involved in other activities. You can experience His presence all day long, every day. This is called walking in the Spirit. And it is in the Spirit that you overcome the flesh.

Romans 12.9-16 Relationships

Let love be without hypocrisy. ...Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; ...contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality. ...Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation.Romans 12:9-16 NASB

Starting in Romans 12.9, we are presented with a series of instructions for how to live a Christian life.

We will spend a few days within these verses, examining the the themes that are presented.

The various themes are:

• Relationships within the church
• Righteousness
• Service to God
• Devotion to God
• Forgiveness

The first of these themes that we are presented with involves relationships. There happen to be more than twice as many references to relationships than any other theme in this passage.

When it comes to love you can't "fake it 'til you make it". It is either sincere, or it is false. It is better to be honest with someone than to feign affection. That said, we are commanded to love one another. Jesus said, “This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you." [John 15:12]

You may say, "But I can't just choose to love someone. Especially if I don't see anything in them to love." But I say, "Yes you can." Love is a choice, not some Hollywood drama. Think of love as a verb. It is something that you do. Remember, Jesus wouldn't have commanded it if it wasn't possible.

Perhaps you don't feel the emotion of affection for someone. You can still show brotherly love in your attitude by giving preference to others first, before yourself. If you see that someone has a need that you can fill, then fill it.

When something good happens to another, don't act jealous and cruel, but rejoice with them. Conversely, if something bad happens, don't gloat or say "It's about time they got theirs". Instead show empathy with them.

Verse 16 says, "Be of the same mind toward one another." This does not mean that we are supposed to think the same thing. We are being told to regard people the same regardless of their station in life. "Do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly." The millionaire is not better than the pauper. Neither is the pauper more noble than the millionaire. God has a place for each, and we are to treat them with equal respect.

And do not think of yourself as "The Wise One". In other words, don't be unteachable. Accept the wisdom of others, and be willing to learn from others. There is more wisdom in listening than there is in speaking.

These acts of love will likely lead you to true affection. But it starts with a choice, followed by an action.

Romans 12.3-8 Spiritual Gifts to the Church

For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith. For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching; or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.Romans 12:3‭-‬8 NASB

You have a gift. Whether you have ever realized it or not, you have a gift from God so that you can use it to bless the church.

For some, this is no surprise. In fact, verse 3 above addresses the attitude that says, "I have a spectacular gift. Watch me. Sit back and wonder, you mortals, for I am gifted." To which God says, "Don't think more highly of yourself than you ought to think."

God has given each one of us a measure of faith to use our gifts for the collective good of the church.

Faith is an unusual attribute. It is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5.22). So the closer you draw near to God, the greater will be your faith. It is also a gift (1 Corinthians 12.9). This is different from the fruit of the Spirit, in that God gives a supernatural measure of faith for any given circumstance. You may have experienced this gift if you have prayed, and you know with absolute certainty that it is answered.

The faith spoken of here is neither the fruit of the Spirit, nor the gift of faith. It is a measure of faith that God gives each of us to fulfill our gifts.

This is not measured in terms of greater faith or lesser faith, but only what is needed for the task.

Has God given you faith to hear His prophetic voice? Then exercise the gift of prophecy. Perhaps you get the greatest joy and fulfillment from serving others. You like working in the background, making sure needs are met, and others can use their gifts. Then God has given you the gift of service.

God gives faith for teaching, exhortation (giving words of encouragement). Do you have a gift for earning money? It is for the gift of giving liberally. God also give faith for those who are leaders, and for those who show mercy (that is, to help one who is afflicted, either with illness or circumstance).

The gifts of prophecy and teaching are not greater than the gifts of service and mercy. If you are fulfilling God's gift to you by serving others, your gift is no less than the one who stands before the church and speaks prophetic words.

If you have the gift of giving, God may have allowed you to earn great amounts of money so that you can give freely. Even if you personally give more than half the money the church receives, it does not make you better than the person who is only able drop a dollar in the offering. It is God who give the faith for your gift.

It is like your body. The hand isn't greater than the foot. The eye isn't greater than the ear, and the ear isn't greater than the eye. Rather, each functions as it was designed.

So in the body Christ. None of us is greater than the other. Neither are you lesser. We are each placed according to God's design. You can prove His will by fulfilling your gifts.

Romans 12.1-2 Renew Your Mind

Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.Romans 12:1‭-‬2 NASB

In the first century, when this was written, there were many religions. A common denominator between Judaism and the other religions was animal sacrifice. In fact, there were meat markets where all the meat was first sacrificed to a pagan god. So all of the early readers were familiar with the concept of sacrifice that required a death.

Therefore, when the apostle Paul tells the Romans to present their bodies as a sacrifice, he is careful to specify that they are a living sacrifice. We wouldn't want an overzealous young Christian to drive a dagger through his heart (or anyone else's).

Jesus was sacrificed on the cross, and paid the price for your sin. Now, God is telling you to make a sacrifice of your own body, by keeping it holy for Him.

For your body to be holy, you need to renew your mind.

Let me make it clear. You need to renew your mind. If you sit back and wait for God to finally, miraculously, renew your mind for you, you will be disappointed. If God did it for you, it would negate your free will, and it wouldn't be a sacrifice.

For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so,
Romans 8:3‭-‬7 NASB

Simply put, if you set your mind on the things of the world, you will be conformed to the image of the world. If you set your mind on God, you will be transformed by the Spirit of God into His image.

This is true because the Spirit of God dwells within you. He only awaits your attention, and He will make Himself known to Your Spirit.

There is a small book called "The Practice of the Presence of God" by Brother Lawrence. He describes “practicing the presence of God in one single act that does not end.”

Imagine for a moment that you are in a room with someone you love, whether that be a spouse, child, sibling, parent or friend. When you talk to your friend, you are giving them your full attention. But, if you are in the same room, but involved in separate activities, your mind isn't focused on him. Perhaps you are reading a book, watching TV, or surfing the web. But, you are still aware of your friend in the room. There is a physical presence in the room with you. They don't go away just because you start washing the dishes.

Through the Holy Spirit, Jesus is always in the room with you. Even closer, He is inside you, joined with your spirit. Because you don't see a physical presence, it's easy to forget that He is there. But He hasn't gone away, just because your attention is diverted.

So, His presence is always with you. Be aware of Him. You can read a book, and be aware of His presence. You can do chores, talk to a friend, watch TV, mow the lawn, go to work, and remain aware of His presence.

Just as you are aware of the presence of a passenger in the car when you drive, you can be aware of the presence of God in your heart.

Don't be discouraged if it isn't easy at first. Just start thinking of Him again, and move on. There is no condemnation. Eventually, it becomes a habit to keep your awareness of God in all things.

I find that if I start the day by setting aside time for prayer and Bible study, it sets the tone for the day, and makes it easier to be aware of His presence throughout all of the day's activities.

Roman 11.1-36 Israel

I say then, God has not rejected His people, has He? May it never be! For I too am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. God has not rejected His people whom He foreknew. ...I say then, they did not stumble so as to fall, did they? May it never be! But by their transgression salvation has come to the Gentiles, to make them jealous. Now if their transgression is riches for the world and their failure is riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their fulfillment be! ...For if their rejection is the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead? ...You will say then, "Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in." Quite right, they were broken off for their unbelief, but you stand by your faith. Do not be conceited, but fear; for if God did not spare the natural branches, He will not spare you, either. ...For I do not want you, brethren, to be uninformed of this mystery-so that you will not be wise in your own estimation-that a partial hardening has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in; and so all Israel will be saved; just as it is written, "The  deliverer will come from Zion, he will remove ungodliness from Jacob." ...From the standpoint of the gospel they are enemies for your sake, but from the standpoint of God's choice they are beloved for the sake of the fathers.Romans 11:1‭-36 NASB

 It was stated before, and is now reaffirmed: God has not rejected Israel. In the previous chapters, a contrast is drawn between the Law of Moses as practiced by Israel, and the grace which was received by the gentiles. The fact that the Israel has overwhelmingly rejected Jesus does not mean that God has rejected them.

I have personally known people who express this attitude, that the Jews have rejected Christ, and are therefore cursed, and worthy of contempt.

But what does the Bible say? Even though they oppose the gospel, they are beloved by God.

He tells us that a remnant of Israel believe in Jesus. There has always been a remnant who believe. For now, a partial hardening has happened to Israel. But He foretells that, one day, all of Israel will be saved.

This word comes with a warning to gentiles. It is true that, for a season, Israel has been cut off for their unbelief, just as a branch is cut off a tree.

We, as gentiles are like wild branches which have been grafted into the cultivated tree. We should, therefore, recognize the Jewish roots of our faith, and honor them.

Also, there is no room for boasting. He makes it clear that, if natural branches were broken off, how much more will we be broken off if we are arrogant and disrespectful.

There is no room for antisemitism in the Christian faith.

Pray for Israel. Pray for safe borders, and for the salvation of her people. Psalm 122.6 says, "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: 'May they prosper who love you. May peace be within your walls, And prosperity within your palaces.'”

Romans 10:1-21 The End of the Law

Brethren, my heart's desire and my prayer to God for them is for their salvation... For not knowing about God's righteousness and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. For Moses writes that the man who practices the righteousness which is based on law shall live by that righteousness... if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. For the Scripture says, " whoever believes in him will not be disappointed ." For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him;... However, they did not all heed the good news; for Isaiah says, " Lord , who has believed our report ?" So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.Romans 10:1-21

Israel rejected the gift of grace offered through Jesus, and chose instead to continue following the Law of Moses.

The problem with the Law, as with any religion with its rules and rituals, is that it is impossible to be 100% perfect in the letter of the law. It is written in James 2.10-11, "For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all. For He who said, “DO NOT COMMIT ADULTERY,” also said, “DO NOT COMMIT MURDER.” Now if you do not commit adultery, but do commit murder, you have become a transgressor of the law."

This has nothing to do with desire or motivation. Israel had a great zeal for God. Their desire was to be righteous. But as it says in verse 3, in seeking to establish their own righteousness, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God.

But Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.

God doesn't want us to play by the rules. He wants us to walk in the Spirit. The righteousness of a Spirit filled believer is greater than that of any who follows the rules.

Perhaps you were raised in a tradition that says something like, "You must pray at least one hour a day", implying that if you don't, you're not spiritual, and not a "good Christian". But when talking with God becomes a chore to be completed, then the act becomes carnal. Even prayer, if done without faith, or with the wrong motives, can become a sin.

Or, you may have heard, "You must not drink, gamble, carouse, or do any other thing of which we disapprove." The quickest way to drive a young person to drink is to tell him he can't do it. There's no getting around the fact that we have a rebellious nature. 

What's sad is that generation after generation of young people grow up with these rules and prove that they can't keep them. Then they mature into adults and pass the same rules down to their children.

But true righteousness before God doesn't come from "doing the right thing". It comes from faith. Salvation is a gift which cannot be earned - only received. How is it received? Through confession and faith. "If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved."

From that point forward the Christian life is lived the same way: not by rules, but by faith.

Romans 9.1-33 Israel and the Law

For I could wish that I myself were accursed, separated from Christ for the sake of my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh, who are Israelites, to whom belongs the adoption as sons, and the glory and the covenants and the giving of the Law and the temple service and the promises, whose are the fathers, and from whom is the Christ according to the flesh, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen.... But it is not as though the word of God has failed. For they are not all Israel who are descended from Israel; nor are they all children because they are Abraham's descendants, but: "through Isaac your  descendants will be named."... What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, attained righteousness, even the righteousness which is by faith; but Israel, pursuing a law of righteousness, did not arrive at that law. Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as though it were by works... 

Romans 9:1-33 NASB

 At this point, the apostle Paul is addressing gentiles concerning the Jews. He begins by identifying with his fellow Jews.

Israel is described as having a special place in God's plan for this world. They are the first to be adopted into God's family. It was to Israel that God revealed His glory. He made covenants and gave them the Law with the temple service. It was to Israel that God promised the messiah. And it was from Israel that we receive Jesus Christ in the flesh.

It is heartbreaking that Israel, as a people, rejected Jesus as their Messiah.

Yet, through their rejection, we gentiles received the preaching of the gospel, and were saved.

In the end, the issue became one of works versus faith.

The gentiles, who didn't have the law, were more receptive to the gospel of grace through faith.

Israel's identity is tied up with the Law of Moses. Accepting Jesus means trusting in grace and faith instead of following the law.

This does not mean that God is through with Israel. Nor does it mean that Jews are enemies of Christians. After all, we owe our heritage to them. It simply means that - for a season - Israel has rejected Jesus as Messiah.

Romans 8.31-39 Endure Hardships

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? ...Who will bring a charge against God's elect? God is the one who justifies; who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? ...But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:31‭-39 NASB

Life in Christ will not spare you any hardship. But it will allow you to overcome any hardship.

 Satan has been called the accuser of the brethren (Rev 12.10). He stands before God bringing accusations day and night. But all of his accusations fall on deaf ears because Jesus is at the right hand of God defending us.

If spiritual forces in Heaven are unable to separate you from God, neither will the stresses of life. Bad things happen to good people. Life can be distressing. Although we don't always understand why such things happen, the Spirit of God within us will give us the grace to overcome.

In 2 Corinthians 12, Paul is relating that he has a "thorn in the flesh". After praying for it to be removed, he received God's reply, "And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong. [2 Corinthians 12:9-10 NASB]

We have no power over death or life. We are not as strong as angels or principalities. We have little or no control over things present or things to come.

I wish I could promise that God will remove all of the hardships and obstacles in life. But I can't, because nothing in the Bible suggests that He will. Instead, He gives us the grace to endure. And we can endure, secure in the hope that nothing can separate us from God's love.

Romans 8.28-30 Predestination

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified.Romans 8:28‭-‬30 NASB

Theologians love to argue about the question of free will versus predestination. In fact, entire denominations have split off over the subject. I think arguing over such things is a waste of time. But, since it is presented here in this passage, I will do my best to explain my understanding of the paradox.

We absolutely have free will.

We are absolutely predestined.

Throughout the New Testament we are given the option to believe or not believe, to obey or to not obey. John 1.12 says, "But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name"

On the other hand, it is clear that God has chosen us. Ephesians 1.4 says, "just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him."

So, How do I reconcile these two trains of thought? First, I don't think of them as opposite opinions, but as different perspectives.

If you are a believer, then God has chosen you to be adopted into His household. But he has given you the option to choose whether you will accept his adoption, or reject it.

God has chosen a path for your life, but He won't make you walk down it. You may still choose your own path in defiance of God.

So you are predestined, but you may freely choose accept His predestination, or choose your own destination apart from God.

In the end, these arguments are pointless. If you believe in free will with no predestination, then make your choice to accept Jesus as your Lord, and follow Him with all your heart. If you believe in predestination with no free will, then rejoice that you are one of the chosen, and respond to His choice by following Him with all your heart.

Whether you are predestined or not will not change the status of you salvation, nor will it affect your sanctification. Arguing over such things causes divisions in the church. And worrying about it diverts you from your service to God.

Romans 8.26-27 Pray in the Spirit

In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.Romans 8:26‭-‬27 NASB

Romans 8 is talking about living life in the Spirit. There is a great advantage in being filled with the Spirit of God.

Verse 26 shows the advantage of praying in the Spirit. Don't confuse the term "praying in the Spirit" with "praying in tongues" (see 1 Corinthians 14.2). There is nothing in this passage to indicate that it is addressing the subject of praying in tongues.

Rather, the image is of a person who is in the Spirit, and is in prayer.

As long as we are in this life, our prayer is limited. Perhaps we know what to pray for, or perhaps we don't. In either case, our capacity for prayer, and our ability to approach God is incomplete. We do not have complete spiritual knowledge in this life.

1 Corinthians 13.12 says, "For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known."

So it is with prayer. We are to come boldly before the throne of grace. God wants us to pray, and the Spirit within us will teach us.

Even so, we have human weaknesses as long as we are in these mortal bodies.

But our prayers are not ineffectual. What we lack is made up for by the Spirit of God. When we don't know how to pray, the Spirit of Christ intercedes to the Father on our behalf.

Since the Spirit is within us, he knows our deepest thoughts, needs and desires. And, since He is God, His intercession for us is always according to His will.

So, when you come to God in prayer, don't pray by rote. Turn your mind fully to God, and pray in the Spirit. Allow Him to lead you in prayer, and He will teach you what to pray, how to speak to God, and how to listen to God.

Never be afraid that your prayers are not enough. If you pray according the Spirit of God, then you can be assured that they are heard by God. And whatever you lack, He will intercede for you.

Romans 8:15-25 Adopted by God

For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, "Abba! Father!" The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.   For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us... And not only this, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body. For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he already sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it.Romans 8:15-‬25 NASB

 Keep in mind the context in which we find this passage. We have been discussing living under law versus living by faith. The conclusion of which is that living under the law produces more sin, and leads to death. But those who live by faith accept God's grace and walk in the Spirit.

The Spirit of God will not lead us back into following rules in an effort to please Him. This is the mistake many Christians make. Having been saved by grace, they decide they have to work hard trying to be good. Galatians 3.3 says, "Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?" No. Having been saved by grace, we will now be sanctified by that same grace.

Instead of going back to the slavery of rules and regulations, leading to a fear of God's judgment, let us embrace the Spirit that He has given us.

The Spirit of God dwells within all those who believe and put their trust in Jesus, and He testifies that we have been adopted into the family of God. We are His children. Jesus is our brother.

Being a brother of Christ isn't always an easy thing. We are identifying with someone whom the world despises.

John 15.18-21 says, "If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you...  Remember the word that I said to you, 'A slave is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they kept My word, they will keep yours also.  But all these things they will do to you for My name's sake, because they do not know the One who sent Me.

Jesus said in Matthew 5.11,12, "Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.  Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."

When troubles come, God wants us to persevere in hope of what is to come.

The apostle Paul describes his own hardships in 2 Corinthians 11. 25-27: "Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spent in the deep. I have been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers on the sea, dangers among false brethren; I have been in labor and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure." Yet, he lived in hope, and persevered.

If this life seems hard, consider the rewards of God has for us. To be able to stand before God, perfected in body, soul and spirit. His children.

Romans 8.1-14 Walk in the Spirit

Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death... so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit... and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.  However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him... But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.  So then, brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh- For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 

Romans 8:1‭-‬14‭ NASB

 Romans 7 presented the futility of trying to overcome the sinful nature of the flesh by adhering to a set of rules and standards (the law). Rules are obeyed by the natural mind (the flesh), and those who are in the flesh cannot please God

It is time to learn a better way.

Verse 2 says, "For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death". We are to leave behind the rule book, and listen to the Spirit of God.

Galatians 5.16 says, "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh."

How do you walk in the Spirit?

The first thing you have to realize is that when you accepted Jesus as your savior, God placed His Spirit in you. God's Spirit dwells in you.

God is not far away in Heaven He is as close as your own heart. He is always there, and He wants you to hear His voice, as He shows you how to live.

Hebrews 8.10-11 describes the New Covenant this way: "for this is the covenant that I will  make with the house of  Israel  after those days, says the  Lord: I will put  my laws into their minds, and I will write them  on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be  my people. And they shall not teach everyone his  fellow citizen, and everyone his brother, saying, 'know the Lord,' for  all will know  me, from  the least to the greatest of them."

Under the new covenant we are not supposed to follow any written law or set of rules. God Himself has promised to show us how to live. And He has promised to teach us, individually, who He is, and what is our relationship to Him.

If we allow religion and doctrine to guide us, we lose out on knowing God. We have substituted the teaching of men - even great and holy men - for the personal instruction from God Himself.

And it is all possible because His Spirit dwells in you.

The next thing to realize is that it is your choice whether to walk in the flesh or in the Spirit. Verse 5 says, "For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit."

Wherever you set your mind, that is where you will be. in the flesh or in the Spirit.

Many Christians neglect daily prayer altogether, turning their mind to the natural world, instead of towards God.

Many turn their mind to God once a day, for their morning or evening prayer time, then go about their business.

Some stop throughout the day to say a quick prayer, turning their mind occasionally, or maybe frequently to the Spirit.

But God wants us to walk in the Spirit. And that means turning your mind toward God, and keeping it there. With some practice you will find that you can keep your mind turned toward God even as you go about the busyness of life.

I believe that if you do that, you will find it transformative. Washing dishes becomes a time of contemplation and prayer. Being cut off in traffic becomes an opportunity to bless the driver who offended. Daily interactions with people become an opportunity to express the patience, joy and love and peace that God is working out in your heart.

Learning to walk in the Spirit is simple, but it is not always easy. When your mind wanders, just pick up again where you left off. There is no condemnation.

When a child is first learning to walk, he falls a lot. Parents don't scold their children if they fall after they have taken their first steps. Instead the parents clap with joy, encourage their children to take more steps (and wishing they had their cameras ready).

God loves you more than any parent loves his children. He won't punish you for being imperfect. Turn your mind to Him. Learn to walk in the Spirit, and let Him encourage you.

Turn to God in the busy times, and receive His peace.

Turn to Him in the quiet time, and hear His voice. Not an audible voice booming from the ceiling. But the quiet voice, as He speaks to your mind.

After all, His Spirit dwells within you. Your spirit is joined with with the Spirit of God. Why would it be unusual for Him to speak to you? When you talk to God in prayer, expect a response. God loves you. He wants to speak to you. Listen for what He has to say.

Romans 7.14-25 Living by the Rules

For we know that the Law is spiritual, but I am of flesh, sold into bondage to sin. For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate...For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not...But if I am doing the very thing I do not want, I am no longer the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me...Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, on the one hand I myself with my mind am serving the law of God, but on the other, with my flesh the law of sin.Romans 7:14‭-‬25 NASB

I can't tell you the number of times I have heard sincere Christians quote this passage as an excuse for their sin. "I am just living out Romans 7." They almost make it sound spiritual.

The argument goes something like this. "Even Paul admits that he can't live without sinning all the time. I try be good, but I can't. After all, it's not me, but sin that lives in me."

But that attitude represents a complete misunderstanding of Romans 7 because it is being taken out of context.

This passage, like all scripture must be interpreted in its full context. The subject matter that comes before and after this passage places it in the middle of an argument concerning living by law versus living by faith.

In that light, this passage is illustrating the state of a person who is living by the law. This applies to any rules and regulations in your moral code that tells you what you should or should not do.

The problem with living by the law is that it is your flesh (your natural mind) that is trying to please God by obeying the rules.

But it is impossible to please God in the flesh because our flesh is corrupt and sinful and incapable of pure spiritual motives.

In fact, the harder you try to be good, the more power you give to your flesh, and the deeper you fall into sin.

But we don't have to live that way. Verses 24 and 25 say, "Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!"

There is a better way. Romans 8.2 says, "For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death."

The answer is to stop living under the law.

Embrace grace. Live by faith. Walk in the Spirit.