Overcoming the Wretched Man Syndrome Romans 7 15

Overcoming the Wretched Man Syndrome Romans 7: 15, 20 -24

15 I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. Romans 7: 15 NIV

For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. 20 Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it. Romans 7: 18 -25 NIV

So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. 22 For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; 23 but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. 21 Romans 7: 18 -25 NIV

What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? 25 Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord! 21 24 Romans 7: 18 -25 NIV

The Illusion of “I”

2 I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by believing what you heard? 3 Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh? Galatians 3: 2 -3 NIV

20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2: 20 NIV

Inner Wars

6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. 7 The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Romans 8: 6 -7 NIV

13 For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live. Romans 8: 13 NIV

Set Free by the Law of the Spirit

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. Romans 8: 1 -2 NIV

14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father. ” Romans 8: 14 -15 NIV

18 And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with everincreasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3: 18 NIV

Conclusion: Salvation through Jesus brings peace, joy and lightness to our souls and spirit. We live in this truth as we honor Christ who lives through us. Let us remember it is not about our striving, but all about releasing His presence. Let us rest in the finished work of Christ in and through us.