“Did we in our own strength confide
Our striving would be losing
We’re not the right Man on our side
The Man of God’s own choosing
Dost ask who that may be?
Christ Jesus, it is He
Lord Sabaoth His Name
From age to age, the same
And He must win the battle“
A Mighty Fortress Is Our God

 

“Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God, through Jesus Christ our Lord!“
Romans 7:24b,25a

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 Remember when broadcast TV was king? We’d have to wait a full week for the next episode of our favorite series. Worse, we’d have to wait all summer (or longer) between seasons. Invariably, each season ended with a cliffhanger—a main character in mortal danger, or a hint that the good guy maybe isn’t the good guy.

I’m really glad that whoever divided Romans into chapters kept vs 25 as part of chapter 7. Rather than leaving us, along with Paul, in desperate need of rescue like a season finale would, we have a solution to the tension, to the spiritual war inside us. Although details are a page-turn away, Paul gives us the spoiler: Jesus delivers us. And we will see that the Holy Spirit works in us to provide victory.

How does the Spirit work, in the context of winning this inner conflict? Here are a few ways:

  • We serve in the new way of the Spirit (v 6)
  • Our mind can be governed by the Spirit (chapter 8)
  • The Spirit reminds us of all Jesus taught (John 14:26)
  • The Spirit reminds us that we are God’s child (Romans 8: 16)
  • The Spirit’s control empowers us to please God (Romans 8:8)

For the Spirit to remind us of all Jesus taught and bring scriptures to mind, we need to have God’s word in us. Psalm 119:11 says Thy word I have hidden in my heart that I might not sin against Thee. Having the ammunition of God’s word, brought to mind by the Spirit, will keep us from believing lies and shed light on our decisions.

The Spirit and the gifts are ours
Through Him who with us sideth.

Questions for reflection and discussion:

  • Are you fully convinced that with Jesus’ victory, we have access to the Holy Spirit who dwells in us?
  • What is one step you can take to daily live more fully into that truth?

Church Reading Plan: Proverbs 22; 1 Thessalonians 1