The pufferfish looks about as threatening as a pet goldfish but it carries deadly toxins that can kill a person after just a few bites of puffer sashimi. Every year several people in Japan die from eating this unique fish delicacy and many others get sick. The danger is so great that Japanese chefs must receive years of training to learn the intricate skills of removing the lethal toxin before they can be certified to serve puffer. Flirting with sin is not only foolish, it can be fatal.
Not only me, but many people deal with an inner battle with sin. There are people who reason, that once you become a Christian, you no longer have to battle with sin in your life. Some think that the apostle Paul is addressing an issue that took place before he became a Christian, and a champion for the Lord. But I take this passage of Scripture to apply to his present life, and to the life of every Christian.
Romans 7:14-25 is a deeply introspective passage where Paul wrestles with the tension between his desire to follow God's law and the reality of sin dwelling within him. Here are some insights:
The Struggle Between Flesh and Spirit.(v.14)
Paul acknowledges that while the law is spiritual, he is "sold under sin," meaning that human nature is inherently weak and prone to sin. In Galatians 5:17-18, Paul decribes the battle between the flesh and the Spirit. It takes a disciplined and determined mind, along with help that God gives us to win this battle.
The Battle Within (vv.15-22)
He describes the internal conflict—wanting to do good but finding himself doing the opposite. This struggle is not about willful sin but rather the ongoing battle against sinful tendencies. We must remember too, that we have an enemy, that Peter describes as a roaring lion, just waiting to devour us. (1 Peter 5:8). He knows our weaknesses, and he tries to take advantage of our vulnerability. James writes: "But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed." (James 1:14). It is important for us to be aware of this, and be prepared to battle hard through prayer, when the temptations hit. We are to constantly be in the Word of God, to build up our defenses. (Hebrews 4:12)
The Role of the Mind (v.23)
Paul emphasizes that with his mind, he serves the law of God, but his flesh is drawn toward sin. This highlights the importance of renewing the mind and relying on God's strength. The battleground is in the mind. It begins with what we think about. Even though we may know God's law, and know the right we must do, we still can give in to our worldly thoughts, that entice us to sin.
Victory Through Christ (vv 24-25)
The passage ends with Paul expressing gratitude that deliverance comes through Jesus Christ, showing that the solution to this struggle is not self-effort but reliance on God's grace. In John 15:5, Jesus told His disciples, and us that "apart from Me (Jesus) you can do nothing." This does not just apply to bearing fruit, but it applys to this spiritual inner battle with sin. We cannot win this battle by ourselves. It's too big for us. If we take every thought captive to Christ, as mentioned in 2 Corinthians 10:5, this will help us to align our thoughts with God's truth and righteousness, rejecting negative or unbiblical thoughts, and focusing on what is true, noble, and pure. This will be the beginning to finding victory over this overwhelming spiritual battle with sin.
Are people really happy with the sin in their lives? Do they realize the path that sin is taking them? I would boldly say, they do not. But if they ever come to realize what is at stake, and that in this life, they can win this battle within. There is victory, peace, abundant joy, for all who come to Jesus Christ, for the redemption they need! GP