Daily Devotions
Romans
"Sin that dwells in me."
Text: Romans 7:17
DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES OF THE DOCTRINE OF SIN
Paul had to deal with the doctrine of sin from different perspectives. Let us ponder what he has taught thus far.
1. The fact of sin
Paul dealt with this perspective in the earlier chapters of Romans. He demonstrated that all have sinned and have come short of the glory of God. (Cf. Romans 1-3)
2. The penalty of sin
Paul dealt with the logical fact that sin would inevitably result in sinful man being judged by God. The wages of sin would be death. (Cf. Romans 6:23)
3. The solution to the problem of sin
Paul offered the following glorious truths (Cf. Romans 4-6).
a) Man may be saved and receive justification from God.
b) Mankind has been given the way out- through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as the Saviour.
c) God deals a death blow to the original sinful nature of man.
d) He gives a new nature in and through the Lord Jesus Christ.
e) The sinner is offered full reconciliation with his Creator-God.
f) He enjoys new life in Christ.
g) This new life will last forever
THE PRESENT STRUGGLE WITH SIN
The above aspects are wonderful to meditate upon. They bring such a sense of hope and joy to the heart. However, the fact remains that sin continues to plague the believer. Paul intimates this truth in the following text.
“But now, it is no longer I who do it,
but sin that dwells in me.”
Romans 7:17
1. Paul is not saying that he is not to be blamed for sins committed.
2. He is saying that sin continues to exert tremendous influence in life.
The principle of sin can overcome our desire to do good (A most humbling truth!