The Inner Conflict
Dear Reader, I sincerely pray that every Christian who reads this verse will grasp the inner conflict that exists within them. It addresses our redemption, which is the abundant grace of God bestowed upon us through the precious blood of our Savior, Jesus Christ, received solely by faith in Him, alongside our tendency to rebel.
Paul, in his epistle to the Romans, writes, “For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold under sin.” In essence, Paul expresses that he desires to worship and serve God wholeheartedly in his deepest affections, yet his flesh is drawn toward the corrupt influences of this world.
Oh, the sinful tendencies of our flesh that attempts to lure us into a compromised life, seeking only to satisfy the indulgences of our fallen nature!
Sin, at work within us, aims to remove Jesus Christ from the throne of our hearts and to gratify our sinful indulgences, ultimately leading us into despair.
Paul reflects on this struggle, saying, “I find then the principle that evil is present in me, the one who wants to do good. For I joyfully concur with the law of God in the inner man, but I see a different law in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is in my members. 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!”
Therefore, Christian, strive not for your own benefit, but for what brings glory to God. The measure of spiritual maturity in a believer is reflected in their sanctification— the ability to discern good from evil and, regardless of emotions or feelings, to pursue holiness in obedience to the word of God.
The aim of every believer in this life should be to bring glory to God and to be governed by His divine word. This pursuit involves disciplining our bodies to godliness by denying earthly desires that dishonor God and infringe upon His holiness. As Paul states, “I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.”
In light of this, remember, “If you have been raised with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.”
“Fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ,” for in that moment, you will behold the One who died in your place, the One raised for your justifica-tion— the eternal ruler over the heavens and the earth, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Oh, the thought of being forgiven, what a profound concept for anyone who is under the travails of sin! This realization should empower every Christian to turn away from the influences of fallen desires while striving for holiness, seeking to glorify God even while living in these mortal bodies.
What a magnificent thought it is to understand that for Christians, our time here on earth serves as stepping stones leading us into the heavenly presence of God.
Today, if you have yet to place your trust in Jesus Christ, I pray that the Holy Spirit will illuminate your heart, enabling you to see the crucified Savior bearing your sins on the cross. May God’s grace be with you.