SF464 - IT IS A WAR IN THERE (Romans 7 14-25)
SF464
IT IS A WAR IN THERE
Romans 7:14-25
INTRODUCTION
Paul deals with real life here.
He recognizes that much of the Christian life is lived in conflict with what we want to do and what we really do.
“We want to do more, but we do less. We want to reach higher, but we fall lower. We want to be better, but we turn out worse.” Joel Gregory
Paul sets forth His own struggle, his own testimony of what goes on in the life of a Christian who is honestly trying to live for Jesus!
He chronicles the battle within for us!
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1A. THE CONFUSION IT CAUSES
1B. The Contrast (v.14)
The perfect nature of the law of God and the sinful nature of man.
2B. The Complaint (v.15a)
“understand” = acknowledge, approve or condone.
3B. The Conflict (v.15b)
Doesn’t mean that he never does right.
He does wrong more than he wants - one sin is too many.
4B. The Concession (v.16)
The problem is with us not with the law.
5B. The Condition (v.17)
We all have present in our lives a sin nature - a resident tendency toward sin.
We are accountable for this.
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2A. THE CONFLICT IT PRODUCES
1B. Conflicting Purposes (vv. 18-20)
Good desire (v.18)
Inadequate power (v.18b)
The problem in not attitude but ability.
2B. Conflicting Principles (vv.21-23)
The law of God in his mind
All true Christians delight in God’s law!
The law of sin in his members
The flesh, the body is sin’s last stronghold.
3A. THE CONCLUSION IT REACHES
1B. Our Confession (v.24)
“wretched” = worn out, weary!
2B. Our Champion (v.25)
The only hope we have is Jesus!
Did we in our strength confide, our striving wold be losing;
Were not the right man on our side, The Man of God’s own choosing
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APPLICATION
The Story of The Indian and the White dog and The Black dog!