Thank God For Romans Seven

Scripture

For we know that the Law is spiritual, but I am fleshly, having been sold into bondage under sin.

~Romans 7:14, LSB

Quote

No one can achieve righteousness: we must embrace it as a gift from God.

~Craig Keener

The ancient Rabbis taught that people were born with an evil impulse {yetzer hara} but by studying the Torah {law}, the evil impulse could be overcome. Unfortunately, the Rabbis were wrong. The law helps us identify sin but it gives us no help when it comes to overcoming the impulse to sin. If anything, the law excites our rebellion in much the same way as these common prohibitions: don’t touch, wet paint…or do not walk on the grass. Chances are, you had not thought of walking on the grass until you seen the sign. The law of sin and death are strong and cannot be overcome by our efforts. The law of gravity is strong but it can be overcome, but not by our strength. We cannot overcome it on our own but with help, say that of a jet, we can overcome the law of gravity. So we need a power higher and greater than our own to overcome the law of sin. Paul tells us what that power is in Romans 8… For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of deathFor what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, so that the righteous requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

Jesus has fulfilled the requirements of the law for us. All we have to do is trust in His atoning work. He will indwell us with His Spirit and His Spirit will motivate us to do the right thing. I guess there is a certain pride that goes with righteousness: people who are morally good tend to be very proud. Once the Spirit begins showing us our sin, pride is washed out the door. When you see your own depravity, pride fleas. Martin Luther was miserable until he realized: salvation is by the righteousness of Christ, not ours. We get credit for His righteousness. As Paul said 2 Corinthians 5:21, For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ. F.B. Meyer calls it the great exchange: our sin for His righteousness. Righteousness is a gift of grace to be thankful for not a work of man to be proud of.

Extra

Missed the blog totally yesterday. Our very good friend Dwayne Bennich was promoted Monday night while I was preaching the revival meeting at Pleasant Hill. June had a message on my phone to call her and I was devastated by the news. I just couldn’t believe it and I am still have problems accepting it. We think it was a heart attack. Whatever it was, it happened quickly. Carol and Keaton will meet with Jethro sometime today I think. June, Holly and myself are going to see Mrs. Edith this morning. She had lots of company yesterday which is a good thing. I don’t know any arrangements but I will pass them along when I get them. Dwayne was a faithful member of Grace Point. He loved to cut up and pick at people. His bible study class loved him and he is one of the reasons that class has grown. Dwayne was an avid reader. He’s probably read everything Jonathan Cahn has written. Pray for his family. Everyone depended on Dewayne.

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