Do - Romans 7:15-17

Seek God Together

If you appreciate this work, consider supporting it - https://www.patreon.com/seekgodtogether Today we’ll read Romans 7:15-17 which says… “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me.” Aren’t you glad this made it into the Bible? Paul seems schizophrenic. But is he really any different than you? How many times have done the exact thing you promised yourself you wouldn’t do? What’s wrong with you? Are you weak-willed? Defective? Hopelessly broken? Not at all. You’re actually just like the great apostle himself. Welcome to the great company of heartbroken, imperfect saints. You’re not schizophrenic. It’s far stranger. In Christ, a new connection with God has come online that was previously offline. His enlivening Presence has been added to you, but it does not overcome or displace your personhood, including those destructive habits. Before Christ there was not a spiritual voice for you to contend with. Perhaps you had competing desires. Perhaps even competing voices. But they were and are yours. But a connection with God is a whole new thing entirely. We can say just like Paul that we do the things we hate, don’t do the things we should, and don’t even understand why! What to do? First, you’re not weird. This is not an exception. This is par for the course. This is normal. So give yourself and others the same grace Christ gives. Second, don’t be afraid of the voice and the conflict. Embrace it. Third, see the competing voices as an opportunity to know God better. It’s a time to reflect on the flourishing He desires for you. And lastly, if yesterday (or 5 minutes ago) was yet another failure, simply ask yourself, did it give you what you were really searching for? Did it fulfill your deepest desires? And if not, remind yourself next time. “God I truly don’t understand myself. I hate many of the things I do and wish I could be different. I believe that in You I can. Help me recognize the ability You give.”