"I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do." Romans 7:15
We all want to do what’s right all the time, but we sometimes we end up doing what we don’t want to do. It seems unavoidable. If we can’t even live by our own standards, how are we supposed to live by God’s? What a terrible dilemma we are in. In this message, we explored what the Apostle Paul wrote about God’s grace and Jesus’ power over sin in our lives.
Big Idea: The answer to my dilemma is not a what or how; it is a who.
When you became a Christian you were taken out of Adam and baptized into Christ. What was true of Adam was true of you: you were condemned, guilty, unrighteous, a slave of sin. In Christ, what is true of Christ is true of you: you’re free from sin. So, your solution to beating sin is not found in trying harder, praying more or following the rules more closely. Your solution is found in a relationship with Jesus Christ. The solution is a Who not a what or how.
Questions to think about..
1. Has a person in your life ignored good advice and suffered for it? How did you respond to that person’s choices?
2. Think about a time when you did something—big or small—that you knew was a bad idea. Why did you do it even though you knew it wasn’t wise? What consequences did you suffer?
3. Have you ever been angry at yourself? Explain.
4. Read Romans 7:15-20. Can you identify with Paul's dilemma? Have you ever done what you didn't want to do? or Not done what you wanted to do? Why is that?
5. Why is it difficult to live out the truth that Jesus has freed us from the power of sin?
6. When you sin, do you tend to avoid God by not praying or opening the Bible? Why?
7. What is one lie about your life that you need to begin to tell yourself the truth about?
Application:
■ Begin to view sin as something that is coming to you from the outside.
■ Choose an area of your life that Paul’s struggle reminds you of. As you begin your wrestling match, whisper: Sin is not my master. I am dead to sin but alive to God.
■ When Sin comes, say, “Jesus I give you authority to respond to sin through me.”
Memorize:
"Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord" Romans 7:25
