This afternoon, I read Romans 7:14-20. It is one of those passages of scripture that you really have to read through slowly and thoroughly in order to make sure you are tracking with what is being said.
Here is what Paul wrote:
"For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin. For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do. If then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good. But now, it is no longer I who do it (note: his new nature in Christ), but sin that dwells in me (note: my sinful nature). For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. for the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me."
Now, maybe go back through and re-read those verses to just make sure you are following what he is saying. It took me a few times to really get it.
It is obvious that Paul is describing a great struggle and conflict in a believer's heart and mind. The desire to do good, to obey the Lord, bumps up against the will of sinful, human nature. There will be battles that every follower of Christ will face. That is why we must continually be on guard and ready to fight.
I am currently reading this great book entitled, The Enemy Within. Sounds pretty intense, doesn't it?! In the particular chapter I was just reading, it was discussing how there is a great pull and conflict between the flesh and the desire and will (our new nature, created in Christ) to obey the Lord.
The author of the book, Kris Lundgaard, started out the chapter by giving a quote, by G.K. Chesterton, which states, "If a rhinoceros were to enter the restaurant now, there is no denying he would have great power here. But I should be the first to rise and assure him that he had no authority whatever."
Lundgaard proceeded to write that: "The law of sin in believers is like Chesterton's rhino. The only moral, authoritative rule over believers is the kingdom and reign of God. Indwelling sin is a usurper to the throne who, like the rhino, can at times force himself on us. Even though we rise and tell him he has no authority, he can push us around the restaurant."
We must be aware that there is a great battle going on all around us and we HAVE to continually be on guard and be ready to fight. This "rhino", a.k.a, our sinful flesh, will push and pull you into sin and disobedience. How can we better equip ourselves to resist temptation and the urge to disobey the Lord?!
I definitely think that renewing our minds with the Truth, God's Word, will equip our hearts to resist what is sinful. Also, praying and crying out to the Lord for help and for forgiveness when we sin is always a necessity. Asking and seeking encouragement from other strong believers is also a wonderful way we can be built up in the faith. These are just a few things that come to my mind that have helped me in pushing away the "rhino". It is something I need to continually keep up and practice all that time. It is so difficult. It is a War!
Stand guard friends and don't let that "rhino" tear you down or run you over. Stand strong in the Lord and fight! You need to make sure that you are properly equipped!
~Grow in Grace~
2 Peter 3:18
