Devotion:
Read Romans 7:15-25a.
Paul reveals that we have a dual nature. To some extent we are all a bit of Jekyll and a bit of Hyde. We want to do right, but we also are drawn to doing things that are wrong. I see this with my toddler grandson. When he heads to the forbidden cookie jar before dinner, he always turns to look at me. Then he looks at the cookie jar and then back at me. He wants the cookie and yet he knows he can’t have it yet. I can see the dilemma! I experience it also! We all deal with an internal conflict as we want to serve God yet we often end up serving ourselves. The dark side of our nature leads us to give in to temptation, but as Christians we have a supernatural power, the Holy Spirit, that helps us to stay strong against temptation. Our struggle with sin will continue throughout life on earth. The difference for Christians is that there is hope in Christ. The verses that follow our reading remind us that we can set our minds on what God’s Spirit desires for us and as a result we will experience the peace and joy only he can give.
Personal Worship Option:
What is the war going on inside you? Are you struggling with pleasing God and pleasing yourself? With the first awareness of your temptation, be strong. Know that God has set you free from the bondage of sin and has given you the power of the Holy Spirit to withstand any temptation. Pray that you will feel God’s constant presence in the face of temptation and give him thanks for that.
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