I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. –Romans 7:18, niv1984
What amazing words from the apostle Paul. He too, like us, struggled with the desire to do good but wrestled with doing the exact opposite.
There have been so many times I promise myself that I will watch my words, zip my lips, work on my attitude, and especially watch my actions and then boom I’m doing exactly what I had vowed not to do. Why is that?
You see, although we were created in the image and likeness of God, according to the book of Genesis we were born in the image and likeness of Adam (see Genesis 5:1–3) which impacts you and me tremendously—on a daily basis.
But don’t lose heart. Take a peek at what Paul wrote in in Romans 7:24–25.
What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God—through Jesus Christ our Lord (niv1984)!
Jesus Christ is the answer to our struggles. Allow Him to be the Great Physician in your life. Ask Him today to give you the strength to overcome the sinful desires you may be struggling with and walk in the truth of who you are in Christ. Because although you were born in the image and likeness of Adam, in Christ you are forgiven, set free, and more than a conqueror. But those topics are for future episodes. Until then, grab hold of the truth of God’s Word so that you can become all that God created you to be.
PRAYER
Dear Lord,
Help me to make wise decisions based upon Your Word and not based upon my fallen nature. I know feelings are fickle. They change moment by moment. But Your Word is life, and it never changes because You are the same yesterday, today and forever.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
If you want to learn more about this true statement about you or about how the enemy can use this truth against you to keep you from becoming all that God created you to be click on the audio file at the beginning of this post. Oh, and if you miss the prior episode—you are created in the image of God—and want to listen to it click here.
EMBRACE TRUTH
I was born in the image and likeness of Adam, but in Christ I’m set free!
DIG DEEPER INTO GOD’S WORD
Genesis 5:1–3; Ezekiel 16:4; Psalm 51:5; Romans 5:12; Hebrews 13:8 (as well as Genesis chapters 2 & 3)
This blog post was adapted from my book Clothed in Righteousness.
EXCITING NEWS–The Clothed in Righteousness In-Depth Devotional Study Guide is now available!
May God richly bless you as you go out and change the world, Cherie
