In Times of Struggle

Taught through Romans chapter 7 on Sunday. In verses 13-25, Paul (the author of Acts) writes of the struggles that he continually faced in his daily life: v. 18 and 19 (NIV)- "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. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do- this I keep on doing". Paul's honesty is very encouraging. To think that the Apostle Paul, the author of much of the New Testament and the carrier of the Gospel to much of the world had struggles is, in many ways, very helpful. If Paul, a man of great faith and conviction, had struggles, it should come as no surprise that we will as well (I mean Paul is like a Major League Hall-of Famer; I often feel like I'm in the low minor leagues).

Here's The Point: We often think that everyone who attends church, reads their Bible, etc. has everything all figured out. With no struggles. No rough days. No difficult times. No spiritual battles. To know that Paul had struggles helps me realize that you and I are not alone. And the answer to Paul's struggles is the same answer for you and me: v. 24b and 25a- "Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God- through Jesus Christ our Lord".