The Christian Struggle
The title of this devotional is, “The Christian Struggle” because the non-believer does not have the struggle that the Christian has. The unconverted man does not have the Spirit of God and is only controlled by his carnal mind. And according to Paul the carnal mind is “enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be.” (Rom. 8:7). The Christian, on the other hand, obeys God because the Holy Spirit has put the desire to obey in his/her heart. The born-again individual very much wants to carry out God’s will in his life. Paul calls this delighting “in the law of God according to the inward man” (Rom. 7:22), and under the new covenant promise, the Holy Spirit begins writing God’s laws in the heart and mind (Heb. 8:8-10)
However, the new believer soon discovers that there is another very strong desire in him/her, the desire to sin. Now that he has the Spirit of God in him he/she is aware of their sinful desires. So now there are two natures that dwell in side him/her; one that still desires to sin and the other that desires only to follow God. Paul very clearly describes this intense conflict, experienced by every Christian, in (Rom. 7:14-25). Recognizing the impossibility of obeying God’s law because of the power of sin in his life, Paul cries out “What a wretched man I am” (Verse 24, 25). In (Romans 8:1-4)
Paul gives the solution to this problem in the believer’s life. It is to allow Jesus to come in to your life via the Holy Spirit and He will set you free.
We are all sinners and only through the constant infilling of the Holy Spirit can we be victorious over sin.
Supporting Scripture; (Rom. 6:17), (2 Cor. 3:3), (Gal 5:16, 17), (Rom. 8:4)
Personal Reflection and Discussion
- What is the Christians and Non-Christians outlook on sin?
- How does Paul describe this relationship?
- How have you struggled with sin?
Prayer Activities
- Call your Partner and discuss this devotional.
- Contact the people on your prayer list and let them know you are still praying for them.
- Pray with then and ask for the following;
- For God to lead you to a stronger relationship with Him.
- For God to give you and your church a genuine revival.
- For the individuals on your pray list.
- That we continue to seek the Holy Spirit
- For today use the following Bible verse in your prayer (Eph. 1:17-19)
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This poses a question in my mind. Doesn’t the Bible teach the Holy Spirit works in every heart convincing and convicting them of what is right and wrong. Isn’t this the spiritual warfare of this world, the war of our conscience and ulmitmately our choose of who would be Lord of our life? I would study this topic more and see where it leads me, but I wanted to post this question and see if you have anything to add to it.
Yes the Holy Spirit does work on every heart, but not every heart is willing to hear the message.
Amalia, I am not sure about the Holy Spirit working in every heart. I understand that there are some who just flat out worship satan with all that they are and have refused God,Jesus and the Holy Spirit. So how can the Holy Spirit work in them? But then you think, ok how do some of these people come back to God if the Holy Spirit has turned away. How can they know to cry out to God from the depths of darkness and sin. I am like you, there is so much I don’t understand and I figure that is where faith comes in. I know I stuggle with sin every day. I also know I am not alone in this. I feel like Paul, I am a wretched person when I sin. I am tormented and I know this is the evil one because my loving Father is there to pick me up, wipe me off, cleanse me from all unrighteousness(SP) when I beg for forgiveness.
Yes, there are those that will not be saved. But not because they did not get the message, it is because they did not want the message, and that is very sad.
I think the day we feel worthy of Christ, is the day we are lost.
We all have a God given desire to be good and good sense of right and wrong from young. Do we soften our hearts to it or reject it and harden it. That’s where the stuggle starts and continues.
God works to reveal to everyone glimpses of His works on their behalf and the chaos and dangers around, and then prompts in the hearts a response. I remember so many times seeing how things worked out for good when they could of easily been bad with the slightest change. Those are wonderful eye opening experences when we feel so grateful to God’s intervention on our behalf and have a choice; give praise or say it was nothing but coincidence and ignore it, or turn a blind eye.
It’s like Nabal’s(Abigail’s husband), which means fool or decieved, when the good David had done on his behalf was revealed to him he was asked to respond favorably to him and soften his heart to their needs. He found himself waring with a decision selfishness or righteouness and love. Unfortually, he doubted the prophecy of David becoming king, entertained his selfish desires and throws a party and betrays David’s kindness, for the hope of more of the world…money, which he didn’t get since he died. Ironicly, the Bible said his heart died and he became like a stone and died 1 Sam. 25:37. Satan lies to them making them think they have time, soothes them over with doubt in the Word, then wins them with selfishness.
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Nice thoughts, I am not sure why someone could see God’s work and not follow Him, but we all make our own choices. All we can do is pray for the non-believer.
Paul says that we must pray for all men in (1 Tim. 2:1-3) “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior,”
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