Wednesday 21 March 2012

Background

The apostle Paul was raised in Tarsus, a Greek city, and camefrom a wealthy family who ensured he received an excellent Gentileeducation. But he also received a Jewish education, under therenowned Rabbi Gamaliel in Jerusalem, where he acquired a thoroughknowledge of Jewish law and traditions. As the son of a Pharisee,he became a Pharisee himself and prior to his conversion, waszealous to uphold Jewish laws.

In verses 13-25 we can see the working of Paul's mind as he putsforward intellectual arguments, trying to explain thecontradictions in life, between right and wrong, and his inabilityto live up to godly ideals. It seemed that Paul's persistentreaching for, but falling short of, perfection was a source offrustration.

In verse 12 Paul states that the law is actually good, even thoughit causes a person to sin because that person is unable to live upto the standards of the law. But the problem is not with the law,but with the sinful nature.

Paul describes the experience of all Christians who wrestleinwardly against sin, by trying to keep God's rules in their ownstrength, without the Holy Spirit's power.

From Paul we can learn what to do about this inward struggle.Whenever he felt lost, he would return to the beginning of hisspiritual life, remembering his freedom in Christ and thanking himfor it.

The Christian life is not an easy one, but God has made toolsavailable to us: the Bible, prayer, worship, Christian fellowship,service to others, and the power of the Holy Spirit to aid us as wefollow Jesus.

To Ponder

What principles have you discovered regardingsin, the law, and God's help, from today's passage?

Have there been times this week, when you havefailed to trust the Spirit to empower you when faced withtemptation or sin? How will you strive for a positive way forward(eg by acknowledging your failure and seeking strength fromGod)?

Paul recognised the need to turn fromhopelessness, to thanking Jesus for his incredible gift of savinggrace. How will you express your thankfulness to Jesus, the hope ofthe world?