.webp)
The Dark Guest
Romans chapter 7 is one of the most controversial passages in the New Testament, and it has been hotly debated since the early centuries of the church. But, at its heart, Romans 7 is the apostle Paul’s testimony regarding his own battle with sin during his Christian life. For Christians, Paul’s words are just as pertinent today as they were in the first century. Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Paul encourages believers to fight our sin as we continue to pursue Christlikeness in this life. Join Tom Pennington as he describes the battle that every Christian fights against The Dark Guest.
Part 1
Romans 7 is a powerful reminder of our own sinfulness, and Paul helps us put into words the very feeling of our soul when we sin. We should never take sin lightly, and this passage makes that clear. Paul’s words in Romans 7 should also help us express how grateful we are to God for sending His only Son, Jesus Christ, into the world to save sinners.
Part 3
In Romans 7 Paul describes the struggle that all believers have with sin. Although every true Christian has been born again, we are currently growing in our sanctification and holiness before the Lord. This simply means that as time passes Christians experience a decreasing pattern of sin and an increasing pattern of righteousness in their own lives.
Part 4
In one of the most controversial passages in the New Testament, Romans 7, the apostle Paul describes the battle that exists between Christians and their own remaining sin. Even though as Christians we are washed and renewed in Christ and desire to obey God’s good and perfect law, we cannot escape the reality of sin.
Part 5
In Romans 7 the apostle Paul makes it clear that all true Christians will wage war against their own personal sin. Paul’s words aren’t meant to be an indictment against Christians and their walk with Christ, but to encourage them to be mindful of their own sin and to take extreme measures to deal with it. At the same time, Paul wants believers to know that it is normal to experience struggles with sin, but that is never to be used as a license to sin.
Part 6
As the apostle Paul finishes describing every Christian’s battle against their sinful flesh, he recalls a key component of the gospel—that Jesus Christ is Lord. What Paul means is that only the Lord Jesus Christ can deliver people from sin, and He is the only one who ultimately deals with sin, finally and forever.