Victorious
Romans 7:20-8:9
Many believers live a defeated life because of their battle with sin. Believers are saved by faith, but too many times try to live by works/the Law, and so live a defeated and frustrated life. This lesson will show how believers should live their lives and be free of sin and guilt. Believers cannot face struggles with sin in their own power; they feel defeated. When Christ saves us, He does not leave us alone. He places His Holy Spirit in our lives to strengthen us and live through us.
Romans 7:20-15 reveals that we all face inner battles. Paul expressed his inner desire to do right, but he faced a constant battle with his sin nature. He acknowledged that the only way he could be rescued from the body of death was through Jesus Christ.
Believers needs to recognize that they will continue to struggle against sin habits throughout their lives unless they realize that they have victory over sin through the power of the Holy Spirit working in their lives. When one is feeling guilt over sin, it is important to recognize that Christ has already won the victory of sin at the Cross. Believers do not need to fear condemnation. Christ fully accepts us on the basis of His saving work at the Cross. Each of us must make a decision to accept what Christ has done for us in His death, burial and resurrection. We cannot please God by simply following rules; we please God by living according to His Spirit within us.
In Romans 8:5-9, we see that those who have Christ living in their lives belong to Him. We should think and live according to the Spirit within us. Following Christ means a changed mindset that can only come when we let the Holy Spirit control us. In verse 5, we are challenged to keep our minds on the things of God, not on the things of the world. What our minds dwell on is what will control us. Think on the things of God. Allow the Holy Spirit to control your thoughts.
Some questions we might ask ourselves are: Can I control my thoughts? When my mind wanders to wrong thoughts, do I make myself think about other thoughts? Am I memorizing Scriptures so I can remember them when I need them? The Bible says that we are either under the control of the Spirit of God or we are under the control of the old nature. When we surrender to the Holy Spirit in our lives, there is a constant abiding of love, power and piece in our minds.
Give yourself over to the leadership of the Holy Spirit, and you will be right with God.
Dinkins– Lessons in the BSL series for the summer quarter are being written by David Dinkins, pastor of First Baptist Church, Kingstree, and former director of missions.