SALVATION'S REMEDY FOR FEAR AND BONDAGE

"Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also Himself likewise took part of the same; that through death He might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; and deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage" (Heb 2:14-15). "For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father" (Rom 8:15).

Devotion 13 of 18

INTERPRETING STRUGGLE CORRECTLY, #1

There is a factor of spiritual life that, if not understood, can introduce fear into the believer. This fear is induced by the assumption that inward struggle is an indication of spiritual inferiority at the least, and alienation from God at the most. Although not the only place this subject is addressed, the seventh chapter of Romans provides the most extensive commentary on the inward struggle generated by faith. It brings lucidity to the believer, shedding light on the nature of living by faith. This devotion will provide an overview of Romans 7:14-17.

"For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me."

The first part of this chapter confirms that those in Christ have been delivered from the condemnation of the Law (verses 1-4). This deliverance took place through death–dying with Jesus–as described in the sixth chapter of Romans. The Law, because it has no power over a dead person, cannot condemn the person who is "dead with Christ" (Rom 6:8; Col 2:20).

The ministry of the Law prepared us for Christ by convincing us of our basic sinfulness. When those alienated from God were subjected to the law, it set sin in motion within us, producing fruit unto death (7:5). Now, in Christ, however, we have been freed from that condemning law because we have died to it, and it cannot no longer maintain its iron rule over us (7:6). This does not mean the Law was sinful. God forbid! Its ministry was not to deliver us from sin, but to point out its presence. In Paul's case, a man who had mastered external conduct, the Law convinced him of covetousness, which was an inward sin (7:7). This occurred before he was in Christ. Once the commandment prohibiting covetousness came home to him it awakened the sin of covetousness, which was like a sleeping monster. Here is what Paul said of that experience. "But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin was dead" (7:8). Deviate thoughts were soundly and consistently condemned by the Law. Thus, the holy commandment worked death in Saul of Tarsus, expelling him from the presence of the Lord (7:12-13).

Verses 14-17 confirms that those in Christ Jesus are not freed from oppressive thoughts. It deals with the matter of wayward thoughts AFTER one is born again. However, such thoughts are not actually expressions of their real persons. They are unwanted thoughts, intruding into the sanctified mind, and are enemies to the soul. Actually, they are "fiery darts," or "flaming arrows," hurled at the believer by the adversary, the devil (Eph 6:16). These unwanted thoughts are the things addressed in this passage–the things "I do."

There are three "I's" in this section of Scripture, or three views of the human personality. The first is the total "I," including the body and the residue of the sinful nature that remains with the saved. The second is the real person, that is born again, and which is recognized by God. The third is the residue of the old nature, the "old man," that remains with us as long as we are in the body. It is essential that these distinctions be understood, else this passage will not minister to the heart.

When Paul says, "For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin" (v. 14), he compares what he is by nature with what the Law is by nature. He refers to the "natural" part of himself. The "flesh," or the part that can be traced back to Adam, and is "sold under sin." It cannot be changed, and is unsalvageable. That is why "you must be born again" (John 3:3-7). He will not confirm this to be the case. That "flesh" is part of his total makeup, the total "I."

"For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do" (verse 15). The words "I do" are not a reference to overt conduct. In that way, Paul was impeccably righteous while yet a Pharisee. As he said, "Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless" (Phil 3:6). "I do" refers to thinking, not doing. The verse is saying that thoughts coursed through his mind that he did not want: i.e., "I allow not." He wanted his mind to be wholly devoted to the Lord, with no intrusions at all. When these thoughts came, he hated their presence. They were enemies to be "cast down," not friends to be entertained (2 Cor 10:5-6).

"If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good" (verse 16). In the experience of hating wayward thoughts, Paul was agreeing with the Law, that is was good. If this were not the case, he would have charged the Law with being unreasonable and unrighteous, seeking to justify himself. Something, therefore, had occurred within Paul. He did not seek to justify himself, but gave honor to the Lord, hating what was contrary to His law. He had, in fact, been born again.

"Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me" (verse 17). The conclusion Paul draws from this is like a sweet elixir to the redeemed. The fact that these deviate thoughts were unwanted and hated PROVED they were not an expression of his real person. They were the outbursts of the "old man," or sinful nature, and therefore brought no condemnation to him. The only way sin could result from these thoughts is for them to be entertained and fulfilled. Nevertheless, they were hated, proving they were coming from the sinful nature, not from the renewed heart and spirit. Those who erroneously suppose this passage is dealing with Paul's life BEFORE he was in Christ, are affirming that the sinner is really not responsible what he does–a thought too foolish to address.

When these things are not comprehended, the eruption of evil thoughts within will disrupt peace, opening the door for the entrance of debilitating fear. It is imperative that you live close enough to the Lord to detect the source of wayward thoughts, hating them at the point of entrance. That is how you will be able to stop them from bearing fruit. Even then, however, it brings a certain grief to the soul that they ever entered your mind in the first place. It is a great work of grace to maintain peace and reject fear under these circumstances.

PRAYER POINT: Father, I thank You through Jesus Christ that I can hate vain thoughts, rejecting them and refusing their fulfillment.

– Tomorrow: INTERPRETING STRUGGLE CORRECTLY, #2, Romans 7:18-21 --