Wretched man that I am

• romans
• knowing-christ

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Published: Friday, 22 April 2016 15:34

Written by James Dean

Sunday's sermon was a difficult one to preach and perhaps a difficult one to hear as well? But the wonderful thing about God's word is that it never comes back empty (Isaiah 55:11). God's word always achieves exactly what He intends it to do in our hearts - that's a great encouragement.

As we considered Paul's words we recognised ourselves in that same predicament: wanting to do the right thing, wanting to please God but all the while continuing to struggle against sin.

It is good to continue coming together to remind each other that we are no longer slaves to sin but slaves to our heavenly Father. There will be times when sin will try to recapture us, ensnare us back into old habits or entice us with new ones, but we must always be on our guard because sin has our destruction and not our good in mind. Peters' words were well chosen:

"Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world."
1 Peter 5:8-9

So we can stand against our adversary in God's strength but it's not going to be easy and we will suffer. But we suffer together and we suffer not for nothing but for God's glory. Peter continues:

"And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen." v.10-11

And so we shout our response with the same strength that Paul mustered: Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!