I believe there is a misconception by many Christians today that we are unable, as Christians, to lead a victorious Christian Life. It seems that the conventional thinking is that we are destined to, as normative, to never get beyond, “For the good that I wish, I don not do; but I practice the very evil that I do not wish… Romans 7:19.” As I studied Romans 7, I came to the conclusion that Paul was describing himself when he was trying to obey the law in his own power, without the power of the Holy Spirit. The reason I came to this conclusion is that law is emphasized and the Spirit only mentioned once when indicating that the law was spiritual. When I study Galatians it appears that Paul, the same writer as that of Romans, indicates, “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carryout the desire of the flesh. Galatians 5:16.” Peter indicated that we have access to power to live more than defeated Christian lives in, “seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness… 2nd Peter 1:3.” We are commanded, “As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves in all your behavior; because it is written, “You shall be holy , for I am holy. 1st Peter 1:14-15.” I do not believe that God plays games with us by commanding us to do something he knows full well is impossible. Yes, it is impossible without the power of the Holy Spirit, but we do have the Holy Spirit. Paul also indicates how to live Christlike lives in, “I urge you, therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service and worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:1-2.” Paul, in the same book as Romans 7, indicates we can be transformed and that we do not have to be conformed to this world. Being conformed to this world means that we think and act like this world. Paul seems to be saying that it is possible that we can live a life that is not conformed to this world. He tells us it is by renewing our mind. Another puzzling thing to me is that Paul says, “I exhort you therefore, be imitators of me. 1st Corinthians 4:16 and Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ and Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us, for many walk, of whom I often told you, and tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ…” If Paul were still struggling like what was described in Romans 7, why would anyone want to imitate him? The writer of Hebrews indicates that we can overcome sin by these words, “You have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood in your striving against sin; and you have forgotten the exhortation which is addressed to you as sons… Hebrews 12:4-5.” If, as some believe, it is normative for a Christian’s private life, to consistently not be Christlike; it is quite saddening. Personally, I choose to believe scripture in spite of my personal experience, so I believe that the scriptures, some of what I shared above, indicate much more for Christians and for me personally. Have I always exhibited what I believe the scriptures promise, no. That is my fault and I know precisely why. When I only pray for maybe 10 minutes a day and only pick up my Bible infrequently, what more should I expect but that I will be easily defeated by the enemy. But, as I read of the great men of faith and their successful Christian lives and read about their prayer life, Bible studies, fasting, etc., there is no surprise that they led victorious Christian lives and I don’t. Instead of justifying my defeated experience, I need to get on my knees and repent of my prayerlessness and half-hearted attempts at being Christlike. God expects no less than sold out soldiers for his service. I for one am tired of living a defeated Christian life when I know God has provided the power to live a victorious Christian life. Join me in giving up prayerlessness and half-hearted attempts at being Christlike and start living a victorious
Christian life. With the help of the power of the Holy Spirit we can do it. Semper secuutus
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