Christ  in us.... delivers us

Carina Francke

Rom 7:24,25 "O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? I thank God - through Jesus Christ our Lord!

Have you ever entertained thoughts that frightens you?  Thoughts that make you wonder how on earth someone who testifies that he has a relationship with God can even think about such things?  Or maybe you, who are so attentive of how you treat and speak to other people lost self control and afterwards wished for some sand to stick your head in.

Why this dualism in one man? Doesn't the Word promise that if you are in Christ "all things have become new?" (2 Corinthians 5:17) Of course all things became new, how else would you have been so intensely aware of this tug of war between good and evil, right and wrong in your innermost being? It is the Spirit in and with you that "guides you in all truth."(John 16:13)

You see, in our innermost being we have two powers or laws at war. Firstly, the law of the flesh in whom nothing good dwells (Rom 7:18) This law is constantly at work to empower my (selfish) I. Then there is the law of the spirit that calls on your mind, your innermost being and  your reborn spirit, to do what is good.

Paul also experienced this dualism in his life, "For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man. But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind." (Rom 7:22)

Like you and I he cries out, "O wretched man that I am!  Who will deliver  me from this body of death?" And then the victorious answer, "I thank God, through Jesus Christ our Lord!"

You and I cannot live a good life that pleases God on our own. No, we can do nothing without Him! Whenever you become aware of this dualism that hits you punch-drunk, do not shy away but lift up your head and cry to God for help, "Deliver this wretched man from this  body of death God!"

Prayer: My Father thank you that the Spirit reminds me whenever my flesh makes an appeal on my (selfish I). I now ask, be merciful to this wretched man and let me live like someone in whom You live. Amen