April 15, 2020-Chapter 5: "Impossible with Man, Possible with God"- Quest: 2

Question: 2

In Romans chapter 7: 15-25, the Apostle Paul describes in detail the struggle of man’s sin and his fleshly desires in his life but at the same time his love for the Law of God. Does Paul offer a solution to this ongoing struggle we all struggle with and if he does, what is it? Hint: Read the first few verses of Chapter 8 in Romans. (Page 49)

ANSWER To Question 2 (As stated by the Author)

Can a man like that fail, with his heart full of delight in God's law and with his will determined to do what is right? Yes. That is what Romans 7 teaches us. There is something more needed. Not only must I delight in the law of God after the inward man, and will what God wills, but I need a divine omnipotence to work it in me. And that is what the apostle Paul teaches in Philippians 2: 13:

"It is God which worketh in you, both to will and to do"

Note the contrast. In Romans 7, the regenerate man says" "To will is present with me, but to do-I find I cannot do. I will, but I cannot perform". But in Philippians 2, you have a man who has been led on farther, a man who understands that when God has worked the renewed will, God will give the power to accomplish what that will desires. Let us receive this as the first great lesson in the spiritual life: "It is impossible for me, my God; let there be an end of the flesh and all its powers, an end of self and let it be my glory to be helpless".

The answer is simple but also can be very difficult for many of us. We must come to the "end of self" and give up our "self-will" of making decisions for ourselves and give "absolute power" to our Lord. It is then and only then, can we find true rest and peace in our lives.

Matthew 11:28-30 (Look up this verse) and go back and read the Home Page of this Blog.