Daily Devotional

A STRUGGLING SAINT

I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate (Romans 7:15).

Perhaps the most vivid description of the contest with sin which goes on in the life of the believer is found in Romans 7:15-25. In verses 15 and 16, Paul describes the problem: "For that which I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate. But if I do the very thing I do not wish to do, I agree with the Law, confessing that it is good."

BEATING THE SYSTEM

Everyone who exalts himself shall be humbled, and he who humbles himself shall be exalted (Luke 14:11).

THE ACCEPTANCE OF GOD

If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you (John 15:20).

Everyone knows what it feels like to be criticized and rejected, often by the very people in our lives we desperately want to please. We were born and raised in a worldly environment that chooses favourites and rejects seconds. And since nobody can be the best at everything, we all were ignored, overlooked or rejected at times by parents, teachers and friends.

WE ARE SAINTS

To all who are beloved of God in Rome, called as saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 1:7).

SEEING LIFE FROM GOD'S PERSPECTIVE

Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil (Proverbs 3:7).

RESPONSIBILITIES OVER RIGHTS

You were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another (Galatians 5:13).

THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT

And take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God (Ephesians 6:17).

The Word of God is the only offensive weapon mentioned in the list of armour. Since Paul used rhema instead of logos for 'word' in Ephesians 6:17, I believe Paul is referring to the spoken Word of God. We are to defend ourselves against the evil one by speaking aloud God's Word.

THE HELMET OF SALVATION

And take the helmet of salvation (Ephesians 6:17).

THE SHIELD OF FAITH

Taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming missiles of the evil one (Ephesians 6:16).

Paul mentions three more pieces of armour that we must take up to protect ourselves from Satan's attack: the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit, which is the Word of God. The first three (the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of peace) are established by our position in Christ; these last three help us continue to win the battle.

THE SHOES OF PEACE

Having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace (Ephesians 6:15)

The next piece of armour is the shoes of peace. When you receive Christ, you are united with the Prince of Peace. You have peace with God right now (Romans 5:1), but the peace of Christ must also rule in your heart if you are going to live victoriously, and that is possible only when you let the Word of Christ richly dwell in you (Colossians 3:15,16).