Study #40: LAMED
LAMED: THE GOAD OF DISCIPLESHIP: ( PART 7 )
THE 5 BLESSINGS OF THE ONE NEW MAN IN CHRIST ( PART 5 )
5.NEW POWER ( PART 1 )
Once we are born-again, we experience new desires that contradict the old. Hence we experience new struggles.
Consider these two statements from the apostle Paul:
- “So I find this law at work. Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me” ( Romans7:21-23 ).
- “For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh” ( Galatians 5:17 ).
So many theologians have wrestled with this dilemma. In 2 Corinthians 5:17, Paul said that believers in Christ are brand new creations. If that is true, why do we still harbour evil desires within us?
Firstly we should understand that the process of becoming more like Christ ( Sanctification ) is not an overnight sensation of becoming something new. Secondly, Sanctification is a lifelong process of becoming who we are in Christ – i.e. learning to live from our new, true hearts despite having our old, unredeemed “flesh” which is incapable of transformation or upgrading.
Abba Father, we have this constant struggle within us – between our stubborn and resistant flesh life and the Holy Spirit who lives in our hearts ( Romans 5: 5 ). Until the Spirit transforms our spirit, soul and body inside out, we will have to contend with the war within ourselves. But thanks be to the Lord Jesus, He has provided us a Champion in our cause – the Holy Spirit who will feature prominently in tomorrow’s devotion!
