Romans 7:14-20

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

Inward Struggles

BACKGROUND NOTES



DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

  1. The sinful nature in the believer is not removed in this lifetime.

  2. The sinful nature in the believer is not reformed in this lifetime.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

  1. Don't kid yourself into thinking that you do not have a problem with sin.

QUESTIONS

  1. The sinful nature in the believer is not removed in this lifetime. What is the root of this problem?

  2. Why don't we as Christians think nice thoughts all the time?

  3. Will our sinful nature ever be removed?

  4. The sinful nature in the believer is not reformed in this lifetime. Why not?

  5. Sin dwells in and is manifested in the carnal believer. How about the mature believer?

  6. Is there no hope in this lifetime to be free from sin?

ANSWERS

  1. Sin dwells in us, starting with the sin of Adam.

  2. The sinful nature in the believer is not removed in this lifetime.

  3. Not in this lifetime, but it will be removed when we are in our resurrected bodies.

  4. Because nothing good dwells in us. The flesh is a sinful nature, and is as evil today as when you were an unbeliever.

  5. The mature believer still has the sinful nature.

  6. There is hope. See 2 Corinthians 5:17.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

  1. Some Christians become discouraged because they don't understand the dichotomous nature of the believer. Discuss this in light of the hope that we have in the indwelling Christ and in the indwelling Holy Spirit.

  2. How can you let the Holy Spirit enable and empower your new life in Christ?

  3. Some believe a doctrine that says we can be sinless. How about it?

CHALLENGE

  1. Don't kid yourself into thinking that you do not have a problem with sin. See 1 John 1:8, 10.

KEY VERSES

  • We know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin. For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do." Romans 7:14-15

  • "I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells..." Romans 7:18a

  • "The good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice." Romans 7:19



Romans, Talks, New TestamentDeb HarmsRomans 7:14-20