We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. (Rom. 7:14)
HAVE YOU EVER FACED AN IMPOSSIBLE TASK? There are a few annoying people who seem to be good at everything, but most of us are good only at a few things. In my family, I am known for not being able to find things. Today I was looking for a flashlight, and my daughter told me exactly where it was. Yet for the life of me, I could not find it. She finally got up, came over, and handed it to me. It was right where she had said. I just could not see it.
In our default human state, none of us are good at doing what God wants us to do. There is nothing wrong with God’s expectations for us, the law. The law is good. For example, consider the commands not to kill, not to steal, and not to commit adultery—nothing is wrong with these standards. God’s commands are intended to bring life.
However, when we are in our natural state, there is something spiritually wrong with us. In my own power, I cannot be good or do the right thing. We all start off as slaves to sin. Until we have God’s Spirit inside us, giving us spiritual power, sin rules over our lives. Thankfully, the story does not end there. Thank God that you have been set free from slavery to sin.
Ask the Spirit to empower your obedience today.
Ken Schenck is dean of the School of Theology and Ministry and professor of New Testament and ancient languages at Indiana Wesleyan University. His publications include The Early Church: Reaching the World (WPH) and more.
© 2018 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission.
