more Romans 7

And back to the subject of sanctification, God just keeps bringing Romans 7 in front of me. I'm reading a book entitled "The Complete Green Letters" by Miles J. Stanford. It was a gift from a cousin, and I'm thoroughly enjoying and highly recommend it. The author makes the point that we so easily move from being fellowship centered to service centered Christians. When that happens, doing, instead of being, takes over in the life. "In this reversal of God's order for us, the heart seeks satisfaction and a sense of acceptance through production (law) instead of reception (grace). Thus, instead of life bringing forth service, service becomes the life. Thus as long as the service goes well, the servant is happy and feels accepted. We are to be sons, not servants. 'Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son....'" (Galatians 4:7)

As we continue down this avenue, self appears more active and malignant. "What the condition-centered believer does not realize is that God Himself is causing this shattering revelation of self. He takes us into situations and relationships that finally cause us to face up to the fact of our failure as Christians - our nothingness, our total unacceptablity in ourselves. Not until we understand that in our flesh there 'dwelleth no good thing' (Rom. 7:18) can we rest in our position of complete acceptance in the Lord Jesus, just as we are. To abide in Christ and to consent to be loved while unworthy, is the believer's positional privilege and responsibility. Love functions according to its nature, not according to the quality of its object.

"As devastating as this Romans 7 trek is, it is our Father's preparation of us in order that we may shift our reliance and faith from our condition in ourselves, to our position in Christ.....'not I, but Christ....'" (Galatians 2:20)

That sheds a whole new light on Romans 7, and gives me hope that I can move on to Romans 8. I am certainly coming to the realization that in my flesh dwells no good thing!! There have been a number of circumstances and people in the past decade that God has brought into my life, and they have served to help me see much ugliness in my heart. Now I see they were for just that purpose. I've been thinking that lately, but it always helps me to see my thoughts confirmed by people much wiser in God's Word than I am.

Now to put past failures behind me and set my eyes on the Author and Finisher of my faith.

"To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace!!!" (8:6) I choose life and peace!

Missionary to Poland

In church yesterday we had a man and his wife who are from Poland and getting ready to go back as missionaries. The Lord really used his testimony to speak to my heart. It was such a blessing to hear how God worked in his heart over the course of several years to bring him to Himself. Sometimes I can get discouraged because I want to see things happen faster, both in my spiritual growth and in seeing loved ones come to know the Lord. I must remember that God's "time" is not our time. Then today in my devotional, Our Journey, I read the same thought along with this verse: "Woe to those who say 'Let Him (God) be quick, let Him speed His work that we may see it....'" (Isaiah 5:19) Father, help me to fulfill my responsibilities and trust You with the results and the timing. Help me to sow bits of Your Word often throughout my day. Help me to be willing. The harvest is in Your hands.

Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus!!

"God sees us as perfect in His Son while He disciplines and purges us to make us that way." -A.W. Tozer

And between what He sees and reckons us to be and what we are is the GAP! The frustrating gap!! I hope it's getting smaller every day as God works His will in my life, but I certainly do long for perfection, for completion.

Here's some great scripture:

"I have set the Lord always before me; because He is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my whole being rejoices." -Psalm 16:8-9 (I believe that would be the answer to depression!)

"And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit." -2 Corinthians 3:18 (That would be the answer to change - as we behold the glory of the Lord. We must keep our eyes on Jesus!!)

And then someday - "...we know that when He appears we will be like Him, because we shall see Him as He is." -1 John 3:2

Now we "see through a glass darkly" and still we are being changed, "but then face to face" -1 Cor. 13:12- and the change will be instantaneous. Do you get it??? Do I get it??? We MUST keep our eyes on Jesus!

Turn your eyes upon Jesus!
Look full in His wonderful face;
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.

Balance

In my never-ending quest for balance I've come across a good phrase: DISCIPLINED DEPENDENCY. How's that for a paradoxical thought? Obedience to God and dependence on God cannot be separated. Obedience without dependency leads to legalism - been there!! Dependency without obedience will lead to strange forms of mysticism - been there, too!! Dear Lord, make a balanced person out of me!!

Romans 7

This is a most encouraging word to me on Romans 7.

The truths of Romans 7 are among the most depressing and heartrending in all of Scripture, and it is largely for that reason that many interpreters believe they cannot describe a Christian. But Paul was simply being honest and candid about the frustrating and discouraging battles that every believer faces. It is, in fact, the most faithful and obedient Christian who faces the greatest spiritual struggles. Just as in physical warfare, it is those on the front lines who encounter the enemy's most fierce attacks. But just as front line battle can reveal courage, it can also reveal weaknesses and vulnerability. Even the most valiant soldier is subject to injury and discouragement. -John MacArthur on Romans

Sometimes when we read the words of those who have been more than conquerors, we feel almost despondent. We feel that we shall never be like that. But they won through step by step.

By little bits of wills
Little denials of self
Little inward victories

By faithfulness in very little things they became what they are. No one sees these little hidden steps. They only see the accomplishment. But even so, those small steps were taken.

There is no sudden triumph;
no sudden spiritual maturity.
That is the work of the moment.

-Amy Carmichael from her journal