God’s law was given to us so we could live a thriving life in God’s will. His precepts were intended to give us the blueprint for a life that would be rich and desirable. God wants only the best for us, and his law was designed to show us what that is.
Likewise, the law exposes our sinfulness. We didn’t know it was wrong to covet (a yearning for something that doesn’t belong to us), for example, until we learned the law. It’s almost as if by knowing what we aren’t supposed to do, we fall into the trap of doing it. Despite our best efforts to be “good” we fail. We know we’ve failed because we know the law.
Paul seems to be lamenting his own failure to do right. Can you relate? We may have every good intention to do what the law requires, but then the sinful nature we were born into can override that. We can’t blame Satan or even sin for that matter. We need to take ownership of our failures.
So what do we do when we stumble? Learn from our mistakes. That is the best way to be an overcomer. The law condemns the sinner. However, when we cling to Jesus, we are delivered from condemnation. Sin’s power is lost.
These passages on the law, sin, and grace have been a good reminder to us. While difficult to navigate, they serve to give us a lesson in life. We know that having knowledge is not the answer. We know that struggling through life on our own strength will not get us anywhere. And we know that just because we’re a Christ follower, we are not immune to sinful behaviors but redeemed.
Paul says, and maybe we can relate, “Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord.” Jesus is our answer. We can rely on him for strength and direction. Don’t let your heart be troubled.
Let’s pray. Thank you, Jesus, for being my rock and salvation. Thank you for getting me through each day. Forgive me when I stumble and try to do things my own way. I know you want the best for me. Help me to resist temptation. Help me to lift others up and point them to you. Work in my heart to restore my peace and joy. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
