Frustrations
Did that which is good, then, bring death to me? By no means! It was sin, producing death in me through what is good, in order that sin might be shown to be sin, and through the commandment might become sinful beyond measure. For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold under sin. For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me.
Romans 7:13-20
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Frustrations
I think we all can relate to St. Paul’s frustration at failing to live up to God’s will and keep His good and holy Law. As a Christian, Paul struggles with his sinful nature, as do we. He has sinful desires but knows they are wrong. He tries to avoid sin but inevitably fails. Even as a Christian, he cannot overcome sin by his efforts. Martin Luther said, “Both expressions are true, that he himself does it and he himself does not do it. He is like a horseman. When his horses do not trot the way he wants them to, it is he himself and yet not he himself who makes the horse run in such and such a way. For the horse is not without him, and he is not without the horse. But because a carnal man certainly consents to the law of his members, he certainly himself does what sin does:” Our sinful passions take the reins and pull us along, sometimes unwillingly, many times willingly. Yet, in Baptism, we are changed. Faith is given, and take hold of that which is holy, Christ Jesus. And in Christ, we have forgiveness and salvation. And though we never live perfectly, we do live forgiven. Christ Jesus embraces the cross so that in faith, we might drop the reins of sin and, through faith, hold tightly to Him.
Romans 7:13-20
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Frustrations
I think we all can relate to St. Paul’s frustration at failing to live up to God’s will and keep His good and holy Law. As a Christian, Paul struggles with his sinful nature, as do we. He has sinful desires but knows they are wrong. He tries to avoid sin but inevitably fails. Even as a Christian, he cannot overcome sin by his efforts. Martin Luther said, “Both expressions are true, that he himself does it and he himself does not do it. He is like a horseman. When his horses do not trot the way he wants them to, it is he himself and yet not he himself who makes the horse run in such and such a way. For the horse is not without him, and he is not without the horse. But because a carnal man certainly consents to the law of his members, he certainly himself does what sin does:” Our sinful passions take the reins and pull us along, sometimes unwillingly, many times willingly. Yet, in Baptism, we are changed. Faith is given, and take hold of that which is holy, Christ Jesus. And in Christ, we have forgiveness and salvation. And though we never live perfectly, we do live forgiven. Christ Jesus embraces the cross so that in faith, we might drop the reins of sin and, through faith, hold tightly to Him.
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2026
January
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