Scripture: “For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.” – Romans 7:19
Examination of Chapter: Paul writes about the importance of the God’s law that was given to the Israelites to plainly reveal what was considered sin in the Lord’s eyes. Paul then goes on to write of how man is no longer bound to the law, but free in Christ. He is quick to point out that the coming of the Lord doesn’t negate the law; it is still good, but we are no longer in bondage to it. As Christians, we are now joined to Christ to love and serve Him as a woman to a man in marriage. Jesus is now the One to Whom we are bound instead of the law. However, Paul notes that we are still influenced by our flesh and often choose to sin even though we are saved.
Application: I have heard it said that a person shouldn’t do something just because they’ll feel guilty if they don’t do it, or not to do something because they’ll feel guilty if they do it. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Guilt is a good thing.
According to the dictionary, guilt is what you feel emotionally when you do something that is against your personal moral standards. According to the Bible, guilt is much more objective. It is the act of violating God’s standards as stated in His Word. My moral compass is influenced by my carnality, therefore the guilt I feel emotionally is easily influenced or even repressed by my sinful nature. My spiritual compass is governed by the Holy Spirit of God. He is the One who convicts me of sin by way of the Scriptures. The guilt that accompanies that conviction is powerful, but it can still be suppressed if I so choose. The Bible instructs me in 1 Thessalonians 5:19, “Quench not the Spirit.” indicating that I do have the capability to ignore the Spirit’s leading. As a Christian, I can still choose to sin, but I have the power of Christ within me to resist the temptations to do so. Unfortunately, the war between flesh and spirit continues within me, and it is never-ending.
Paul knew exactly what that was like when he wrote in Romans 7:15, “For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.” Even Paul, an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, struggled with sin in his life. However, he goes on to remind all believers that God’s grace is always present, and forgiveness is never refused when we seek it from the Lord… even if is for repetitive sins. In Matthew 18, Jesus explains to Peter that God’s mercy is limitless, and His forgiveness is never denied. He responds to the disciple’s question of “How many times should we forgive one person?” thusly, “I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.”
Guilt has two benefits. First, it persuades me to reject sinful behaviors because it reminds me of what is right in God’s eyes. Is it easy to make that choice? No, my spirit struggles with my flesh constantly, but I do know that Philippians 4:13 is very true, and I really can do ALL things through Christ. That includes choosing the godly path and not the sinful one. His Spirit is always providing a way for me to avoid the snares of sin. 1 Corinthians 10:13 states, “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” Secondly, when I do sin, guilt sends me to my knees. 1 John 1:9 promises me, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Guilt is truly a good thing when it compels me to repent and seek the Lord’s forgiveness.
By the way, just because God is always ready to forgive doesn’t mean I have a license to sin. God is also just and righteous. He will not be mocked… which means, I cannot take His forgiving nature for granted, continually sinning and expecting Him to blanketly forgive with an ounce of true repentance in my heart. A time can come when God says, “That’s enough, Jayne.” Jesus states in Revelation 3:19, “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.” He knows my heart; He knows if I come to Him with one that is repentant or one that is flippant. Fortunately, God corrects me out of love because I belong to Him. Hebrews 12:6 records, “For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.” As a child of His, when I stubbornly continue in sin, I know He will correct me with love to help me grow spiritually. As it states in Philippians, I am His work in progress. One day, I’ll be complete, finally made into the likeness of God’s beloved Son, Jesus. 1 John 3:2 promises, “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.” That’s when I’ll finally be guilt free for all eternity!
Moments with God: My dearest heavenly Father, thank You for Your Spirit that convicts me and for the guilt that comes with that. Thank You so much for being a forgiving God. I am so sorry that in my flesh, I often commit the same sins again and again, seeking Your forgiveness over and over. Thank You for Your love and mercy that are without limit. Strengthen me and give me wisdom to choose the godly ways that please You. In Jesus’ precious name, I pray. Amen.