I just love this chapter, Paul wrote to the emerging church in Rome. It resonates so deeply in my spirit, and as I read and absorb what Paul is saying and it makes me smile too. I have read somewhere that because of our fallen nature, the law can actually work like an invitation to sin.  Does that mean that there’s a strong argument here for a lawless society?  I don’t think so. What I do think is that God understands our desire to sin, or our need to sin and through Jesus gives us a way back to him. Why do we do what we don’t want to do?  The law is good and we recognise that when we acknowledge we have acted contrary to the law.  Paul puts it so eloquently in verse 17, “So I am not the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.”

Children can be innocent before they know or understand what the law requires. This is what Paul refers to when he says I was alive once without the law.

Sin deceives us:

• Because sin falsely promises satisfaction.
• Because sin falsely claims an adequate excuse.
• Because sin falsely promises an escape from punishment.

Ultimately God knows that sin is bad for us, for the way we live and for our our relationship with Him. Please return to the passage for today and re-read verses 21 to the end. JESUS IS THE ANSWER.

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Question: 

How could you take todays reading and apply it to yourself and the way you live?  Do you accept His grace and salvation despite and in spite of your sinful nature?  If you are struggling with any part of this, please get some prayer and experience the freedom Jesus won for you on the cross.

Prayer: 

Dear Lord Jesus I thank you that you know me better than I know myself. Would you please lead me deeper into You? Helping me to understand your words and will for my life, and making me obedient to it. Amen.