Are you struggling with Sin?

I haven’t been blogging regularly, so my apologies for those who had been following.
I will endeavour to continue posting something up fairly regularly. These blogs typically come out of my time with God. For the last few months I have been doing a special study which was a bit tricky to blog.

Our daily reading (www.revolutiontoronto.com ) is currently on Romans. Chapter 7 of this book especially causes a huge problem for many readers, for it seems to condone the sinful struggle that many undergo. I have enclosed a short excerpt of my interpretation of Pauls’ struggle from a paper I wrote. I believe you will find it very encouraging. (For the longer excerpt please feel free to request it)

A contemporary reader of Romans 7:14-25 need not be confused as to the interpretation of this text. Tradition and experience may have taught them to interpret the passage in a number of different ways. Tradition may dictate that Paul is speaking about his non-Christian experience, while experience may state that Paul is referring to common sinful struggle experienced by most Christians. However, Paul’s understanding of the flesh, his belief in the finality of the Mosaic Law and an understanding of his use of speech rhetoric act as guideposts in proper interpretation. Paul’s belief that the flesh is of the old rebellious nature, along with his belief that the Mosaic Law has passed away lead the interpretation of our passage in a clear direction. Paul does not admit of any enslavement to sin as verse 14 would seem to say, neither does he concede to a bitter struggle between his mind and his flesh in verse 25. At this point, the contemporary reader seems to be stuck in how to interpret this passage. Paul is admitting his guilt to sin in the first person expressed in the present tense, yet the reader cannot interpret the passage as such since Paul believes in freedom from the law and works of the flesh. An awareness of the rhetorical device responsible for the personal portrayal thus presents an interpretive solution for the reader. Paul is definitely speaking about himself in this passage despite apparent contradictions. However it is before his conversion to the faith. Paul chooses to use a first person account in order to achieve credibility with his readers.
Thus, the interpretation of Romans 7:14-25 while it has been subject to much conjecture over the years need not be mysterious or problematic for the modern day reader anymore. A contemporary reader armed with an accurate understanding of Paul’s view of the flesh, a proper knowledge of Paul’s belief in the finality of the Mosaic Law and his use of speech rhetorical devices can be guided toward a proper interpretation of this passage. This interpretation is one that factors in Paul’s intolerance to sin and works of the flesh. Thus a contemporary interpreter will be constrained to pursue a life of holiness, despite personal cost, such as times of fasting, prayer and self-denial, in order to live a passion free life congruent with the proper interpretation of our passage.

God’s simple blessings

Zechariah busied himself with his regular duty as prescribed by the priesthood. This could include temple tasks such as changing the sacred bread, burning incense, replenishing fuel and administering the sacrifices unto the Lord.

These activities were not very glamorous. In fact they were routine, scheduled and trivial. Nor were they complicated. So simple that a fourth grade child would be able to perform these duties with relevant ease.

While Zechariah felt it was yet another day of service, he was in for a major surprise. His entire life was about to change. As he entered the temple that day God had other plans for him. For whilst in his activities he had a vision from God. An angel appeared to him and promised him the ultimate longing of his heart - the birth of a male child. For a barren couple in this eastern world this was better than winning the lottery. A son meant an extra special blessing from God, and a protective agent for the security of the family in the dearth of the parents. See, just because you and I may live regular ordinary lives does not disqualify us from expecting God’s miraculous hand upon our lives from time to time.

However a note of distinction is important as we examine Zechariah’s life. Though it seemly appears that his tasks were mundane they were of utmost importance. To put it in perspective, the most important being in the universe, namely God, had allowed him to conduct religious rites, leading his people in devotion to him. Wouldn’t that be more important than opening up in song at the President’s inaugural celebration? Of course it will. It seems the most important things are sometimes given the least recognition. Whether it’s reading Holy Scripture, going to a small group study, volunteering in kids ministry or singing “this little light of mine” the principle remains the same. God rewards our faithfulness and diligence in executing devotional activities.

Maybe you may not see a vision, or be awarded such a grand prize as Zechariah. Be rest assured that your devotion and acts of service to God are significant, and you will be rewarded, in his way and his time. Cornelius in Acts 10 was commended for his seemingly unimportant acts of piety and prayer. So pray as you always have prayed. Meditate on scriptures like you were taught to do in your infant Christian period. Serve in ministry with the greatest passion and commitment, whether its pouring juice for the homeless or leading worship to a crowd of hundreds. Whatever you do, do it as unto the Lord, and be sure he who knows your secret piety will openly reward you probably when you least expect it.