Our Greatest Battle Romans 7:14-25 What is your greatest struggle? In our struggle: The situation we face – we are carnal The struggle we fight – the battle within The solution we find – only in Jesus Christ 1. The situation we face Romans 7:14 NKJV Carnal – Greek – sarkinos – Belonging to the world Temporal Pertaining to the flesh 1 Corinthians 3:1-4 NKJV Romans 7:14 NKJV F Carnal believers: In a state of “arrested development” – stuck in an early stage – babies Need to learn to feed yourself Need for excitement and experience Lack grounding in Scriptures Looking to fill a void in their life Easily deceived Rely on others for nourishment Gullible Given to division & envy Manipulative Fault finders Self destructive Romans 7:15-16 NIV Paul describes the struggle The struggle is constant and intense at times Struggle with sin, but want to do good because of who we are through salvation You do not struggle alone The law reveals God’s holiness – we fall short Romans 7:17 NIV Paul gives a solution so we can leave the carnal life Recognize what you are fighting against Know what you are up against – Galatians 5:17 A realistic look at who you are Realize that you can do nothing apart from God Our struggle is a struggle with the law – vss. 22-23 Understand grace – tap into the power of Jesus Christ and life in Him 3. The solution we find Romans 7:24 NIV Paul describes being tired of the struggle Wretched – miserable, bearing the weight, burdens of slavery Illustration – a drowning man I can’t save myself – I need a Rescuer People often turn to the wrong things – “self care”, addictive substances/behaviors, poor counsel Body of death – punishment for murder near Tarsus First - sinner must be saved through the cross of Christ Believer look to that same cross for the power for sanctification – our death in Christ (Rom. 6; Gal. 2:20 Who will rescue? - vs. 25 – “I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 7: 25 NLT – “Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord.” In Him, we find the power to live a sanctified life Realizing that He the source of that power, we begin to walk in the power of the Spirit Romans 7:24 NIV Paul describes being tired of the struggle Wretched – miserable, bearing the weight, burdens of slavery Illustration – a drowning man I can’t save myself – I need a Rescuer People often turn to the wrong things – “self care”, addictive substances/behaviors, poor counsel Body of death – punishment for murder near Tarsus First - sinner must be saved through the cross of Christ Believer look to that same cross for the power for sanctification – our death in Christ (Rom. 6; Gal. 2:20)

Who will rescue? - vs. 25 – “I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 7: 25 NLT – “Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord.” In Him, we find the power to live a sanctified life Realizing that He the source of that power, we begin to walk in the power of the Spirit