Daily Scripture Threshing for Thursday, December 12, 2024
Today's Text: Romans 7:14-25
Key Verse: Romans 7:18 (KJV): "For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not."
The story of John Mason Brown, a drama critic and speaker, is a humorous illustration of how our flesh can limit us. Brown was giving a lecture at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (a New York based museum that, till this day, presents over 5000 years of art from around the world for everyone to experience and enjoy) when he noticed someone mimicking his every gesture. He was so distracted by the mimic that he forgot what he was supposed to do next on stage. It wasn't until later that he realized the mimic was his own shadow.
In the same way, our flesh can mimic our true selves, causing us to forget our true identity in Christ. The apostle Paul writes his spiritual children in Rome and all believers everywhere about the struggle he faced with his own flesh. He knew that in his flesh dwelled no good thing, and that he was unable to perform the good things he wanted to do. This struggle is a common experience for many believers. We are all caught up in the common struggle. We know what we want to do, but we find it difficult to do it. We are limited by our flesh, which is prone to sin and weakness.
The flesh represents our natural, earthly, and human aspects warring against the supernatural, heavenly, and divine aspects. There is always conflict between the two, and Christians are excluded from the constant battle with this old, carnal nature, considered to be the weak-willed, fallen nature, with no character, resolve, or self-control. Even our Lord Jesus bore witness to the weakness of the flesh in the Garden of Gethsemane, when His disciples fell asleep while he wanted them to pray with Him. For these reasons, the apostle's conclusion in today's text is a powerful reminder of our true identity in Christ. He writes, "I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord." Paul recognized that his true identity was not in his flesh, but in Christ. And he thanked God for the victory he had in Christ. As believers, we must remember that our flesh is a limiter, but it is not our true identity. We are in Christ, and we have the power, and must strive, to overcome our flesh through the Holy Spirit.
Action Steps: Reflect on the ways in which your flesh limits you. Ask God to help you recognize your true identity in Christ. Ask the Holy Spirit to empower you to overcome your flesh and live a life that honors God. Thank God for the victory you have in Christ, and for the power of the Holy Spirit to help you overcome your flesh.
Quote for the Day: "The flesh is a limiter, but it is not our true identity. We are in Christ, and we have the power to overcome our flesh through the Holy Spirit." (Simon Olatunji #quotablequote)
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that our true identity is in Christ, not in our flesh. Help us to recognize the limitations of our flesh and to seek Your power to overcome them. Thank You for the victory we have in Christ, and for the power of the Holy Spirit to help us live a life that honors You — in Jesus's most glorious name. Amen.
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Thank you for being part of this journey. For additional reading on today's meditation, read: Psalm 43:5; Lamentations 3:21-24; and 2 Corinthians 1:3-4.
Daily Scripture Threshing is a devotional guide written for free distribution and edification of churches, homes, and individuals. For inquiries, free counseling, or deliverance, please, write or visit: The Darling Bishop, 2321 S Beltline Rd Suite 144 Grand Prairie TX 75051 USA.
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With all my love and prayers,
Rev Simon Wale Olatunji, Ph.D.
Your Darling Bishop (DaBishop)
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