“O unhappy and pitiable and wretched man that I am! Who will release and deliver me from [the shackles of] this body of death?” Romans 7:24 (AMP)
There are times where I find myself staring into the mirror wondering, “What kinda man am I?” Not-for-nothing but, I’ve read countless books on how other Christian men made themselves better men of valor because they did what needed to be done. I’ve finally finished Tony Evan’s book Kingdom Man and I thought it contained some of the best spiritual advice a man of God could give and yet, I still felt I fell so short in so many areas that all that was left was… “O unhappy and pitiable and wretched man that I am! Who will release and deliver from the shackles of this body of death?” Not exactly something you should say to yourself while shaving, just sayin’.
But why am I even uttering something that I don’t fully understand? I mean, it’s a poppin’ verse, meant to literally grab your attention so you get the teaching that is taking place, but allow me to clear up the “this body of death” stuff for you. Ya’ll are aware that the Roman Empire had their own version of “crucify the flesh” and that they were better at it than any other sadistic regime that came before them. I found one that they did to common people who were found guilty of murdering the common citizenry…shackling them to their victim…face to face, wrist to wrist, hand to hand, ankle to ankle. This person was forced to face them remainder of their life, not only bearing the weight of their decaying victim, but eventually all that rot would rot them. How true that is? I’m unsure of – but Herod the Great just came to mind, wonder why? Anyway…
We know that the apostle Paul spent some time in Roman prisons and might have seen this practice up close and personal. So, what a perfectly graphical illustration of what that looks like, spiritually-speaking, when we decide to keep our old selves shackled to our new selves, so that, the rot that we once were is now affecting the new creature we seek to become. And the “kick in the tail” of it all, is that our adversary, sits right by us, constantly reminding us that who we once were will never go away, we won’t be accepted by Him. And all we’re gonna hear is “Depart from Me, I never knew you.” Now, this may not be a good way to start the devotional that you were hoping would contain something of an encouragement, but now that the understanding is there we can move into better stuff…maybe.
“For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man. But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.” – Romans 7:22-23
We also have to remember that Paul was the Pharisee of Pharisees, so some things that are in the Torah would have still been relevant to Paul (and still is today). So what we see in the Book of Numbers, 19:11-13 to be exact, discusses that touching a dead human body was gonna require a detailed purification process in order for you to be amongst Gods Chosen. Not doing this meant you stayed away and left yourself vulnerable to whatever was outside the community. These days, we just stay outta the church building and do U-turns in the shopping aisles when we see Christians. Why? Because we know we smell like death. Hmm…didn’t see that coming, did ya?
If you wanna remain amongst the living for Christ you’re gonna have to purify yourself daily. I’m not talking about staying away from the family for seven days because you had a moment where you spoke unkind to your spouse…even though that might be a good idea (guess it depends on what you said). No, I’m talking about the complete package. Daily prayer and daily reading of God’s Word is always the recommended cure but ya gotta notice the word “daily.” We’re called to die to self daily, but there’s nothing in Scripture that says you need to keep what you’re trying to put to death on you…not even in the Red Letters. Maybe letting go is in order?
I’m reaching my word count for today but I would challenge you to look up the Scripture reference’s I quoted in Numbers, then come back to the seventh chapter of Romans and tell me you don’t read Romans 7:13-25 in a different light. In the meantime, don’t find yourself standing in front of a mirror, ready to shave, then saying to yourself you ain’t nothing but a stinky, old wretch of man. If you’re in Christ, you’re into something that smells divine. Amen?
Written by Chris Hughes: Chris is a child of El Elyon, a son, a husband, and a father. He has an education in Biblical doctrine and is a graduate of The Colony of Mercy, 11/2003. He has been a Freedom Fighter contributor since 2008. You can email him at cphughes515@verizon.net.
Think About This:“This is the lot of every Christian—To receive mercy and grace instead of judgement and destruction because God has saved us by the redemptive judgement that is far more dramatic and glorious than the events of Jericho that day.” — Eric Watkins
This Week’s Verse to Memorize: “I will betroth you to Me forever; Yes, I will betroth you to Me In righteousness and justice, In lovingkindness and mercy; 20 I will betroth you to Me in faithfulness, And you shall know the Lord.” Hosea 2:19-20
America's Keswick Christian Retreat and Conference Center
4.8
Based on 359 reviews
America's Keswick Christian Retreat and Conference Center
4.8
J deFelice
00:38 05 Jun 23
Beautiful location and nice facilities. Price and value is terrific for a group retreat. Just booked a quilt retreat here for next spring and can't wait to go. A lovely hidden secret in Ocean county.
Liz Perreault
01:35 01 Jun 23
Favorite place on the planet. God transforms lives here 🤗
debra aufiero
18:09 15 May 23
Beautiful atmosphere/scenery. Inspiring speaker. Accommodating me with a gluten free lunch was great. Spoke with a young man who told us that this place changed his life. This gave us a chance to witness to him by telling him the gospel message.
Samantha Ferrick
12:26 14 May 23
Love being here. It's so beautiful, peaceful and fulfilling.
Kathy Cruz
19:37 28 Apr 23
Amazing place!! Beautiful scenery. Great service!
Evelyn Zayas (Smiley)
21:17 26 Apr 23
It was a wonderful experience. Besides the spiritual side of it, the place is absolutely gorgeous. Delicious food. The only thing I didn't like were the ants in the bedroom.
Karen Occhiogrosso
13:28 25 Apr 23
I have been to Keswick many times for the monthly hymn sings, and some retreats. Lots of good Christian music and Bible teaching for those who attend, as well as good meals to share around the table. The testimonies from members of the Colony and... Barbara's place attest to the power of Christ to change lives. Always a rewarding experience!read more
Richard fericy
13:14 21 Apr 23
Love Keswick
LaDonna Hankinson
13:32 10 Mar 23
This place is a beautiful place to have a retreat. You can join one of Keswicks planned events or use the facilities for you own group. The grounds are beautiful and a great place to find some peace and tranquility.The staff are amazing, and... really make a person feel at home. The grace of God is evident throughout the ministry.My favorite part is the music/worship time. Drawing me to connect with God personally.The meals are prepared with love and very accommodating to special needs.If you're not there for a retreat, and just need a bed and breakfast that is an option as well.read more
Edwin Rivera
23:00 07 Mar 23
Loved it! Beautiful campus! I really had a good time at the dinner and a concert. Awesome experience all around. Will definitely be returning and will be bringing friends and family.
Cesar Alvaro
18:35 06 Mar 23
Hermoso lugar bastante tranquilo y acogedor mis hijos se divierten mucho y nos llenamos espiritualmente de la palabra de Dios.
Zoraya Quevedo
22:36 05 Mar 23
Peaceful place to relax, and good for retreat
Hector Gama
21:39 05 Mar 23
Lugar hermoso,para retiros, conferencias y estudios biblicos.Personas amables, generosas y muy respetuosas.
John Mackert
14:37 03 Mar 23
Visited the alcohol rehab facility because a friend was in the program. Christian based, very positive environment, 4 month program. They are doing great work there. Visitors allowed every other weekend. We had a great time at one of their... Christian services. We watched the superbowl together and they even fed us! Very generous.read more
Andrea Conti
01:19 03 Mar 23
Awesome business great people. Very honest
Google Rating
4.8
Based on 359 reviews
America's Keswick Christian Retreat and Conference Center
4.8
J deFelice
00:38 05 Jun 23
Beautiful location and nice facilities. Price and value is terrific for a group retreat. Just booked a quilt retreat here for next spring and can't wait to go. A lovely hidden secret in Ocean county.
Liz Perreault
01:35 01 Jun 23
Favorite place on the planet. God transforms lives here 🤗
debra aufiero
18:09 15 May 23
Beautiful atmosphere/scenery. Inspiring speaker. Accommodating me with a gluten free lunch was great. Spoke with a young man who told us that this place changed his life. This gave us a chance to witness to him by telling him the gospel message.
Samantha Ferrick
12:26 14 May 23
Love being here. It's so beautiful, peaceful and fulfilling.
Kathy Cruz
19:37 28 Apr 23
Amazing place!! Beautiful scenery. Great service!
Evelyn Zayas (Smiley)
21:17 26 Apr 23
It was a wonderful experience. Besides the spiritual side of it, the place is absolutely gorgeous. Delicious food. The only thing I didn't like were the ants in the bedroom.
Karen Occhiogrosso
13:28 25 Apr 23
I have been to Keswick many times for the monthly hymn sings, and some retreats. Lots of good Christian music and Bible teaching for those who attend, as well as good meals to share around the table. The testimonies from members of the Colony and... Barbara's place attest to the power of Christ to change lives. Always a rewarding experience!read more
Richard fericy
13:14 21 Apr 23
Love Keswick
LaDonna Hankinson
13:32 10 Mar 23
This place is a beautiful place to have a retreat. You can join one of Keswicks planned events or use the facilities for you own group. The grounds are beautiful and a great place to find some peace and tranquility.The staff are amazing, and... really make a person feel at home. The grace of God is evident throughout the ministry.My favorite part is the music/worship time. Drawing me to connect with God personally.The meals are prepared with love and very accommodating to special needs.If you're not there for a retreat, and just need a bed and breakfast that is an option as well.read more
Edwin Rivera
23:00 07 Mar 23
Loved it! Beautiful campus! I really had a good time at the dinner and a concert. Awesome experience all around. Will definitely be returning and will be bringing friends and family.
Cesar Alvaro
18:35 06 Mar 23
Hermoso lugar bastante tranquilo y acogedor mis hijos se divierten mucho y nos llenamos espiritualmente de la palabra de Dios.
Zoraya Quevedo
22:36 05 Mar 23
Peaceful place to relax, and good for retreat
Hector Gama
21:39 05 Mar 23
Lugar hermoso,para retiros, conferencias y estudios biblicos.Personas amables, generosas y muy respetuosas.
John Mackert
14:37 03 Mar 23
Visited the alcohol rehab facility because a friend was in the program. Christian based, very positive environment, 4 month program. They are doing great work there. Visitors allowed every other weekend. We had a great time at one of their... Christian services. We watched the superbowl together and they even fed us! Very generous.read more