Mind Over Matter
Posted on October 12, 2016 by America's Keswick in Freedom Fighters
“I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin.” Romans 7:25
So, here’s the scene, me, the Teacher and the Principle. The question is posed to me, “don’t you see what you did wrong?” Of course I shrugged it off. This is the question the Holy Spirit asks me today. There seems to be a disconnect at times between what I know to be right and what I do.
The beautiful thing is thanks be to God my mind is now subject to the Spirit of God and I’m able to overpower the flesh. This idea is only possible when I choose to listen and I have been in God’s word in order for my mind to be convinced that I am an overcomer.
Paul sets up Romans 8 perfectly by spelling out the system in which God works. He is able to write Romans 7 from a firsthand account because that is his testimony. Don’t you see the set up? “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit”. When I understand that by responding to the Spirits prompting I agreeing that what I do is sin and He is not there to condemn but to restore. Going back to the scene in the Principles office I was defending myself because I didn’t see the good only the condemnation.
The word “mind” here is referring to “reason in the narrower sense, as the capacity for spiritual truth, the higher powers of the soul, the faculty of perceiving divine things, of recognizing goodness and of hating evil” (Blue Letter Bible).
Paul will tell us in chapter 12, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God”. Each time I miss the mark and respond to the rebuke of the Holy Spirit I prove what is that good, acceptable and perfect will of God.
So, the next time you mess up you have the opportunity to agree with God, isn’t that cool? I hope it helps you to know that God can be glorified even in our “mess ups”, just don’t make a habit of it, Amen!
Written by Rob Russomano: Rob is married to Terri, he is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and a full time staff member. He is also available as a speaker of the grace of God with a message of Hope for church events.
The Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 131; Proverbs 12
Daily Quote: I would have no desire other than to accomplish thy will. Teach me to pray; pray thyself in me. ~Francois Fenelon
This Week’s Verse to Memorize:
16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. ~2 Corinthians 4:16
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