Waging War

Last night, as we were reading thru Romans 7-8, we had a discussion regarding these things:

Some take this passage and say that this was before Paul's conversion. This would be people that believe in sinless perfection (that Christian's no longer sin). But reading these verses in context (along with Romans 8), shows that Paul has been regenerated already and is talking here of his struggle with his flesh.

7:18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out.

8:5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh...

8:8 Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

Those that believe in sinless perfection, also tend to deny original sin; but Paul knew that there was nothing good within himself. He knew that he had no ability in and of himself to fight this battle against the flesh. If Paul was not converted, then he wouldn't have the desire to please God (8:5). And he could not please God as an unbeliever (8:8). The truth is, as Christians, we will never be perfect on this earth. We are still in the flesh and we must wage war against it on a daily basis. We are to starve our flesh!! J.C. Ryle says it this way:

"A person who has been born again, or regenerated, does not habitually commit sin. He no longer sins with his heart and will and whole inclination. There was probably a time when he did not think about whether his actions were sinful or not, and he did not always feel grieved after doing evil. There was no quarrel between him and sin; they were friends. But the true Christian hates sin, flees from it, fights against it, considers it his greatest plague, resents the burden of its presence, mourns when he falls under its influence, and longs to be completely delivered from it. Sin no longer pleases him, nor is it even a matter of indifference to him; it has become a horrible thing which he hates. However, he cannot eliminate its presence within him.

If he said that he had no sin, he would be lying (I John 1:8). But he can say that he hates sin and that the great desire of his soul is not to commit sin at all. He cannot prevent bad thoughts from entering his mind, or shortcomings, omissions, and defects from appealing in both his words and his actions. He knows that "in many things we offend all" (James 3:2). But he can truly say, in the sight of God, that these things cause him grief and sorrow and that his whole nature does not consent to them."