Nothing Good

Today’s Encouragement is, “And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t.” Romans 7:18 NLT

Nothing good –

In much of Romans 7, Paul lays bare the ugly truth of sin. He admits to God and us that he commits the sin he hates. He wants to do what is right, but… 

How is this encouraging?  Because this is only the introduction, not the conclusion… in chapter 7, Paul confesses this incredible frustration, the struggle with the sinful nature… which we all have!  But then, in v24-25, “the answer is in Jesus Christ,” he reveals that we are completely and perfectly saved from ourselves – and from our sin – by Jesus!  

And that’s not all! (Although Jesus is always enough!) in the next fantastic chapter 8, we learn that we are not condemned (v1), we are no longer slaves (v15), we are His adopted children (v16), He helps us in our weakness (v26), He works in all things for our good (v28), and we are more than conquerors (v37)! This is His amazing Grace! 

Friend, the reality of our sinful nature is a harsh and ugly truth – nothing good lives in us! But when we recognize this truth, we acknowledge our need to be saved… by Someone other than ourselves!  And Jesus is the only Savior!  

Father, help us recognize and confess our sin, accept Your Grace, and live as Your grateful, forgiven, victorious, and freed sons and daughters. 

Redeemed 

Big Daddy Weave