What causes a person to act contrary to their desires?

In "Biblical Perspective" Gordon Snider writes:

If the law is not the problem (v. 16), then what causes me to act contrary to my own desires? Paul answered by distinguishing between I and sin that dwelleth in me. The former is the man as created by God, which in verse 15 made good decisions. The latter is the principle of sin that entered the human race at the Fall and holds controlling influence in the natural man.

Source: Studies in Romans: Adult Teacher's Insights, page 36.

2017-01-07T09:00:00+00:00January 7th, 2017|Categories: Lesson Highlights|Tags: |0 Comments

The Struggle of the Believer

In "Word Focus" Glenn McClure writes:

In verses 18 and 21, we have another important word that helps us to see the struggle of the believer — to will is present with me (v. 18), and evil is present with me (v. 21). The Greek word for is present with means “to lie beside” or “to be near.” It can be defined also as “to be present, at hand.” What a paradox! The “will” or intent to do good is present or at hand, but to “perform” (carry the desire into effect) is not present. In other words, the desire to do good was possible, it was in his power, and it was his habitual inclination and purpose of mind to do right. But in contrast, verse 21 also says that evil is present with him. This “evil” is as near at hand as the desire to do good. It raises its ugly head unbidden and undesired, to turn one from doing good. Thus we see here man with sin dwelling (or making its abode) within him and causing him to miss the design of doing good. Even when the will to do good is present, the power of sin is also present. There is only one Power that can enable man to overcome the power of sin — that is the indwelling power of the blessed Holy Spirit.

Source: Studies in Romans: Adult Teacher's Insights, page 34.

2017-01-05T09:00:00+00:00January 5th, 2017|Categories: Lesson Highlights|Tags: |0 Comments

How was David "shapen in iniquity"?

"Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me." (Psalm 51:5)
In "God's Word for Today" David Woods writes:

We have no indication from scripture that David's parents committed adultery or fornication when he was conceived. Rather, every indication we have is that his parents were in a loving, faithful relationship. Verse 5 points to a deeper truth. Indeed, David would probably say that we all have been “shapen in iniquity.” How is this true?
We are all born with a nature corrupted by carnality, an inclination to rebel against God in order to worship self as god.

Source: Studies in the Psalms: Adult Teacher's Insights, page 47.

2016-10-21T09:00:00+00:00October 21st, 2016|Categories: Lesson Highlights|Tags: |0 Comments

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