A Word of Encouragement

September 11, 2026

Finches - Jan 2017

Grace, Hope & Peace, Friend;

Describing his personal struggle with sin, Paul wrote,

I do not understand what I am doing; for I am not practicing what I want to do, but I do the very thing I hate. However, if I do the very thing I do not want to do, I agree with the Law, that the Law is good. But now, no longer am I the one doing it, but sin that dwells in me.
	Romans 7:15-17

"Sin that dwells in me." It sounds like the excuse, "The devil made me do it", but it is more than that. As Paul summarized, "On the one hand I myself with my mind am serving the law of God, but on the other, with my flesh the law of sin." And only Jesus can free us from that struggle. (Romans 7:22-25)

We see evidence of that struggle in the Old Testament. After God had established David's rule over Israel we read,

Then Satan stood up against Israel and incited David to count Israel.
	1 Chronicles 21:1

Against Joab's advice, David ordered a census and God disciplined him. (1 Chronicles 21:2-7) But notice who incited the action. Satan.

Our flesh is still enslaved to sin - even though we have been spiritually freed by Jesus - and Satan continues to incite us to sin against God. So, what is our defense against Satan?

Recognizing his own struggle against sin, Paul wrote in another letter,

Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.
	Ephesians 6:11

The armor Jesus provides - truth, righteousness, the gospel, faith, salvation, God's word, and prayer (Ephesians 6:14-18) - is our only defense against the sin that 'dwells in us.' No matter how much we 'try', without His help, we cannot stop sinning.

Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!
Emphasis mine	Romans 7:24-25a

Hashem, Gibbor - Lord, victorious warrior - help me use the armor, You have given me, to resist Satan's schemes.

Satan incites us to sin against God
	1 Chronicles 21:1 - Applied

Use the armor God has given you,