I have been feeling down on myself and lackluster. I want to attribute it to the season, my weight, or my pain flaring every time I try to do something. But, could it be more?

The scripture that came to mind was Paul talking about not doing what he wants but what he hates (Romans 7:15). I decided to read before and after this portion of scripture and found I missed an important point Paul was trying to get across.

Now, dear brothers and sisters—you who are familiar with the law—don’t you know that the law applies only while a person is living? So, my dear brothers and sisters, this is the point: You died to the power of the law when you died with Christ. And now you are united with the one who was raised from the dead. As a result, we can produce a harvest of good deeds for God.

Romans‬ ‭7‬:‭1‬, ‭4‬ ‭NLT‬‬

When Paul was talking about not doing what he wanted he was talking about his life under the law—the only life he knew before receiving Christ. Just like Paul, our human nature battles within us, but our actions, our trying to be good will never win our victory. Yet, the victory is already given us through Christ Jesus.

So now the case is closed. There remains no accusing voice of condemnation against those who are joined in life-union with Jesus, the Anointed One. For the “law” of the Spirit of life flowing through the anointing of Jesus has liberated us from the “law” of sin and death. For God achieved what the law was unable to accomplish, because the law was limited by the weakness of human nature.

Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭1‬-‭3‬a TPT‬‬

What we could not do, what the law could not do, God achieved.

In Galatians Paul restates this concept more succinctly.

For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Galatians‬ ‭2‬:‭19‬-‭20‬ ‭ESV

When I read, “through the law I died to the law,” I understood the meaning of “the law of sin and death” because the requirement of the law, which cannot save me, is death.

Our death only leads to death. That’s why Paul emphasizes, “You died to the power of the law when you died with Christ.” This is the gift of grace we receive when we accept Jesus into our hearts. His death given freely to pay the requirement of the law for all who accept Him.

Paul concludes this point in Galatians:

So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law.

Galatians‬ ‭5‬:‭1‬ ‭NLT

My take away? Don’t dwell in the place I don’t belong. Abide in the One who has the power to manifest His victory in my life.

I pray for you to know His victory. I pray for you to receive revelation and understanding more and more as you live in Christ.

Grace & Peace,

Sandy

Image by Basil Smith from Pixabay