Though there can be no doubt about the fact that we are living in extraordinary times, these are not unprecedented times. The church of the Lord Jesus has faced far greater calamities and difficulties. As we worship this morning therefore, however peculiar the circumstances, we do so knowing that His promises are sure. Let us gather, wherever we are, in the spirit of unity and hope. We’ll sing of the Rock of Ages, of the Lover of Our Souls, of the Fount of Every Blessing. We’ll sing of His Wondrous Love and we will reaffirm before a watching world that, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling” (Psalm 46:1-3). —George Grant
Key Words: Law, Flesh, Sin, Hate, Desire, Evil, War, Wretched, Deliver, Thanks
Keystone Verse: Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? (Romans 7:24)
Romans 7:14-25
14 For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold under sin. 15 For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. 16 Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good.17 So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. 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. 19 For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. 20 Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. 21 So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. 22 For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, 23 but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. 24 Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin.