Entering into the second half of our study through Romans, let’s quickly review key themes of the two preceding chapters. Paul encourages the church that Christ is our sure and perfect justification before the Father (Rom 5:21). The work of the cross brought freedom from the law and ushered in unity with Christ (Rom 5:18) (Rom 6:5-7). The law here isn’t so much a rule as it is a covenant of works. In this, stringent performance has been replaced by authentic relationship.

Paul expands upon this theme of freedom from the law by stating that we have also been delivered from the law (Rom 7:6). This miraculous deliverance means that our hearts not only belong to Love, they cannot be condemned. Indeed, “there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Rom 8:1). We have been completely redeemed from the curse of the law (Gal 3:13). Where the law held us threateningly to lifeless commands, grace promises strength to walk in the way of Love. This covenant of Life is now the ruling authority of our hearts and its banner is the banner of love (Song of Songs 2:4).

Our freedom and deliverance from the law then becomes our great encouragement to pursue the Lord in holiness and righteousness. Pressing into this journey of sanctification is a joy as we walk with Christ (Rom 7:1-6). And yet, it isn’t always easy.

On Struggle and Sanctification

Toward the end of chapter seven we find Paul’s discussion of a struggle that many of us know well:

For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. 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. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me.

Romans 7:15-20

Here, Paul illustrates the struggle between grace and corruption. Yes, salvation is guaranteed by grace through faith (Eph 2:8-9). And yet, the process of walking out our sanctification is exactly that – a process. Some days we find ourselves in the middle of a mess that is no one’s fault but our own. In these moments, our part as sons and daughters of God is neither to despair nor perform. Instead of seeking after a life of sinless perfection, our aim is Christ (Rom 7:25). His mercy is sure; His work in our hearts will eventually prevail (Philipp 1:6).

Walking with the Lord through this process of sanctification is powerful. It enables the work of the Spirit in our lives and yields good fruit (Rom 7:4-6). Love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, gentleness and self-control abound in our lives as we continue to submit our hearts to God in humility, repentance and faith (Gal 5:22-23) (Matt 3:8).

Deep-deep Wells, Deep-deep Waters

Building upon the foundation of justification and sanctification, Paul begins to share pivotal truths about life in Christ. One after another, chapter eight is full of powerful declarations that hinge on triumph, inheritance, hope and love.

He tells the church that “the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you” and that we are coheirs with Christ (Rom 8:11) (Rom 8:16-17). These powerful truths are accompanied by encouragement that “the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed” and exhorts us to “wait for it with patience” (Rom 8:18) (Rom 8:25). In and through it all is the surpassing love of God. So strong is this love that “neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us form the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom 8:38-39). By this love, we are able to stand confidently as more than conquerors in Christ (Rom 8:37).

And this is just a snap shot of the encouragement that this chapter offers. It is a deep-deep well full of life and hope. Meditating on the truths of this passage will bring strength and edification as we walk with the Lord through the process of sanctification. Diving into this chapter through meditation, study and prayer is more than worthwhile.

So, dear saints, jump in! His deep-deep waters of fullness of life are waiting with joyful expectation for you.