Tug Of War
Romans 7:15- 20 “I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate. 16 But if I know that what I am doing is wrong, this shows that I agree that the law is good. 17 So I am not the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.
18 And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature I want to do what is right, but I can’t. 19 I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. 20 But if I do what I don’t want to do, I am not really the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.” [New living translation]
A “Tug of War” is a contest in which two teams pull at opposite ends of a rope, with a ribbon in the middle, until one team drags the other team over a central line.
In a believers walk they can experience a “tug” to do what is right or a “tug” to do something that is wrong. Faith and hope will encourage a person to do what is right, fear and doubt will encourage a person to do something wrong.
Things can be going along real good, and all of a sudden trouble comes along. Or a person will experience trails and difficulties for an extended period of time, and then suddenly a peace comes to comfort.
Nahum 1:7 “The Lord is good, and a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows those who trust in him.”
Stronghold—a place that has been fortified so as to protect it against an attack.
Trust–having a firm belief in the reliability, ability or strength of someone or something.
Galatians 6:7 tells us that “God is not mocked.” When a person truly puts their trust in God, they can look to God as being a stronghold.
Psalm 46:1 “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.“
Trouble represents difficulties or problems, but God is:
- Refuge – shelter
- Strength – strong
- Help – to assist with making things easier
John 16:33 “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
Peace – remaining calm when trouble, confusion, problems or difficulties are going on all around you.
Tribulation — a cause of great trouble or suffering
Overcome – to succeed or have success in dealing with problems or difficulties
Philippians 4:7 “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
The peace of God guards our hearts and minds when we are experiencing a “Tug of War”.
1st John 4:4 “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.”
Jesus is the greater force within a person, so you can depend on Jesus to help you win the “Tug of War”.
“Lord Jesus, thank you for being the greater strength that is within us that helps to win the “Tug of War” and live a victorious life, in Jesus name…Amen!
Continuing in His service…Rev
