By Rebekah Harvey 

This past Sunday Pastor Doug picked up with our Romans study again. The title of the message was “You Can’t Do It On Your Own.” This title might make you have negative thoughts about yourself, but it is actually good news! When Jesus was crucified on the cross He was saturated with the sin of the world, and to the disciples and His family it must have looked devastating. However, through this event Jesus was able to break the power of sin over us, which is amazing news!

With this good news of the power of sin over us being broken, we can ask ourselves why do I still struggle with sin so much then and do things that I know I shouldn’t and don’t even want to do? Romans 7:21 “I have discovered this principle of life–that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong.” Pastor Doug shared that even though we are dead to sin, sin is not dead. This is where the battle comes from, Romans 7:22-23 NLT “I love God’s law with all my heart. 23 But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me.” 

Even though we love God with all our heart we have a battle zone between our ears, in the mind! Fortunately, we have been given tools to have protection and victory against the enemy. These tools are found in Ephesians chapter 6.  “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints–”

This is good news, we have the tools we need to win the battle. But in order to win the battle we must use the tools and engage in warfare. The Word of God is our defense against what the enemy is bringing our way. Will you put on your armor, stand against the evil one with the strength and power of His might? You can’t do it on your own, but you don’t have to! We have the tools for victory.