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Summary

In this insightful evening sermon, Pastor Dr. Erastus Sabdono reflects on the internal battle between the law of God and the law of sin, drawing from Romans 7 and Philippians 3. He explores the human struggle to align with God's will while battling inherent sinful nature. Through the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, believers can gradually overcome these challenges. The pastor emphasizes the importance of spiritual growth, the pursuit of righteousness, and the process of sanctification that leads to a life in Christ, ultimately reshaping one's character to reflect God's nature.

Takeaways

• 😀 The apostle Paul discusses the internal struggle between the desire to follow God's law and the sinful nature that fights against it.
• 😀 According to Romans 7:22-24, Paul expresses his frustration with the human condition, recognizing that sin is a force within him that causes him to fail despite his desire to do good.
• 😀 Philippians 3:7-9 illustrates that while Paul acknowledges his imperfections, through Christ, he is declared righteous according to God's standards.
• 😀 The law of sin is different from the punishment of sin. Humans, because of their fallen nature, cannot always act in accordance with God's will.
• 😀 Even though humans are not as depraved as animals, sin still causes us to fall short of God's perfection, but we can seek atonement through Christ.
• 😀 Spiritual growth requires a continuous struggle against the desires of the flesh, and it involves layers of challenges that test one's character.
• 😀 Human nature is revealed through tests, and we gradually recognize our ability to overcome sin by facing life's challenges.
• 😀 True transformation involves growing in righteousness so that a person seeks the truth more deeply, like desiring spiritual growth rather than simply avoiding sin.
• 😀 God's standard of perfection, represented by Christ, is the ultimate measure of righteousness. Spiritual maturity involves striving toward that perfect standard.
• 😀 The Holy Spirit plays a key role in guiding believers to understand God's word, leading to deeper spiritual wisdom and clarity about life's challenges.
• 😀 Spiritual growth and transformation require the willingness to face difficulties and exercise patience, as God uses life experiences to shape and refine our character.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the sermon in the script?

The main theme of the sermon is about the internal struggle between the desire to follow God's law and the influence of sin within the human nature, as well as the process of spiritual growth and transformation through Christ.

What does Paul describe in Romans 7:22-24?

In Romans 7:22-24, Paul describes the internal conflict he experiences. He enjoys God's law in his mind, but his body struggles with the law of sin, making him feel trapped in his sinful nature.

How does the speaker explain the apparent contradiction in Paul's statements regarding the law?

The speaker explains that while Paul mentions serving both God's law and the law of sin, this is not contradictory. Paul's pre-conversion understanding of what is good was different, but through Christ, he was able to recognize and desire God's will, despite his sinful nature.

What is meant by 'law of sin' in the script?

'Law of sin' refers to the inherent sinful nature that governs human behavior, making it impossible for individuals to fully fulfill God's will on their own. It is not the punishment for sin but the sinful inclination that everyone has due to the fall of mankind.

What does the speaker say about human capacity for goodness despite sin?

The speaker emphasizes that humans, despite living under the law of sin, are still capable of doing good. They are not completely depraved like animals, but their actions are limited and imperfect due to their sinful nature.

What role does the Holy Spirit play in the believer's life according to the sermon?

The Holy Spirit guides believers in their struggle against sin, helping them grow spiritually, reject the desires of the flesh, and ultimately live according to God's will. The Holy Spirit helps believers understand the Bible and discern God's purpose in their lives.

How does the speaker compare the process of spiritual growth to physical challenges?

The speaker compares spiritual growth to physical training, likening it to swimming in a pool, then a river, and eventually in the ocean. Just as a person strengthens their physical endurance through increasingly difficult challenges, spiritual growth requires facing various life situations that test one's faith and character.

What is the significance of the example of someone not stealing until given the opportunity?

The example illustrates that a person's true character is revealed not just by avoiding sin when it is easy, but when they face situations with greater temptation. It emphasizes the need for continuous spiritual growth and dependence on God to overcome sin.

What does the speaker mean by 'intelligent spiritual wisdom' in the sermon?

Intelligent spiritual wisdom refers to the ability to understand and interpret life situations in light of God's Word. It enables believers to recognize God's purpose in challenges and to respond in ways that reflect spiritual maturity and God's will.

How does the speaker describe the ultimate goal of the Christian life?

The ultimate goal of the Christian life, according to the speaker, is to become so transformed by God's grace that believers are no longer capable of sinning or hating, but live fully in the character of Christ. This transformation is a process that requires perseverance and divine assistance.