Video Notes:

• This is an interesting concept. We typically think of our minds as being in control of all things.
• This passage, however, treats sin as a power which resides in us.
• This does not free us from the guilt of sin.
• This isn’t some dual personality disorder, either. It’s not mental condition, it’s a spiritual reality that we are sinner and saint at the same time.
• But ultimately, we hope in the true Word of God.
• This is also helpful in understanding our sinful desires apart from what is good and how we are designed to be. Our culture today often equates desire with design.
• This desire equals design concept closely related to another trend in our society, which is to equate our actions and desires with our identity. This is particularly harmful when our culture links our identity to our sin.
• But think about how this affects us when someone points out our sin.
  • If someone says what you do is sinful or wrong, you don’t hear it as a warning against such behavior, but rather as an attack on you.
  • It also makes it seem as though the desire or behavior is unchangeable.
  • It makes repentance harder or gives you the means of defiantly denying repentance.
  • It makes you focus on yourself and your behavior rather than Christ.
• Perhaps there’s truth to the claim when we don’t believe in Jesus.
• But when you believe in Jesus, that old self is crucified with Christ. You are a new creation.
• How does this affect us when someone points out our sin?
  • If someone says what you do is sinful or wrong, you can now hear it as a warning against such behavior and turn to God in repentance.
  • The desire and behavior are no longer unchangeable.
  • I can realize that this isn’t how God made me, but sin within me and can turn to God in repentance for forgiveness and help.
  • It makes you focus on Christ, who gives you your identity, rather than yourself.
• In the end and right now, it matters what God says, not what our sinful self says or what our culture says. God says that when you believe and are baptized you have been saved and are a new creation.