The War of the Mind

Written By Betty Predmore

ROMANS 7: 14- 8:8

(July 22)

Does your mind fight a constant war, at battle with good and evil? Sometimes, even though we know what is right in a situation, we will do the wrong thing anyways. It is our human nature, this ability to make mistakes and wrong choices. And it happens to all of us.

It even happened to Paul, this man of such value to the growth of the gospel. Even he was not free from this sinful nature and desire to do what is not right. Only one man lived on this earth who was free from sin, and that was Jesus. The rest of us are marked with a nature that causes us to sin, despite our best efforts.

Paul took his time explaining what the law IS and what it is SUPPOSED to do. Now he is explaining what the law is not able to do.

  1. The law cannot change you. Being described as "just, good, holy, and spiritual", it comes from a Holy and perfect God. The law deals with the spiritual aspect of ourselves, along with our outer actions. The emphasis is on how the law relates to our heart. It cannot transform our sinful nature, only make us more aware of it.

  2. 2. The law cannot enable you to do good. Paul repeats multiple times that sin dwells in each of us. He is referring to our old nature. But the Holy Spirit also dwells in us, which gives us the ability to live in victory. Our mind will either be controlled by our old nature or the new one (the Spirit).

  3. The law cannot set you free. Our old nature wants us to be a slave to it. As much as our inward self delights in the law of God, our old nature delights in breaking the law of God. Our deliverance from this comes from Jesus. Because we are untied with him as believers, we can find freedom through the power of the Holy Spirit.

  4. The law cannot claim you. Since a believer lives in the Spirit, he is made free from the law of sin and death. Your life in Christ is the guarantee of that.

  5. The law cannot control you. As believers, our righteous life comes from the power of the Holy Spirit, not the power of the law. With the Holy Spirit we are able to walk in obedience to God's will.

As we read these words of Paul, we can see clearly how the Holy Spirit and our relationship with Christ are the power and saving grace of our lives. How grateful it makes my heart that Jesus died for me. How happy I am that his death offers me the possibility of a righteous and eternal life. How liberating it is to know that sin has no authority over me. I may still make mistakes. I may still sin. But that sin will not RULE over me because the Holy Spirit is my power-source.

How do you feel about your superpowers in Christ Jesus? Do you feel strong enough to find victory in the War of the Mind?

Betty Predmore

Betty Predmore is a writer, blogger, speaker and ministry leaders. She is the founder of Mom-Sense, Inc., a ministry designed for mentorship, connection and service to women of all life circumstances. Through this ministry, women are encouraged and supported with scripture and life application. Mom-Sense helps women overcome life struggles through small group classes with biblical curriculum, individual counseling, bible studies, and other areas of support.

Betty also directs the Imperial Valley Life Center, which is a non-profit faith-based pro life women’s resource center. She has a passion for saving the unborn and supporting mothers through pregnancy and motherhood.

Betty loves to speak at events, sharing the love of Jesus with other women. She does this through practical life application mingled with God’s word, and sprinkled with humor. Having experienced a broken home, divorce, abuse, grief, single motherhood, blended families, and adoption, she uses the broken places and movement of God in her own life to share His word in an inspiring way. She enjoys sharing her blogs on social media as a way of reaching out on a broader spectrum. Betty has many speaking topics which can be found on her website: www.bettypredmore.com

As an author, she has had the opportunity to impact women and reach deep into their hearts with her words of inspiration and encouragement. Through Pondering Virtue and Whispered Grace, she has created wonderful tools for the woman who is seeking direction in her spiritual walk.

Betty serves on the writing team of A Wife Like Me, and is also a contributor to Moms Encouraging Moms and Gift of Thorns. Her blogs have appeared in several magazine publications throughout the years including Southern Faith Magazine, Purposeful Life, and Aspiring Woman Magazine.

While Betty thrives on her ministry opportunities, her greatest blessings come from being a wife to Jim and a mama to their wonderful collection of children, who bring joy, laughter, and an occasional tear to her days.


Previous

A Grander Theme: Let Your Praises Rise
Next

A Grander Theme: Let Your Fire Fall