Key Bible Verse: But you are not controlled by your sinful nature … if you have the Spirit of God living in you (Romans 8:9). Bonus Reading: Rom. 7:7-8:17

The shrill ring of the phone shattered the stillness of the crisp Colorado morning. On the other end was one of those utterly impossible individuals—arrogant, impatient, demanding.

I hung up seething with anger, resentment, perhaps even hatred. Grabbing my jacket, I walked out into the cold air to try to regain my composure. The quietness of my soul, so carefully cultivated in my "quiet time" that morning, had been ripped to shreds.

As my emotions subsided, my anger turned to utter discouragement. It was only 8:30 in the morning, and my day was ruined. Two hours before, I'd read Paul's emphatic declaration, "Sin is no longer your master, for you are no longer subject to the law, which enslaves you to sin. Instead, you are free by God's grace" (Romans 6:14).

"Does the Bible really have answers for real life?" I asked myself. Since then, I've learned I must decide to look at sin as an offense against a holy God instead of as a personal defeat; to take personal responsibility for my sin, depend on the grace of God, and obey God in all areas of life, however insignificant.

—Jerry Bridges in The Pursuit of Holiness

My Response: I'll confess to God a sin that often "masters" me, and thank Him for His cleansing.

Thought to Apply: I do not know what the heart of a bad man is like, but I do know what the heart of a good man is like, and it is terrible.—IVAN TURGENEV (Russian writer)

Adapted from The Pursuit of Holiness (NavPress, 1978) by permission.

Prayer for the Week

Forgive me, Lord, for minimizing the gift of my reconciliation to You through Christ by failing to confront my sinfulness.

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