The Struggle Is the Sign of Life

Rev. Dr. Adam Koontz, assistant professor of exegetical theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Romans 7:14-25. St. Paul describes his own struggle against sin as a Christian; this is the struggle of every Christian. Such a realistic description keeps us from self-justification. Even St. Paul the Apostle, upon self-examination and reflection, recognized just how deep his sin ran and how much his sin fought against the reality of life and freedom in Christ. Though he lives under Christ’s reign, sin is close at hand, leading him to accomplish the sin he hated and to leave undone the good he desired. Paul’s use of thee first-person singular not only describes his own personal experience, but invites every Christian to confess the same. The truth for Christians is that whenever we want to do right, evil is right there waging war against us. For that reason, mature Christians plead their wretchedness to God. Only in this confession of utter need before God is the joy of Christ’s redemption received. In that joy, Christians look forward to that day when Christ returns and puts an end to sin and death once and for all. “The Righteousness of God for You” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through St. Paul’s Epistle to the Romans. Human righteousness cannot save, because all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory. Only the righteousness of God can bring life and forgiveness to sinners. This is the righteousness that He has fulfilled in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This is the righteousness that is revealed in the Gospel, the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. This is the righteousness that is not earned, but is freely given by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone.