Once we understand this we can make more sense from Paul's words in Romans 7:15-18, "I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out."
Those in recovery for every hurt, hang-up, and habit begin to recognize their dependence on Christ for healing. Like it or not, we are all in recovery. As Christ followers who battles the daily forces of sin in our lives, we constantly struggle to do what is right. We are always seeking to change and be more Christ-like. That is recovery in its purest form; turning from sin/evil/addiction/gossip/food/control, and turning toward Jesus.
Romans 8:7-8 (NIV)
the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so.
Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God.
As my friend Paul Nordman wrote, "Here's the truth of the matter: We who are in Christ have two natures. We still carry the old nature, which will never be like Christ; and we have a new nature, who is Christ. So it's not that we are one way or the other; we have both natures. The sin nature will never improve, so we do well to stop trying to improve it and to stop beating ourselves up over it. It is what it is, we have been saved from it, and it will not accompany us throughout eternity. Our new nature, by contrast, need not improve; indeed it cannot improve, for it is Christ in us. He is sufficient! Forever!"
Those of us in recovery recognize that Jesus us the only way to freedom. We know that we cannot complete this journey on our own. We all need a Christian Recovery Program because we all need Jesus. Jesus is the only way!
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