Saved. Struggling. Surrendered. | Foundations VII

Anchor Verses:

Romans 7:15–25, Galatians 5:16–18, Romans 7:6

Focus Statement:

Salvation frees us from the penalty of sin, but the power of sin still wages war within us. Victory isn’t found in trying harder—it’s found in surrendering daily to the Spirit.

Introduction: Saved… But Still at War

• Many Christians wonder: “Shouldn’t I be past this by now?”
• Romans 7 reveals the internal battle all believers face.
• Freedom from sin’s penalty doesn’t mean freedom from its presence.
• Victory isn’t about trying harder—it’s about surrendering to the Spirit.

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We’re Released from the Law, Not from the Fight:

• The law can’t justify or sanctify—it reveals but doesn’t redeem.
• We serve in the newness of the Spirit, not the oldness of the letter.
• True service flows from love, not fear.
• Sadly, people often serve legalism or sin with more passion than they serve God in freedom.

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We’re at War—But Not Without Hope:

• Paul describes deep conflict: he wants good but does evil.
• Desire and knowledge aren’t enough—flesh lacks power.
• C.S. Lewis: “No man knows how bad he is until he has tried to be good.”
• The answer isn’t effort—it’s Christ.

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The Spirit Is Our Strength, Not Ourselves:

• The Spirit gives new desires that war against the flesh.
• God writes His law within us—a new covenant of internal power.
• We must crucify the flesh, not coddle it.
• A Spirit-led life is marked by continual, responsive dependence.

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Walking it Out:

• Start with Surrender
  • Begin each day by acknowledging your need for the Holy Spirit. Don’t strive—depend.
• Renew Your Mind
  • Fill your heart with Scripture. Meditate, memorize, and let God’s Word reshape your desires.
• Break the Cycle
  • Identify what feeds the flesh. Replace it with Spirit-led habits and stay responsive to His promptings.

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