We know the 8th chapter of Romans very well, with many able to recite it. But this week we deal with our sins. We need to have a peace as we wrestle with our sin so we can come to the Lord's table in good conscience. We have to be able to do 2 things when we approach the Lord's table: 1) Understand "O wretched man that I am" and 2)we have to be able to come and say "I thank God!"

Paul is speaking as a regenerated Christian who is still in the world wrestling with his sin. We are captive to sin that wars within our members (verse 22.) If we look at ourselves we still live in this body of death. Paul serves the law of God, but says his flesh serves the law of sin. He is making the distinction between the flesh and the sin against the law and the law of sin, but also the principal of regeneration (new man) in the law of God! He is a prisoner in his flesh, but the regenerated man in Christ speaks to the law of God and redemption in Christ Jesus. The distinction is one of perspective. Do I stand in slavery of regenerated under Christ. Saint AND sinner. Verses 14-16 and 19 and following are often confusing to us. The law is SPIRITUAL and perfect. It deals with the heart and soul of the law. I am carnal sold under sin! Paul and we are sinners as we stand in the flesh. Even the holiest men of God have only a small beginning of that obedience, and are STILL sinners. You and I are no different, but the new man of Christ (Spirit) quickens us and permeates our being whereby we HATE sin and strive to live as a child of God!

We have to get a hold of BOTH of these ideas clearly! It is not to discourage us or keep us from partaking of the Lord's table and communion, but to be able for us to see that we live in the midst of death and sin. We won't profess that we are righteous in ourselves, but sinners who serve the law of God with the mind. Active faith gives us knowledge and confidence! Intellectual knowledge with the mind whereby we know our salvation and serve the law of God with the mind taking hold of that perfect justification...OUR justification! With the mind, in the knowledge of our faith we take hold of our justification which gives way to sanctification. Justification gives way to an amendment of life!

And unless we grasp these things we cannot know our forgiveness (through confession) and we will not come to the table. We will see a hatred for our sin and that we are justified in our Lord Jesus Christ. And as a result will take up the continued fight with renewed vigor.