Q: 6:1-7

QUESTION:

“When I try to “not focus on not sinning” (one particular current sin habit), and on enjoying God instead – I have a hard time trying to figure out how to enjoy Him at that time! What do you focus on or think or do to help yourself at such times? I’m not having much success at all, unfortunately. Thanks!” from Robin

RESPONSE (from Ted):

What a great question/observation. First, I want to encourage you – having “real success” is a process and not easy – so, don’t be discouraged – you are on the right track. Second, one of things that I love about Romans 6-8 is that each section builds upon the previous. So, this week – we’re going to be looking at the specifics of how to enjoy Him. However, the whole idea of Romans 6:1-7 is to build a base of “why” we do what we do – to have a theology in which we put our confidence. So much of the battle begins with a confidence/trust in what it already true about us. So, the challenge when we are tempted to is remember our identity and our new capacity — specifically to think: this is not who I am/I don’t have to do this & then, this particular sin is not as great as Christ/He alone is satisfying to my soul. Initially, this may not keep everything “at bay” but it will begin to build a foundation on which you can lay a new way to respond.

There are thought patterns/belief structures that lead you to thinking that “xyz” will satisfy you, and beginning to bring new truth into the situation and leaning on it is the beginning of building new thought patterns. Taking a portion of Scripture to memorize (e.g., Psalm 63:1-2) can bring pure thoughts of the amazing goodness of God to your mind when you are struggling.

Remember that years of one thought pattern is not going to change overnight!