The dichotomy, in which there is one, within a faithful follower of Jesus of Nazareth. Due to exposure the world tries to offer temptation, but the follower does not cater to or give into those temptations. This reality is relevant throughout all Scripture and proves God's sovereignty intrinsically transcends any so-called dark lifestyles. The Apostle Paul writes to the Romans and indicates a battle does burn within one's soul. I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do (Romans 7:15).
Hence, we read this verse and relate on a carnal level and the spiritual plane together. So, there then lies the dichotomy in which one chooses to cast thoughts onto another plane. The apostle Paul goes on and says next: For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out (Romans 7:18).
So, let’s go deeper, I (personal pronoun used here) myself...fill-in-the-blank (your name) cannot do good alone. Therefore, one can see how an independent Christian does not or cannot exist on any level at all. Actually, any so-called independent Christian is an oxymoron of itself. Paul indicated how these two words slammed together are an oxymoron.
He then goes on and explains exactly how one does overcome the temptations from the world. For in my inner being I delight in God's law (Romans 7:22). This is the tipping-point right here, where one has a choice to use the words God has given us, through His pure sovereignty to implement His words for one's actions and allow His providence to steer all aspects of the living experience called life.
Paul then goes on and reflects on his old self or character that he was and battles with. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death (Romans 7:24)? Right on, the Apostle Paul before he encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus was an absolute terror, he killed Christians, and held the coats of the people who stoned Stephen to death for declaring the Gospel (See Acts 22:20).
Right now, this is the fallen land in which we live today, but one can truly find victory over the world (darkness) through Christ. Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God's law, but in my sinful nature a slave to the law of sin (Romans 7:25). Paul's saying the sinful nature is for the natural or the carnal man, but now I am an over comer in Jesus for what He has done for the whole world! The perspective on how God views all things, that's the lens to look through.
At this point, an example, it would be like some ISIS member choosing to convert to Christianity. Right? Would people be leery if the person has really decided to change from a murdering terrorist --spilling innocent blood; to then cherishing the very breath God has given us? Yes, of course, people would be very leery. Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans8:1). The old Christian killing Paul is dead, he doesn't exist anymore, and his living experience has been made new (regenerated) due to God's sovereignty in Christ Jesus!
For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death (Romans 8:2). No one can condemn or be condemned for following Jesus, not anyone. “From now on, I do not dwell in the world, but these are in the world, and I am coming to join you. Holy Father, keep them in your Name- that Name which you have given me, so that they shall be one, just as we are”(John17:11).
-To God be the glory, His power, His authority and dominion forever
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