Faith Talk – August 3, 2025

Sunday: August 3, 2025
Series: Romans: The Righteousness of God
Sermon: The Law of Sin

Romans 7:14-25

Today's message explored Paul's honest struggle with sin as a believer, revealing important truths about our Christian walk:

• The internal battle is real - Even as Christians, we face ongoing conflict between our desire to please God and our sinful flesh
• Your struggle with sin confirms your salvation - Caring about your sin shows God's Spirit is working in you
• Victory comes through Christ, not willpower - We cannot overcome sin in our own strength but must rely on Jesus' power
• Avoid cold indifference - We must guard against becoming apathetic in our faith and losing our "saltiness" as believers
• The central message: While we will battle sin until we get to heaven, we can have hope because Christ has already won the victory and there is no condemnation for those in Him.

Thanks to God: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your patience with us in our struggles against sin. Thank You that even when we fail, You don't condemn us but celebrate every step we take toward You. Thank You for the victory Jesus won on the cross that covers all our sins - past, present, and future.
 
Ask from God: Lord, help us in our daily battle against sin. Give us strength to rely on Your power instead of our own willpower. Protect us from cold indifference and keep our hearts passionate for You. Help us remember that our struggle with sin actually confirms our salvation because Your Spirit is working in us.
 
Commitment to God: We commit to being honest about our struggles while resting in Your grace. Help us to be salt and light in this world, living lives that cost us something for Your kingdom. When we stumble, help us get back up and keep walking toward You, knowing that one day we will never stumble again.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

Materials Needed: Two different colored pieces of paper, markers, a small box or container
 
Instructions:

1. Give each family member one piece of each colored paper (example: red for "flesh/sin" and blue for "spirit/God")
2. Have everyone write or draw on the red paper things that tempt them or pull them away from God (like anger, selfishness, laziness, etc.)
3. On the blue paper, write or draw things that help them follow God (like prayer, reading the Bible, helping others, etc.)
4. Take turns sharing what they wrote, then crumple up the red papers and throw them in the box, symbolizing that Jesus has defeated sin
5. Keep the blue papers as reminders of ways to follow God throughout the week

 
Discussion starter: "Just like Paul, we all have a battle inside us between wanting to follow God and being tempted by sin. But remember - Jesus has already won the war! How can we choose the 'blue paper' actions this week?"