WEEKLY BIBLE COMMENTARY by Wes Woodard 3-5

The Apostle Paul had the same problem that we have today.

Without the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit we can want to do that which is good but find ourselves doing that which is bad. Paul said, “Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death?” (Romans 7:24) Then in 8:4, “… the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.”

This reminds me of what Dr. Luke reported in Acts 1:7. Jesus said, “… you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you and you will be my witnesses….” Without the Holy Spirit it is impossible to be an effective witness for Jesus Christ or do anything else for our Lord that will last and be rewarded. We are (as Christians) filled or controlled by the Holy Spirit when we present ourselves in full dedication to His will.  I did this when I was eighteen years old after hearing a message on Romans 12:1 & 2.  (I had been saved when I was eleven and received the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.)