Romans 7:18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not ..... 21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.
These two verses of scripture reveal a profound truth about human nature. They show us unmistakeably that in and of ourselves, we are powerless to stem the tide of evil coming from within. The word of God clearly states that there is a very real devil, and there are myriads of external spiritual foes bent on our destruction. We often hear the phrase "the devil made me do it", and while that may be true in many cases, the Bible calls our attention to a much more serious internal problem that demands our urgent consideration.
Evil tendencies and propensities, both inherited and cultivated reside within the precincts of every human heart, and until we individually acknowledge this truth about ourselves, it's unlikely that we would seek the necessary help to live victoriously. As a matter of fact, if the devil were to go on vacation for a year, murders and thefts, adultery and kidnapping would still continue at an alarming rate, which tells us that the problem we face is that of "battling internal foes".
The recent death of actor Phillip Seymour Hoffman is just another testimony to this sad, but very real phenomena. Battling the internal foe of drug addiction, in and out of rehab several times, the actor tried in vain to overcome the inner propensities to evil, which finally drove him over the edge, thus ending a life that mastered the art of acting, but lost the battle of mastering one's self. In fact, history shows that we are losing more and more talented persons to this internal plague than all other external factors combined.
It's worthy of note however, that drug addiction is just one of the many inner battles being waged within the human mind. There's also addiction to crime, addiction to violence, addiction to power, addiction to food, addiction to porn, addiction to television, addiction to video games, addiction to sex, and worst of all, addiction to one's self. The word of God not only diagnoses the problem, but it also presents the only solution in the person of Jesus Christ. Any individual, in any country, in any situation, at any time, who acknowledges that they are powerless to eradicate this problem on their own, can always turn to Jesus, the Great Physician who specializes in all such maladies. The Bible tells us of his love and power to heal, in words that bring comfort and cheer, hope and encouragement. Let's read a few verses and promises we can claim today:
John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
Romans 8:37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
2nd Corinthians 10:4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.
1st John 1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
If we pray in sincerity, asking the Lord to grant us the victory over these internal foes, God will send every angel out of heaven to our aid, if needs be, and will grant us the necessary power through His Holy Spirit to live victoriously each day. By His omnipotent power He will enable us to walk with a steady and even tread, giving us grace for every emergency, and delivering us from evil when those inner foes threaten our very existence. Jesus is more than willing and able to command the victory by His executive power, in the lives of all persons who turn to Him in sincerity for help. We hope and pray that this experience will be ours always, for He is faithful to all of His promises. "Good Night" and God bless!