Sermon Central
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The Hope And Struggle Of Being Christian
Contributed by Paul Apple on Oct 18, 2000 (message contributor)
Summary: THE CHRISTIAN LIFE IS A CONSTANT STRUGGLE WITH SIN INVOLVING TENSION, CONFUSION AND CONTRADICTION BUT WITH THE SURE HOPE OF COMPLETE DELIVERANCE THROUGH CHRIST 1.
THE CHRISTIAN LIFE IS A CONSTANT STRUGGLE WITH SIN INVOLVING TENSION, CONFUSION AND CONTRADICTION BUT WITH THE SURE HOPE OF COMPLETE DELIVERANCE THROUGH CHRIST
1. The Christian Life is a Constant Struggle Between Two Opposing Natures -- the old persisting sin nature and the new inner man
a) Not speaking about the universal Human Struggle here; this struggle only applies to Christians (therefore, the presence of the struggle itself should be an encouragement)
b) Illustr: cutting off head of chicken, yet it acts very much alive
2. The Christian's Struggle Involves Tension, Confusion, and Contradiction
a) Tension -- "prone to wander Lord I feel it"
b) Confusion
c) Contradiction -- all Christians are living contradictions
3. Nevertheless, the Christian Lives with a Sure Sense of Hope for Complete Deliverance Through Christ