Bible Questions and Answers
Browse all the questions that have been asked at thisisyourbible.com and see their answers, read the most recent questions and answers, or have a look at some prepared questions and answers on key Bible themes.
Thank you for asking a question on This is your Bible.
Baptism does not change our nature. It is the beginning of a struggle with our nature that will continue throughout our lives.
That we recognise the problem is a sign that the word of God is working in us.
When Christ speaks of taking up our cross daily he is referring to the struggle that we will have in submitting our own will to that of God.
Paul explains the inner conflict to do the will of God.
Romans 7:21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.
The organisation of the ecclesias into bodies of fellowship is designed to give us the support we desperately need.In regular meetings for breaking bread and Bible classes we can fellowship and provide exhortation to support each other.Fellowship cannot be overstated.
Hebrews 3:13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
A common Bible reading plan provides topics for conversation.If we can develop habits of behaviour so that we read and pray at specific times it can help, but we are not all creatures of habit.If we marry we can give each other mutual support.
After some 40 years in the truth I still experience exactly what you describe. I have not solved the problem.It may be easier if we shift focus from ourselves to others.So that we read in order that we might have something with which to exhort others; and we pray because others need our prayers.
Philippians 2:4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
I hope this helps.
Glenn Smith
