Are YOU Struggling With Sin? Luther Says "Don't Be Surprised!"

Relevant to Crossway's current study of Galatians 5 on walking in the Spirit, Martin Luther gives some very encouraging words regarding this battle we face in reference to Galatians 5:17-18,

"For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want."

Luther comments:

"Do not be surprised, then, when you feel this battle of this sinful nature against the Spirit. Pluck up your courage, and comfort yourself with these words of Paul, which tell you that it is impossible to follow the guiding of the Spirit without any hindrance by the sinful nature. The sinful nature will resist you so that you cannot do what you would gladly do. It will be enough, then, if you follow the Spirit and not your sinful nature, which is easily overthrown by impatience, seeks revenge, holds grudges, hates God, is angry with him, despairs, and so on. Therefore, when you feel this battle, do not be discouraged, but resist in the Spirit and say, 'I am a sinner, and I feel sin in me, for I have not yet put off the sinful nature. But I will obey the Spirit and not my sinful nature. I will by faith and hope lay hold upon Christ, and by his Word I will raise myself up and will not do what my sinful nature desires' . . . . . therefore, it is very good for us sometimes to feel the wickedness and corruption of our sinful nature, so that we may be wakened and stirred up to faith and call upon Christ."
-Martin Luther

If you are struggling with sin today, praise God for it may mean you are trying to follow the Spirit and are being opposed!Galatians encourages us that it is quite normal to struggle with sin every day. Luther says don't be surprised. Fight hard to live by the Spirit and most of all..."call upon Christ." Be "wakened and stirred" today.