In Shanghai there are children’s sports schools dedicated to identifying and training future Chinese Olympians. Almost entirely sacrificing academics, thousands of children are enrolled into the full-time pursuit of becoming an athletic champion. Despite the unmitigated commitment to that goal by the parents, school and (hopefully) the child, it does not ensure success. Among the few that make it to the highest level of competition, even fewer have a gold medal placed around their neck. Tens of thousands of hours of detailed planning accompanied by years of rigorous training do not guarantee an athlete will not make a mistake when it matters the most.
In humility Paul acknowledges that fact. When it comes to theological training, he is that athlete. He wrote, “If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless” (Phil. 3:4-6). What’s more, his training was not confined to the safe environment of the “seminary gym.” His included battlefield experience. If he were to compare scars, no one else would stand a chance.
But whatever anyone else dares to boast of—I am speaking as a fool—I also dare to boast of that. Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they offspring of Abraham? So am I. Are they servants of Christ? I am a better one—I am talking like a madman—with far greater labors, far more imprisonments, with countless beatings, and often near death. Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. (2 Cor. 11:21–27)
Paul had the pedigree and the training of a theological Olympiad. More than that, he had the battle tested experience of a theological general. He was supernaturally called to be an apostle, chosen to start churches all around the Mediterranean and authored numerous books of the New Testament. Even so, this world class theologian was burdened by remnants of corrupting sin.
For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. (Rom. 7:15–20)
Paul’s struggle with sin can be an encouragement to you. The sin is not an encouragement, but the reality of his battle is. Even the best trained and most skilled believers are engaged in a conflict that looks very much like yours. It’s true that, for Christians, the flesh with its passions is being weakened, but you will not enjoy sinlessness in this life. Yes, the struggle is real! But God is greater.
Know that your struggle is not unique to you, and that you are not in the fight alone. God strengthens you through His Spirit. You will never be perfect, but you are also not captive to sin. “Sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace” (Rom. 6:14). Mature Christians hold the ground they’ve gained while they press on toward the ultimate goal, a sinless eternity with God. The struggle is real, but victory is certain!