7/8/25

Even when we attempt to live in obedience we will have struggles. It is because we live in a fallen world.

I spoke to someone this morning who felt he was not to blame for a problem and yet he is getting blamed. Many would say this is not fair and neither is life on earth.

Acts 21:23-24 NASB95 “Therefore do this that we tell you. We have four men who are under a vow; take them and purify yourself along with them, and pay their expenses so that they may shave their heads; and all will know that there is nothing to the things which they have been told about you, but that you yourself also walk orderly, keeping the Law.

Paul was told that there are people who don't think you are living right. So he goes and obeys the law to completion and he still gets attacked. Even when doing the right thing, he is being treated unfairly.

Many want to blame God for this. However, we must remember this world has fallen. It is not as God designed it to be. This is because of man and his sin. It has nothing to do with God. We can't and shouldn't blame God for chaos when He has no part in chaos.

Look at it this way. A man murders someone and then goes and lives two years doing good, should he still not be punished for the murder? Yet people want to not take the blame and consequences of the murder of our righteousness by our very own sin. Just because you are doing right now doesn't mean the consequences of your chaotic sins have gone away. Also, think of the other people affected by your chaotic sins. What about the family members of your murder victim? Should they blame God or you for the murder of their loved one? Here is the thing they are sinners too. There are consequences to their sin that will happen even if they are living righteously now. All have sinned. All have consequences. All consequences come at inopportune times. Often in the middle of your attempt at righteousness.

We can't expect total righteousness in a world filled with the confusion of our sin. Therefore, just as we will see if you continue reading in this chapter, Paul took the wrong and continued to attempt to live righteously by preaching about God.

In your struggles, are you blaming God, blaming someone else, or recognizing the consequences of mankind's sin and attempting to continue to live for Christ?

That is the answer Paul figured was the right one. So he spent his life dealing with the struggles of a fallen world finding contentment in Christ.

Philippians 4:11-13 NASB95 Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

It is not easy but you can find that:

In Christ, the struggles become circumstances of contentment.

Love Bro. Scott