The Jekyll and Hyde in Each of Us

The Jekyll and Hyde in Each of Us

Romans 7:13-25

Dr. Jekyll was the good guy in Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic tale. But a civil war was going on inside his body. A brilliant scientist, he was able to concoct a potion which brought out his sinful nature, to the exclusion of his good side. He became, under the influence of the drug, Mr. Hyde, an evil man.

Paul the Apostle also had a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde struggle within himself–as do we all.

1. The Underlying Cause of our Struggle.
   1. Our sinful nature is due to the Fall, when original sin became part of us (Rom. 7:14)
   2. Humanity is still indulging in sin (v. 15)
   3. We lack will power to overcome our shadow self of sin (v. 18)
2. The Tragic Consequences When Mr. Hyde Wins the Battle.
   1. Sin becomes a chain reaction (v. 19).
   2. Sin Alienates us from God (vv. 22, 23).
   3. Sin pays the wages of death (vv. 7:13, 24; 6:23).
3. The Ultimate Comfort for the Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde Fight Within Us.
   1. Be aware of your shadow self of sin in the presence of a Holy God (v. 24).
   2. Repent of your sins (v. 24).
   3. Accept a new nature through God’s forgiveness in Jesus Christ (vv. 7:25; 8:10, 11).
   4. Accept the realization that the struggle between evil and good will always be present in this life (v. 25).

The shadow side of Mr. Hyde may always struggle with the good Dr. Jekyll, but other people will see your witness and respond to your lifestyle in Christ. Christ can deliver you from the dark shadow of sin.

Ron Blankenship