Renewing Your Mind – “Help in the Fight”

Podcast: Renewing Your Mind
Date: October 26, 2025
Host: Nathan W. Bingham (Ligonier Ministries)
Featured Teacher: Dr. R.C. Sproul
Main Scripture: Romans 7:14–25

Overview

This episode, “Help in the Fight,” explores the Christian’s ongoing struggle with sin through the lens of Romans 7. Dr. R.C. Sproul offers an expositional study, focusing on Paul’s intensely personal confession of wrestling with sin despite his desire for godliness. The discussion confronts theological controversies around sanctification, perfectionism, and the idea of the “higher” or “deeper” Christian life. Practical encouragement and humility mark the tone, as listeners are exhorted to support each other and persevere in the lifelong pursuit of holiness.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Internal Struggle Described by Paul (00:00 – 03:30)

• Paul’s transparency about doing the evil he hates and failing to do the good he desires is highlighted. This serves as a universal Christian experience and source of encouragement.
• Quote:
  “For what I am doing I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice, but what I hate that I do.” – Dr. Sproul (reading Paul) [01:24]
• Host Nathan W. Bingham relates personally and reassures listeners that frustration with sin is common and not cause for despair.

2. Theological Controversies: Sanctification & "Second Blessing" (03:30 – 10:00)

• Dr. Sproul addresses the historical debate over whether Christians can achieve perfection in this life.
  • Some traditions claim a “second work of grace” (instant sanctification/perfection) post-conversion.
  • He argues that Paul’s present-tense struggle in Romans 7 refutes this idea.
• Historical Movements:
  • “Holiness churches” and early Pentecostalism—both advocate the possibility of instant sanctification.
  • John Wesley’s “perfect love” and the concept of advancing to a “higher life” in Christian experience.
• Quote:
  “I find absolutely no justification whatsoever for finding in this text anything other than the contemporary struggle that the apostle was having with respect to his own progress in sanctification.” – R.C. Sproul [05:40]

3. Perfectionism vs. Progress (10:00 – 17:00)

• Dr. Sproul recounts encountering Christians who claimed total victory over sin, and addresses the “love lines” (emotional attachment to denominational doctrine) that make error difficult to leave behind.
• Stresses that shortcuts to “instant Christian maturity” are illusory and that sanctification is a lifelong journey.
• Encouragement: Even Paul battled temptation and sin, which should comfort us in our struggles.

4. The Reality of Lifelong Battle (17:00 – 20:30)

• Christians struggle with “besetting sins”—life-dominating temptations that may persist for years.
• God’s grace is always sufficient (“My grace is sufficient for you”), though complete liberation may be delayed.
• Quote:
  “All that time I listened to the accusation of Satan. I struggled with my own spiritual state because I had an addiction to the flesh that I simply could not get rid of… This becomes a normal dimension of the Christian life.” – R.C. Sproul [15:50]

5. Spirit-Filled Life & Two-Tier Christianity (20:30 – 23:00)

• Sproul unpacks modern teachings about the “Spirit-filled life” which seem to divide Christians into two classes: ordinary and those on a “higher plateau.”
• He critiques this notion, noting that all believers are on unique, individual journeys of sanctification.

6. The Ongoing Struggle and Mutual Encouragement (23:00 – 24:50)

• Paul’s language about “not doing what I want to do” is “concrete” and deeply relatable.
• Dr. Sproul emphasizes that, until conversion, life is “simple” (we only follow the flesh), but after regeneration, a spiritual war begins within each believer.
• Quote:
  “Life doesn’t really become complicated until you’re born again… the rest of your life is the battle between two jockeys over who’s going to ride this horse. Satan doesn’t give up easily. The flesh doesn’t die instantly.” – R.C. Sproul [22:45]

7. Pressing Onward and Not Growing Weary (24:50 – 26:05)

• Christians must not become complacent or use the struggle as an excuse for laziness.
• Scripture urges us to “press toward the mark” and be diligent in pursuing holiness.
• Not all believers start their Christian walk from the same point; sanctification and struggles differ widely.
• Quote:
  “Be patient. God’s not finished with me yet.” – R.C. Sproul [25:44]

8. Charity, Patience, and Unity in the Body (24:50 – 26:05)

• Christians should cover ordinary struggles with a “charity that covers a multitude of sins,” bearing with each other.
• Avoid establishing personal achievements as spiritual standards for others.
• The church is meant to be a community of mutual encouragement, prayer, and gracious support.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Dr. Sproul on the universality of the struggle:
  “If the Apostle Paul had struggles like this, I take comfort in it… mine don’t seem to be totally without redeemable hope.” [14:12]
• On spiritual growth:
  “We are never allowed to be at ease in Zion and say, ‘This far I’ve progressed and no further.’ We are to be diligent in every way to feed the new man and to kill the old man.” [25:12]
• Practical encouragement:
  “If I see you slipping a little bit, you know what you’re going to hear from me? Got you covered. That’s under the charity. We’re not going to sweat the small stuff, are we?” [25:50]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:00 – 01:24: Introduction; Paul’s struggle with sin (Romans 7 read aloud)
• 03:30 – 10:00: Historical and doctrinal background – perfectionism and sanctification
• 10:00 – 17:00: Real-life application; “love lines” and personal resistance to correction
• 17:00 – 20:30: The lifelong nature of battling sin
• 20:30 – 23:00: Critique of two-tier “Spirit-filled” Christianity; deeper life movement
• 23:00 – 24:50: The experience of inner conflict after regeneration
• 24:50 – 26:05: Final admonitions: perseverance, mutual encouragement, and charity

Conclusion: Main Takeaways

• The Christian life is an ongoing fight with sin, and all believers, including Paul, experience internal conflict.
• There are no shortcuts to sanctification; growth in godliness is gradual and lifelong.
• Theological claims of instant or “second blessing” perfection are inconsistent with Paul’s testimony in Romans 7.
• Each believer’s struggles and growth are unique, calling for mutual patience, grace, and support in the church.
• The fight is communal—God provides “help in the fight” through His Word, Spirit, and His people.

This summary encapsulates Dr. Sproul's message of hope and honest struggle, reminding Christians to press on in faith, cover each other in love, and trust God’s ongoing work in their lives.