But What Does It Mean? (1 Cor 10:13)

I remember talking to Pauline scholar about sin and temptation, and commented that this verse means we can resist any temptation to sin. He responded that our sin is so deeply woven into the fabric of our being that it is impossible for us not to sin. If he were not a world-class scholar, I would have dismissed his comment. But as it was, it made me think about this passage. Even though I am redeemed, sin is deeply woven into my heart and creates a constant battle. I think this is what Roman 7 is talking about.

Thinking back on the discussion, though, I wish I had asked him this question. You say that this verse does not mean we do not have to sin (sorry about the double negatives), but what does it mean? So often in our theological discussions, especially when we disagree with the most apparent meaning of a text, we focus our argument on what a passage does not mean. At times that might be true, but we should always be asking, what does it mean? If the sinfulness of my heart will always produce conflict and at times lead me to sit, what is Paul promising here? It has to meet something.

My encouragement is to never settle on what a verse does not mean. Always move to what it does mean, especially if the most apparent meaning disagrees with our theology. It has to meet something.