“I want to do
what is good, but I don't.
I don't want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway.”
Rom. 7:19
I don't want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway.”
Rom. 7:19
When feeling defeated in our own internal
struggles we should take comfort knowing that we are in good company. “Constant
battle” caused even Apostle Paul’s stamina and internal resolve to grow weary
at times.
Let’s look at
what Paul has to say in his own words:
“I
don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do
it. Instead, I do what I hate…. And I know that nothing good lives in me, that
is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do
what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it
anyway.
…I have discovered this principle of
life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. I
love God’s law with all my heart. But there is another power within me that is
at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still
within me.
Oh,
what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated
by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Now
there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you
belong to Him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power
of sin that leads to death….
Those
who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those
who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit.
So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting
the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.” Rom. 7:14-8:6
Paul’s take home
advice for us? No matter what:
- Stay intimate with Jesus (saturate our minds: pray, worship, & fall in love with His Word)
- Obey His promptings (with accountability)
- Allow the Spirit to toil within (vs. personal determination)
Time
is short.
"Behold, I am
coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to
what he has done.” Rev. 22:12
In
His love and strength,
Shaun
and Betsy
