For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate
For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. (Romans 7:15 ESV)
Romans chapter 7 is the chapter of life in the flesh, which was the usual spiritual life for those who were under the Law in the Old Testament. Paul was describing the struggles that the flesh has with the life of sin. He says he does not do what he wants to do, but the very thing he does not want to do, that is what he finds himself doing. How many of us can relate to that statement?
Sin’s stronghold in humanity is in the flesh, which in this chapter means corrupted sinful human nature related to the present physical body. Whenever we live in the flesh, we will deal with the struggles that Paul describes here in Roman chapter 7. It is not possible for the flesh to overcome sin, so life in the flesh will forever be one of struggles, defeat and frustrations.
When the Spirit controls our lives, He empowers us to rule over rather than be ruled by sin and the affairs of this life. The only way for us to escape the dominion of behaviors or habits that we do not want but we find ourselves doing them again and again is to surrender or yield to the control of the Spirit.
MEDITATE
Can you think of an issue in your life that you hate doing but you still find yourself doing it? Do you hate being unable to control your thoughts or feelings yet you find yourself in the same place again and again?
APPLY THE WORD
The life of the flesh is one of struggles, defeat and frustrations. In fact, one of the unpleasant rewards we get for living in the flesh is that sinful behaviors or Satan will rule over us. Escape the flesh by the Spirit!
PRAY
Ask the Spirit to help you enjoy the freedom He has brought to you in Christ.
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