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
Paul knew he was a sinner. He knew he was fighting evil forces that were guided and directed by Satan. He also knew that he needed a Savior to free him from the captivity of sin.
Even though Paul was redeemed by the blood of Christ he still committed sin against his desire. The battle with sin is real. Sin can take you to places where you really don’t want to go. The flesh is weak.
When you read Romans 7:15-17 it sounds like Paul was confused but he wasn’t. He is simply describing he nature of the flesh versus the spirit. Paul desires to do good but finds himself falling into the traps of sin because the flesh is weak.
When we try live life on our own strength we will fail. However when we rely on the power of God we will succeed. This is truly amazing when we grasp the truth of this matter.
God wants and desires to control our every thought and action by His Spirit. The problem lies in the fact that we sometimes do not allow the Holy Spirit to helps us overcome evil. We should be driven by the Spirit of God to such a point that we can easily say no to sin.
Think about what controls your mind and captivates your interests. Is it the things of God or the things of this world? Stop right now and consider your life and ponder who is in control, you or the Lord?
Pray
Lord, forgive me of my sin and give me the power to overcome every evil thing that captivates me. Give me strength and wisdom to know what I need to do and what is right. I trust you to control my life.
