The internal battle every believer faces between knowing what is right and still doing what is wrong, is real. I looked up the scripture that the Apostle Paul penned in Romans 7:15-20 outlined below:
15 I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.
16 And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good.
17 As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me.
18 For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.
19 For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing.
20 Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.
🔍 Explanation & Meaning:
1. The Struggle Is Real (v.15)
Paul begins by expressing confusion and frustration: “I don’t understand myself!” He wants to do good, but instead finds himself doing the very thing he hates. This reflects the inner conflict of a person who desires to follow God but still battles with sinful tendencies.
2. The Law Is Not the Problem (v.16)
By acknowledging his wrongdoing, Paul affirms that God’s law is good. The law reveals what’s right — but it doesn’t give the power to live it out.
3. Sin Within (v.17)
Paul clarifies that it’s not the “real” him—his renewed self in Christ—committing the sin, but the sinful nature (or “flesh”) that still resides in him. He’s not excusing sin but recognizing a deep division between his spiritual desires and his fleshly impulses.
4. Desire vs. Ability (v.18)
Even with good intentions, Paul admits he lacks the ability in himself to fully live righteously. This is key: knowing what’s right is not enough. Human effort alone is powerless without God’s help.
5. Repeated Failure (v.19)
Paul isn’t describing a one-time slip-up — this is an ongoing cycle. He keeps doing the wrong he wants to avoid. It’s a painfully relatable picture of spiritual frustration.
6. The Root of the Problem (v.20)
Again, Paul identifies the culprit: “sin living in me.” This is the fallen nature we all wrestle with. His new identity in Christ is at odds with the sin that still tries to control him.
✝️ Application for Today:
- Every believer battles the flesh. Even the apostle Paul struggled. You’re not alone if you feel like you “keep messing up.”
- Intentions aren’t enough. We need the power of the Holy Spirit, not just knowledge of what’s right.
- It’s not hopeless. This chapter sets the stage for Romans 8, where Paul shows that victory comes through Jesus and the Spirit.
💬 “Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!” – Romans 7:25