Romans 7:18 "...For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry out."
Paul is discussing the stranglehold sin has on us. On our own, under our own power, we are helpless against sin. Sin has our number and we truly are powerless against it. We can try as hard as we can, but we still lose. It is only through the grace of God and the power of Christ that we can overcome sin in our lives.
What are the practical implications from this passage for me? If I am powerless to keep from sin on my own., should I just quit trying? Of course not. That's not what Paul is saying. I think what he is saying is that I need Christ far more than I ever think I do. On my own, I'm gonna sin. I can't stop. I have to allow the power of Christ to work in me. I have to rely on him. I have to meditate on him. I have to give control of my life to him. Only Christ in me can conquer sin. But how exactly does that work???
Dear Jesus, please fill my life and keep me from sin today. Amen.
