Why do I keep sinning when I want to do good

"For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do."                      Romans 7:15   NKJV

Paul talks about his constant struggle with sin and indicates that the power of indwelling sin, even for believers, is so strong that it can take what is good and twist it to become sinful beyond measure (7:13). And it is true, sin keeps us locked in a struggle.

Paul had the same struggles with sin that we do. We've all said at times, 'Why am I doing this?" "What's wrong with me?" The reason is, it's because we are in a war, a battle between good and evil - spiritual versus humanity. Like us, Paul knew that he was doing wrong, he simply couldn't stop doing it or break free. 

The closer our walk with Jesus is, the more sensitive to sin we become v18. Paul says that nothing good lives in him and we can echo this statement. Our old nature died when we were crucified with Christ. Sadly though, our flesh wasn't. Our sinful nature was put to death but our flesh overcome this and still rules within.

Saying that, I must reiterate that if you have Jesus in your heart, you are born again and are totally redeemed. The bad bit is that you live in a contaminated, fleshy body. So when you sin, you are no longer the one doing it; it is the sin living within you v20. Paul is not excusing our sin though, you need to realise this; he is reminding you that your true identity is no longer found in your actions, even if you keep on sinning.

Paul brings us a word of praise and encouragement in verse 24, 'O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?  25I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!' It seems like Paul and ourselves have been struggling in quicksand, the more we move, the deeper we become trapped. Paul lifts his eyes to heaven and quotes this verse confirming that, we cannot do a thing on our own but, when we come to Jesus, we can be made free to overcome these hurdles. The only excuse that we can make is not choosing to ask Him for help in the first place. 

If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer right now

Lord Jesus, I have sinned. I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today. In Jesus' Name. Amen
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