Monthly Archives: January 2026

Bible, Confession, Dwelling, Holy Spirit, Indwelling, Responsibilities, Scripture, Sin

BAD ROOMMATES

ROMANS 7:17

“But now, no longer am I the one doing it, but sin that dwells in me.”

From 1989 to May 1997, the sitcom “Family Matters” entertained audiences with the antics of one character on the show, Steve Urkel. When he would do something that caused chaos, he would stop and look around saying, “Did I do that?” His high-pitched nasally voice would bring a smile to most. Usually, in the end, Steve would take responsibility for his actions and try to make things right.

Paul is not speaking as Steve Urkel in today’s voice. He is not saying, “Did I do that?” In fact, he is drawing attention to the culprit behind all his failings. Matthew Poole describes this verse well. “It is not I as spiritual or renewed, it is not my whole self, but it is sin that dwelleth in me,that inhabits in me as a troublesome inmate, that I cannot get rid of, that will not out so long as the house stands; as the fretting leprosy in the walls of a house would not out till the house itself were demolished. It is such an inhabitant as is never from home; it is not in us as a stranger for a season, but it makes its constant abode with us.”

APPLICATION

We see Paul use a Greek word for “dwells” in today’s verse and in verses 18 and 20. The word is oikeó, and it means to occupy a house or reside. Paul is describing how sin can continue to cause issues for us as believers. It has taken up residence in us because of the fallen nature we inherited from Adam. Even though Paul is now a follower of Christ and the Spirit of Christ dwells in him, sin refuses to be evicted.

Compare it to a very bad roommate who refuses to leave. Although you live separately and try to avoid interaction, their presence in your dwelling will cause you issues. Dirty dishes in the sink, smelly rooms and loud music may be just a few of the issues you have to deal with. However, unlike that roommate, we have the power over sin to not just avoid it but to have victory over it.

Let’s continue that illustration a little. What are your options with a bad roommate? You can fight them or you can leave. Leaving may cost you something (lease obligations, furniture, etc) but the peace you get by making that choice is worth it. Listen, turning from sin may cost you something (money, friends) but the peace you get will be far worth it. Don’t let sin dwell among you. Cast it out and live for Him.

O Lord, I do not want sin sharing the same space as Your Spirit.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Desires, Law, Romans, Sanctification, Scripture, Sin

WHAT DO YOU DESIRE?

ROMANS 7:16

“However, if I do the very thing I do not want to do, I agree with the Law, that the Law is good.”

You have probably heard the expression “No Pain, No Gain.” That applies if you are lifting weights or working out. A little sweat never hurt anyone. But that expression does not apply to other areas of life too well. If you are like me, I try to avoid pain if I can. I have neuropathy in my feet which can be very painful at times. So, I am careful to avoid stepping on things that cause the pain. That also applies to spiritual pain, as you will see in today’s verse.

Paul further explains his dilemma in verse 16. He doesn’t want to do the things that bring pain spiritually, but the flesh is strong. He knows these things are not good for him just as the Law tells him. Therefore, the Law is good in this sense. It shows him and us where we are off course. As I heard described last week in our Pastor’s message, a train is good as long as it stays on the track. But when it gets off track, a wreck is unavoidable.

APPLICATION

Barnes describes this struggle with sin in his commentary on this verse. “Perhaps nothing can be a more decisive test of piety than a long-continued and painful struggle against evil passions and desires in every form, and a panting of the soul to be delivered from the power and dominion of sin.” The struggle we have with sin shows our desire to live holy. If we didn’t feel that pain from sin, we would stay in it and not pursue the Lord.

In Matthew 16:25, Jesus uses the same word for “want” Paul uses when He says, “For whoever wants to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.” The Greek word is theló. It means to “desire, be disposed toward, intend.” (Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance). We have a choice to make. Do we desire the things of the world or the things of God? Do we wish to please Him or the flesh? Will sin reign or the Spirit?

So many people struggle with determining what God’s will is for their life. It really isn’t hard to find out what He desires for us. One example of that is in 1 Thessalonians 4:3. “For this is the will of God, your sanctification;…” You can’t live a sanctified life, if you live in sin. That’s why God’s Law is so important and why Paul says, “that the Law is good.” Don’t fight the Law (God’s Word). It is not meant to make you feel guilty. It was given to us by the Lord to point out those areas of danger which keep us from living sanctified lives. Choose to avoid those pitfalls. That struggle is real, but it is one you should embrace.

Thank You, Lord, for giving me Your Word which is good.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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