ROMANS 7:21

“I find then the principle that evil is present in me, the one who wants to do good.”

There are some laws on the books of countries that are just bad. Take for example the new anti-conversion laws in India. They went into effect last year and have caused death and destruction among the Christian population. I have friends serving as missionaries in that country, and they see fellow believers arrested and persecuted. Home churches can’t meet and most Christmas celebrations were cancelled for fear of attacks by others. This is a bad law.

Our verse today is the subject of much debate among scholars. The word translated “principle” can also be translated as law. What in the world does Paul mean by this verse. Once again, I turn to Albert Barnes who can explain this much better than I. “There can be no doubt that he refers here to his carnal and corrupt nature; to the evil propensities and dispositions which were leading him astray. His representing this as a law is in accordance with all that he says of it, that it is servitude, that he is in bondage to it, and that it impedes his efforts to be holy and pure. The meaning is this, ‘I find a habit, a propensity, an influence of corrupt passions and desires, which, when I would do right, impedes my progress, and prevents my accomplishing what I would.’”

APPLICATION

Let me ask you then, what principle or law within you keeps you from doing what is holy and right? It’s the same one that Paul talks about in today’s verse. You and I have the same sin nature that Paul had and fought against. We have a choice to make. Do we fight against this “principle,” this propensity to sin? Or do we give into our carnal appetites and just go with the flow?

In Galatians 5:17 Paul states this same idea when he writes, “For the desire of the flesh is against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, in order to keep you from doing whatever you want.” As long as we are living and breathing, we will wage this war. But beloved, do not be discouraged. This battle belongs to the Lord. As we submit ourselves to His will, He fights for us through His Holy Spirit in our lives.

Think about one sin you are struggling with. Now, give that to Jesus. Ask Him to guard your heart and mind against any inclination towards that sin. Ask Him to remove any desire you have to commit such sin. Study His Word. Fast and pray. Spend extended time in worship. All these will shove that sin back and defeat the evil one. If you are a follower of Christ, you are His. Believe that.

Lord, I do not want to fall into the trap of sin. Protect my eyes and heart from these unwholesome desires within me.

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