Recognizing Our Sinful Nature

Romans 7:14-20 NKJV

14 For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin. 15 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. 16 If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good. 17 But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. 18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. 19 For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. 20 Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me.

Romans 7:14-20 reminds us that even as believers, we must honestly recognize the reality of our sinful nature. Paul openly acknowledged the struggle within himself, saying that the good he desired to do, he often failed to do, while the very thing he hated, he sometimes practiced. The law of God exposes the holiness of His standard and reveals the sin within our hearts, bringing conviction and showing us our need for God’s grace. The law does not save us; rather, it points us to our need for a Savior. When we recognize our weakness and inability to overcome sin in our own strength, we are driven to depend upon Jesus Christ, whose death and resurrection provide forgiveness and freedom from sin.

Prayer:

Lord, help me to recognize the sin within my heart and not excuse or hide it. Thank You for Your Word, which reveals my need for Your grace. Give me strength through the Holy Spirit to resist sin, follow Your ways, and depend fully upon Jesus Christ each day. Amen.

Your servant in Christ,

Tom