Romans 7:13-20 - Did that which is good, then, bring death to me? By no means! It was sin, producing death in me through what is good, in order that sin might be shown to be sin, and through the commandment might become sinful beyond measure. For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold under sin. For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me.

In Romans 7:13-20, Paul grapples with the complex relationship between sin, the law, and the human condition. He begins by asking whether the law, which is good, is responsible for bringing about spiritual death. Paul emphatically answers, "By no means!" Instead, he explains that it is sin that produces death by twisting what is good. The law's purpose is to expose the true nature and depth of sin. Paul acknowledges that the law itself is spiritual, but he, being of the flesh, is "sold under sin." He describes the internal struggle that every believer faces - the desire to do what is right, but the inability to consistently carry it out. Paul does not understand his own actions, finding himself doing the very things he hates. However, by recognizing that his actions are contrary to what he truly wants, Paul affirms that the law is good. He concludes that it is no longer he who does the evil, but the sin that dwells within him. Paul highlights the reality that nothing good dwells in his flesh. While he has the desire to do what is right, he lacks the ability to execute it perfectly. Instead, he finds himself repeatedly doing the evil he does not want to do. Paul summarizes this internal conflict by stating that when he does what he does not want to do, it is no longer he who does it, but the sin that resides within him. This passage powerfully illustrates the ongoing battle between the believer's new nature in Christ and the lingering presence of sin in the flesh.

The words of Paul in Romans 7:13-20 strike a chord with every believer who has ever struggled with sin. We can all relate to the frustration and inner turmoil that Paul describes as he wrestles with the persistent presence of sin in his life. It is a stark reminder that even as Christians, we are not immune to the pull of sin. This passage highlights the deceptive nature of sin and its ability to twist what is good into something that leads to spiritual death. Sin takes advantage of the law, using it as an opportunity to produce all kinds of wrong desires within us. It is crucial to recognize that the problem lies not with the law itself, but with our sinful nature. The law is holy, righteous, and good. Its purpose is to reveal the depth of our sin and our desperate need for a Savior. Paul's words also shed light on the internal battle that rages within every believer. We have been given a new nature in Christ, and our deepest desire is to please God and live according to His will. Yet, we still inhabit flesh that is tainted by sin. This creates a constant tension between the good we want to do and the evil we find ourselves doing. It is a battle that can leave us feeling frustrated, discouraged, and even condemned. However, Paul's insights offer hope in the midst of this struggle. By acknowledging that our sinful actions are contrary to our true desires, we affirm the goodness of God's law and the righteousness of His standards. We recognize that it is not our new self in Christ that sins, but the remnants of our old sinful nature that still cling to us. This understanding does not excuse our sin, but it does point us to the source of our deliverance - Jesus Christ. In Him, we find the power to overcome sin and live a life that is pleasing to God. As we continue to grow in our faith and dependence on Christ, the grip of sin will gradually loosen, and our lives will increasingly reflect the righteousness that is ours through faith. Paul's words serve as a reminder that the Christian life is not one of perfection, but of ongoing transformation. We will stumble and fall, but we must never lose sight of the grace and forgiveness that are available to us in Christ. Let us press on in the fight against sin, relying on the strength and guidance of the Holy Spirit, and resting in the finished work of our Savior.

Heavenly Father, we come before You today with humble hearts, acknowledging the ongoing struggle with sin that we face as believers. We thank You for the gift of Your law, which reveals the depth of our sin and our need for a Savior. We confess that we often find ourselves doing the very things we hate, and failing to do the good we desire. We recognize that this battle with sin is a result of our sinful nature, and not a reflection of any deficiency in Your perfect law. Lord, we pray for strength and wisdom as we navigate this internal conflict. Help us to rely on the power of Your Holy Spirit to overcome the temptations and desires of our flesh. May we never lose sight of the grace and forgiveness that are available to us through the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross. Give us the courage to press on in the fight against sin, knowing that You are with us every step of the way. May our lives increasingly reflect the righteousness that is ours through faith in Christ. We pray that You would use our struggles and victories to bring glory to Your name and to encourage others who are facing similar battles. Thank You for Your unwavering love, patience, and faithfulness towards us. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.