Romans 7:15: For I Do Not Understand My Own Actions. For I Do Not Do What I Want, But I Do The Very Thing I Hate.

Romans 7:15
[15] For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. (ESV)

If you claim to be a believer in Jesus Christ and you still struggle with sin there is a segment of Christianity that will judge you and call into question the genuineness of your faith. They will argue that if you truly loved the Lord you would not fall into temptation. Sadly, it is often these very same people who judge others that are hiding their own struggle with sin.

Paul was an Apostle. He was called by God to declare the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the nations. He was radically saved from his sin and had a powerful encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus. So, was Paul exempt from struggling with sin? As we read today's verse we can say that Paul was certainly not exempt from temptation.

The things that Paul hated are the things that he found himself doing. Have you ever felt like Paul? I think of the man who was verbally abused as a child. They vow that when they get older they will never treat someone the way they were treated. One year into their marriage they find their relationship falling apart because they are verbally abusing their wife.

We are utterly sinful creatures. When we give our lives to Jesus Christ we now are empowered by the Holy Spirit. Does that mean that we are no longer tempted? No. Does that mean our struggle is over? No. Just like Paul was not exempt from this struggle with sin, neither are we. The reality is, without Christ you would not even have a chance in this struggle. With him, all things are possible.

Do not beat yourself up if you are struggling with sin. We all are in the midst of that struggle. Draw close to the Savior, and he will draw close to you. You will find strength that you need.