Of all people, Paul knew what it was to struggle with the law. In Romans Chapter 7, verses 15-25, he makes this very clear to us: “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.”

These words have the rhythm of Abbott & Costello’s “Who’s On First” routine. But seriously, when we laugh at this, it isn’t because we find humor in it, it is a laugh of total agreement. It is a laugh of understanding and accordance. It is a laugh because he so eloquently puts into words our very own struggle sometimes. How many of you feel the same way in striving to be good rather than to live under grace?

• Paul knows that the problem isn’t a lack of desire – we want to do what is right.
• Paul knows that the problem isn’t knowledge – we know what the right thing is.
• Paul knows that performance is not the answer – we know trying to attain perfect, sinless performance means we are under the law.
• Paul knows that when we don’t “do better” – we try harder but still fail. Why? Because the ‘law’ has no power. The law simply says: “Here are the rules and you had better keep them.” Then leaves you on your own to do all you can in your own effort to follow the rules.

As Christians, we long to be more like Christ. But when we do sin, GOOD NEWS! We don’t have to be governed by it or feel condemnation by it because we are united to Christ and indwelt by the Holy Spirit and His power. When we yield to the Spirit, we can be victorious over those sinful moments in our lives.

At the end of Romans 7, Paul provides the answer: Only God can transform and redeem a stubborn, rebellious heart, and only Christ can conquer sin in one’s life. “Who will set me free from the body of this death?” Paul asked. “Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Romans 7:24-25)

C.S. Lewis once said: “No man knows how bad he is until he has tried to be good.” The secret of self-control is to give control of self to the Spirit. Dive deeper into the Word and know that only Christ can transform you. If you are trying to ‘do better’, replace those words with, “Thank you, Jesus, for setting me free in the power of Your Spirit!”

Lord, I am learning of Your power
To give me victory each hour;
As I keep walking close to You,
Your Spirit fills with life anew.
— poem author unknown