Romans 7:19-20, The War Within

Romans 7:19-20 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. 20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.

The Apostle Paul describes the war within him that is waged between the Spirit and the flesh. It is a very real battle. He saw the rottenness of the flesh. It is corrupt and evil. He calls this the sin that dwells in him. He saw also the Spirit prompting him not yield to sin. He could differentiate well between good and evil and he realizes the pull toward evil is such a contending force within him. This acknowledgment leads him to endeavour by prayer and supplication to keep close to God and not yield to sin.

Hear the psalmist’s plea for the divine presence of God to undergird him, “Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah. (Psalm 61:1-4) This can be applied here as a prayer of sanctification that God may enable him to overcome the flesh and live victoriously. The psalmist acknowledges his need for God who is higher than him. By his own strength, he knows he will fail. But in the Lord, he shall have victory. God is described as a rock, providing shelter and protection from the enemy.

The injunction of Jesus to His disciples just prior to His betrayal and arrest in Gethsemane was that they watch and pray lest they fall into temptation (Matt. 26). The disciples were not vigilant. When the test came, Peter, not yielded to the Spirit, took up the sword and cut off the ear of the high priest’s servant. Our Lord had to chide him to refrain from using violence, a carnal means, to solve a spiritual problem.

In the believer’s daily life, there are many decision points where two opposing natures compete for his favour. When he keeps close to God, he finds the strength to choose wisely, walk in the path of righteousness. May  God grant you His help to walk this day with Him to the honour and glory of His name. Amen.