Romans 7:15 For I do not understand my own actions [I am baffled, bewildered]. I do not practice or accomplish what I wish, but I do the very thing that I loathe [which my moral instinct condemns]. (AMP)

I am using the amplified version of the bible here because I think it renders the clearest translation of a difficult truth.

Nancy Reagan introduced us to “Just say no.” No one talks about that anymore, it didn’t work. People who do not have a drug habit think it is so simple to stop. They have no clue as to the depth of the struggle. People who are addicted do not revel in it, they loathe themselves.

We all are weak and we all need help. The ones who have no sin are the ones in the most danger of all. They are guilty of pride of life, they say there is no God and they do not need one. They do not see pride as a sin.

1 John 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

Paul’s painful confession of the difficulties of living with sin are completed in Romans 7 with identifying our help. Thank God for Jesus Christ. Jesus came to save us and He sent the Holy Spirit to help us. Chapter 7 is followed with sound advice in chapter 8. Listen to our counsellor.

Romans 8:14-15 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.