Romans 7:18-19 – 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. not want is what I keep on doing.
For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do
Paul writes in these verses what we can all recognize in ourselves. Just like Paul, I have the desire to do what is right but I don’t always do it. When I see a car stranded on the side of the freeway, I don’t always stop to help. Sometimes I am on my way somewhere important – to an appointment or to visit someone in the hospital. Or I go past the car so quickly because I’m busy or distracted. Or maybe I expect, or assume, someone else will come along who has a better chance of offering the right assistance, who has the tools and experience to get the car going again.
Other times the one in need is not a car, but a person, created in the image of God, who needs help. Sometimes I go past, assuming someone else can help better than I could. Other times I’m busy or distracted. I don’t do the good I want to do – in many other ways as well.
But Paul isn’t just writing about doing good deeds we know we should. He also writes, verse 19, about doing what he knows is wrong. Yeah, I do that too! I know as I say words that hurt someone that I’ve gone too far. I don’t want to react in anger. I know not to bend the truth, be jealous or judgmental. I cannot overcome my sinful nature. And I do what I know I shouldn’t.
Thank God; He brings salvation for all of us! Paul goes on in the chapter, “who will deliver me from this body of death? (v24). His answer, and ours, is Jesus. Jesus saves! He saves us from our sinful nature. He saves us for His purposes. Disciples follow Jesus and pursue His purpose, by the power of the Holy Spirit.