"For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do. If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good. But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good. For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man. But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord! (Romans 7:15-25).
Legalism Can't save You, but Jesus Can
Knowing the rules will not save you, nor will self-determination. No keeping of rules or good behavior earns salvation. Man is perpetually vulnerable to sin. There is not a man on earth who doesn't struggle with sin. Becoming a Christian doesn't mean that you won't be tempted. When one tries to do good evil is always present (vs 21). The Apostle Paul considered himself wretched once he understood that the law was not meant to save one from sin, but to reveal how great one sin nature is. Who will deliver us from this body of death?; Jesus will (John 14:6). Repent/turn from your own wicked ways and follow Him. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16). Believe and have faith in what He did on the Cross for us (Isaiah 53:5). We need to be born again so that God's Holy Spirit can assist us in denying the desires of the flesh Daily. . Jesus said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3). Sanctification is a life long process performed with the help of God's Holy Spirit. God's Holy Spirit is life, an ever present help in times of trouble (Romans 8:26). We need the Spirit's help DAILY. Continue in prayer, Study God's Word, submit to Him, be humble, and be obedient (1 Thessalonians 5:17, 2 Timothy 2:15, James 4:7, Micah 6:8, 1 Samuel 15:22).
Stay Focused on Jesus