Our Inward Struggle
Romans 7:14-20

As we look at Romans 7, this morning, what we see is a classic description of our inner struggle with sinful desires. In verse 14 we see that we are enslaved to the corrupt part of our nature. In verse 15 we see that we know what is right and good - but we just don't do it. Verse 19 says we actually practice those things we reject. And in verse 20 we learn that it cannot be us doing it, it is sin causing it.

In this day and age, society avoids the concept of Sin; but our real problem is so do many Christians. Many people today have the common view that individual sins as nuisances. Kind of like parking tickets, it is a problem only if you accumulate too many. Let me tell you, God’s Word has a far different perspective on sin. Sin is like cancer cells. One or two here and there do make a difference - often the difference between life and death. Cancer cells grow, multipy, and take over, and they may ultimately require major surgery. SIN is not sins, Sin is that underlying, inescapable power that leads to sins. Sin, no matter how insignificant, can lead to terrible consequences.

Brothers Geno and Russell Capozziello were owners of a Bridgeport, Connecticut wrecking company. In 1991 a judge fined them nearly $900,000 for operating an illegal dump. Back in 1986, on the empty lots surrounding their facility, the brothers began dumping debris from buildings. Eventually muck covered two acres and reached a height of 35 feet, the equivalent of a three-story building. The state ordered them to clean it up, but the brothers claimed there was no place to dump it legally in Bridgeport. They could not afford to have it hauled away. The previous year they had spent more than $330,000 to have debris hauled away, and it barely dented the pile. According to Geno, "it was never supposed to get this high."

Like garbage, sinful habits have a way of accumulating beyond our plans and beyond our control. Folks, that is why God takes individual sin so seriously. Let me tell you, ignoring sin won't make it go away. We must deal with it. The first critical step in dealing with sin is admitting that we are helpless and hopeless. We must admit that we are caught in something more powerful than ourselves.

Here in chapter 7, Paul is speaking as a sinful, disobedient Christian. Paul said I’m sold in bondage to sin, I practice evil, and that I’m a prisoner, wretched man. These expressions are incompatible with being a Christian.

But, Paul also speaks as a normal Christian, he joyfully agrees with God's law, he wishes to do good, he serves God with mind. We can see that Paul's life reflects that inner struggle we have, even as a Christian. We see that everyone is powerless before sin, and Victory did not come in an instant. We are helpless, but God can help. God does reach out to us before we reach out to Him. Almighty God is greater than any problem we face. Victory is possible. But the key to Victory is living through the Holy Spirit.

Pray with me.

Lord, I confess my sinfulness, and I acknowledge my weakness. I know it is the small matters that defeats and troubles me. Lord, I’m laying everything at your feet. Lord, guide and lead me, through your Holy Spirit in everything I say and do. I ask this in the name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.