The human condition is such a struggle. Every day we’re bombarded with temptation; not just sexual temptation, but temptation to act and behave out of our own power. This sort of struggle shows itself in many different ways, but the core issue is just the same: we lack control over our flesh. It seems like such an impossible task, even for the Apostles of the early church.

Paul talks about this very struggle in Romans:

“For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.” Romans 7:15 ESV

‭‭Paul goes on to clarify that by doing such sinful acts we prove God’s law to be right, and ourselves to be utterly without control.

“Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. For 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. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭7:16-19‬ ‭ESV‬‬

What Paul describes so aptly points to how doomed the human race really is. We are utterly lost and without control over the sin in our lives. Read this section of scripture again, “for I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out.”

Once you realize the severity of our condition you will see how much more amazing it is what Jesus Christ did for us.

“Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin.” Romans‬ ‭7:24-25‬ ‭ESV‬‬

What does this mean for us though, the believer in Christ? What does it mean to be “delivered from this body of death”?

Amazingly, what we find further in scripture is a call to not try harder, but to relinquish control. We need to firmly believe in faith that Jesus will fully sanctify those who believe.

What do I mean? Take a look at what Paul further explains on this topic in Galatians:

“For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, ‘Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.’ Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for ‘The righteous shall live by faith.’ But the law is not of faith, rather ‘The one who does them shall live by them.’ Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree’— so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.” Galatians‬ ‭3:10-14‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Read that again and let it sink in. The righteous shall live by faith. Faith in what? Faith that we are truly redeemed from the curse of the law, faith that our sinful flesh has no impact on our standing before Christ and faith that Jesus will sanctify those who are his in the end.

So then, we are called to live by faith in our walk, and not under a heavy weight of legalistic adherence to rules and laws. Think of it this way: Do you continually fight your flesh in what you consider a hopeless battle that can never be won, or do you have faith knowing despite your failures that Jesus has already provided rest?

Jesus died for the very purpose of freeing us from that weight:

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew‬ ‭11:28-30‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Are you living out of faith? Do you believe Jesus is completing a good work in you every day, even when you act out of your flesh? Do you truly believe that fleshly nature is not you and no longer defines you?

Consider the weight and burden you are carrying, and lay it aside. Live out of faith in Jesus and the sanctified work he’s completing in you; and set aside the burden of living out of response of sin. That fleshly side no longer defines you, and Jesus will restore all those who are his in the end.

Be blessed today.