Grounded in the Faith | Message 10: Confession

Have you ever found yourself wanting to do what is right, yet struggling to actually do it?

You know what God desires. You want to follow Christ faithfully. You want your words, attitudes, and actions to honor Him. Yet there are moments when another voice seems to pull you in the opposite direction.

This is the honest confession of the Apostle Paul in Romans 7.

Far from presenting himself as a spiritual superhero, Paul opens his heart and reveals a battle that every believer knows all too well. He writes:

"For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing." (Romans 7:19)

These words are surprisingly comforting because they remind us that the struggle against sin is not evidence that we have failed as Christians. Rather, it is evidence that a spiritual battle is taking place within us.

The War Within

Paul describes two realities that exist within every follower of Christ.

On one hand, through faith in Jesus, we receive new life and the presence of the Holy Spirit. We desire what is good. We delight in God's law and want to live in a way that honors Him.

On the other hand, our sinful nature has not completely disappeared. It continues to resist God's will and pull us away from the life He intends for us.

This creates an ongoing conflict—a war within.

The Christian life is not the absence of struggle. It is learning to follow Christ in the middle of that struggle.

Why Spiritual Growth Produces Humility

One of the most surprising truths in this passage is Paul's honesty about himself.

The closer Paul came to Christ, the more aware he became of his own shortcomings. Instead of becoming proud of his spiritual maturity, he became increasingly humble.

The same is true for us.

Spiritual growth does not lead us to believe we have arrived. It helps us recognize how much we still need God's grace every day.

The most mature believers are often the most humble because they understand how dependent they are on Christ.

The Answer Is Not Despair

Romans 7 is not a chapter of hopelessness.

After describing the struggle, Paul asks a powerful question:

"Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death?"

His answer comes immediately:

"Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!"

The solution is not found in greater self-discipline, stronger willpower, or trying harder. The solution is Jesus Christ.

Victory begins when we stop relying on ourselves and continually depend on Him.

Avoiding Two Common Errors

This passage protects us from two dangerous extremes.

1. Unrealistic Perfectionism

Some Christians believe they should never struggle, never fail, and never experience temptation. When they do, they become discouraged and question their faith.

Paul reminds us that the battle is real. Until Christ returns, believers will continue to wrestle with their sinful nature.

2. Comfortable Defeatism

Others conclude that since they will never be perfect, there is no reason to fight against sin.

Paul rejects this idea as well.

Christians are called to wage war against sin, pursue holiness, and keep growing in their relationship with God. We may not achieve perfection in this life, but we are called to keep fighting.

Four Practical Steps for the Journey

Pastor Richard concluded with four simple but powerful actions for believers who want to experience victory in the struggle.

1. Expect the Struggle

The battle within is normal. Don't be surprised when temptation comes. Understanding this reality helps us remain faithful when challenges arise.

2. Stop Trusting Yourself

Our own strength is limited. When life becomes difficult, self-reliance quickly fails.

3. Run to Christ Continually

Spend time in Scripture. Pray regularly. Seek God's presence daily. Victory is found through dependence on Christ.

4. Stay Connected to the Church

God never intended us to fight this battle alone.

The local church provides encouragement, accountability, support, and spiritual growth. Healthy Christian community helps us stay grounded when life becomes difficult.

A Final Encouragement

If you are struggling today, take heart.

The conflict you feel does not mean God has abandoned you. It does not mean your faith is not genuine. It means the battle is real.

Like Paul, we confess our weakness. Like Paul, we acknowledge our need for grace. And like Paul, we place our hope in Jesus Christ—the One who delivers, sustains, and strengthens us every step of the way.

As we continue our journey through Romans, may we remember that our confidence is not found in our ability to overcome sin on our own, but in the Savior who walks with us through the struggle.