We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. 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. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it. Romans 7:14-20

Anyone who’s read this passage two or three times in a row “gets it.” That person could be writing the text because as Believers, we’ve all experienced what Paul is writing about. There’s a fierce battle raging within when we are tempted to do things we know is wrong.

There are a lot of things in play when that’s happening: the power of sin, selfish desires, noble desires, wanting to please God, feelings of not being able to please God, etc etc. You know what the right thing is but sin is pulling you in a different direction.

One of the underestimated ways of overcoming this inward battle is found in 1 Corinthians 10:

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13

Often it’s not as easy as just walking away, but sometimes it is.