Romans 7, dark chapter that it is, still ranks as one my favorite chapters. Perhaps that’s because the brightness of the ending is enhanced by the darkness before.

Notice verse 19 and tell me it isn’t a dark, hopeless verse:

“For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.”

Or as I translate it from my Spanish Bible:

“Because I do not do the good which I want to do, but the wrong that I do not want to do, that I do.”

When it comes to doing right and living godly, I’m my own worst enemy!

“Miserable me!” exclaimed Paul (in Spanish in verse 24).

I agree.

But Jesus sets me free from myself. And though my flesh continues to work against me, He gives power to my spirit to overcome my flesh.

I can do the good I want to do!