We're going to read Romans chapter number 7 verses 14 through 25 and we'd like to read

it from the message translation I believe it's an easy read so that we can understand

what the Apostle Paul is saying to the church at Roman and of course to all believers.

I can anticipate the response that is coming.

I know that all God's commands are spiritual but I'm not now that speaking to the

carnal nature, the body of sin, isn't this also your experience?

Yes, I'm full of myself.

After all, I've spent a long time in sin's prison.

What I don't understand about myself is that I decide one way but then I act another doing

things I absolutely despise.

So if I can't be trusted to figure out what is best for myself and then do it, it becomes

obvious that God's command is necessary.

But I need something more for if I know the law but still can't keep it.

In other words, I know what God's word says but I can't keep it and if the power of sin

within me keeps sabotaging, my best intentions I obviously need help.

I realize that I don't have what it takes.

I can will it but I can't do it.

I decide to do good, anybody ever been there but I don't really do it.

I decide not to do bad but then I do it anyway, anybody been there.

My decisions such as they are don't result in actions.

Something has gone wrong deep within me and gets the better of me every time.

Did you all remember that smile?

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