The Bible tells us we all struggle with doing wrong—it’s part of being human. Our selfish desires often lead us to make bad choices, and no matter how hard we try to follow rules, we fall short. This inner battle can feel overwhelming, but Paul shares incredible news for those who trust in Jesus:
“For what the law could not do since it was weakened by the flesh, God did. He condemned sin in the flesh by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh as a sin offering.”
Rules couldn’t fix our tendency to do wrong because our selfish nature gets in the way. So God sent Jesus to take the punishment for our mistakes, breaking the power of sin through His death on the cross. How should we live in light of this?
“The mindset of the flesh is hostile to God because it does not submit to God’s law. Indeed, it is unable to do so. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.”
When we follow our selfish desires, we turn away from God, unable to please Him. But there’s another way: living by God’s Spirit.
“If indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him.”
Paul explains that to truly belong to Jesus, we need His Spirit in us. This happens when we trust in Jesus and turn away from our old ways—like being born anew, as Jesus once told a man named Nicodemus (John 3:3). When we place our faith in Jesus’ death and resurrection, God’s Spirit comes to live in us, guiding us toward life and peace.
“And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, then He who raised Christ from the dead will also bring your mortal bodies to life through His Spirit who lives in you.”
Through faith in Jesus, we are freed from guilt, our selfish nature no longer controls us, and God’s Spirit gives us new life—both now and forever. Have I trusted in Jesus, inviting His Spirit to guide me? Let us place our faith in Him today, surrendering our old ways, and embrace the life and peace He offers, knowing we belong to Him as His children.
