The Divided Self
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Rev. (Rtd.) Osei Kwabena Nkrahene | Monday, August 24, 2026 | Romans 7:14–25
KEY VERSE: “For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.”_ — Romans 7:15 ESV
MESSAGE:
Our previous devotional reflection exposed sin as the real enemy. Paul now takes us deeper into the believer’s inward struggle, describing an experience that was not peculiar to him but is familiar to countless believers. The language changes from the past tense of the preceding verses to the present as he describes a painful conflict within himself. Here, sin appears not only as deceptive but also as forceful and unrelenting. The result is a divided self, caught in terrible inward tension.
Paul describes his condition in striking terms: “I am of the flesh, sold under sin.” He knows what is right and desires to do it, yet he discovers another force working against that desire. It is like a person seeking to live on a higher plane while the power of sin continually pulls him towards a lower one. His words expose the weakness of human resolve when confronted by the power of sin.
Verse 15 brings this struggle painfully close: “I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.” Wanting to do what is right does not by itself give us the power to do it. There are moments when we know what pleases God, genuinely desire it, yet find ourselves struggling to follow through. It is instructive to note that recognising this inability should not lead us to excuses or despair. Knowing the seriousness of our condition should push us to seek help.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
Do not hide or excuse the struggle between what you know is right and what you actually do. Bring it honestly to Christ and ask for His help.
PRAYER:
Lord Jesus Christ, You know my inward struggles and the weakness of my own resolve. Give me grace to overcome the power of sin and strength to do what pleases You. Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING
Day 236 Isaiah 25–28 — Trusting the Lord, Our Everlasting Rock
Why can our own actions sometimes leave us spiritually perplexed?
The Greek word ginōskō, translated “understand” in Romans 7:15, means “to know,” “recognise,” or “understand.”
Paul is disturbed by the contradiction he sees within himself. He desires what is right, yet his actions do not consistently follow that desire. His words reveal the painful inward conflict produced by sin and the limits of human resolve.
Reflect on This
Be honest about the struggles you do not understand. Bring them to Christ and seek His help.
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