DATE POSTED: Wednesday, October 7, 2026, and I was blessed to be at Mariposa Apartment Homes, San Marcos, TX when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. Please visit NuggetsFromGodsWord.org to find and read all episodes shared over the years.
SCRIPTURE: Romans 7:14-17 – 14 So the trouble is not with the law, for it is spiritual and good. The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin. 15 I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate. 16 But if I know that what I am doing is wrong, this shows that I agree that the law is good. 17 So I am not the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.
DEVOTIONAL: In several translations of the Bible, the Apostle Paul describes himself as “carnal” or “all too human.” Because of this, some readers might wonder if he is describing the life of an unbeliever. But this passage serves as a vital reminder for every believer: accepting Jesus as our Lord and Savior does not mean our struggle with sinful desires instantly disappears.
As believers, the Holy Spirit lives within us. He guides us, directs us, warns us of sin, and convicts us when we disobey God. Although the blood of Jesus cleanses us from sin, our sin still grieves the Holy Spirit and hinders the closeness of our fellowship with God. When we knowingly sin, it demonstrates not only our human weakness, but also our stubbornness in resisting the voice and direction of the Holy Spirit within us.
Perhaps this is why Paul’s words in verses 15–16 are so easy for many of us to understand: I know what is right. I want to do what is right. So why don’t I always do it? Why do I sometimes find myself doing the very thing I know is wrong?
What an honest description of the struggle that takes place within us!
Paul was not trying to excuse his sin or deny personal responsibility for it. Rather, he recognized the terrible power of sin that continued to wage war within him. There was a struggle between his desire to obey God and the sinful flesh that still wanted its own way. I believe every honest Christian knows something about that struggle.
The very fact that sin troubles us should cause us to examine what is happening in our hearts. We should never become comfortable with that which God calls sin. Instead, conviction should lead us back to God in confession and repentance.
My prayer is that we will grow stronger in our walk with Jesus each day. Through daily communion with Him, we become spiritually robust and deeply committed to His revealed Word. As we draw near to Him, our hearts become sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s voice, igniting a desire for a fuller, richer obedience—resulting in more of Jesus and less of self.
Jesus is the ultimate answer to our sin problem. Oh, that we would yield daily to His call of repentance, grace, and obedience!
TODAY’S CHALLENGE: “Draw close to God and He will draw close to you.” (James 4:8)
As I share in our Nuggets From God’s Word Bible Study at Mariposa Apartments, keep these three spiritual pillars priority in your daily walk:
- Daily in the Word — Feeding your heart on Scripture.
- Daily in Conversation with God — Maintaining open, continuous prayer.
- Regular Fellowship — Worshiping and gathering faithfully with other believers.
When these habits become priorities in your life, the pull and allure of worldly desires will naturally begin to fade. Draw Me Close To You, Heavenly Father!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your Holy Spirit who convicts, guides, and comforts us. Forgive us for the times we have been stubborn and ignored Your gentle voice. Wash us clean and restore to us the joy of sweet fellowship with You. Strengthen our hearts each day through Your Word, through prayer, and through assembling with fellow believers. Teach us to yield to Your Spirit so that our lives reflect more of Jesus and less of our old sinful nature. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.
Next Steps & Resources
- Taking a Step of Faith? If today’s devotional prompted a decision in your heart, visit the To Know Jesus page, speak with a local Bible-teaching pastor, or reach out to me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. I pray you find help and encouragement as you begin or continue your walk with Christ.
- Explore & Subscribe: Browse past devotionals or sign up for daily email updates at NuggetsFromGodsWord.org.
- Find Community: I warmly encourage you to join a local Bible-teaching church. Gathering with fellow believers is essential for growing in faith, finding encouragement, and serving others as God works through His church.
