The Conflict
This is the reason Paul gives for not understanding what he does
What is 'I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate'?
According to Paul, the law itself is not sinful, but it makes him aware of this.
What is sin?
Paul confesses he does this even though he hates it.
What is 'the very thing I do'?
Paul says he wants to do this.
What is 'do what is right' or 'do good'
This phrase from Paul mirrors a common recovery experience.
What is 'I do not understand what I do'?
Paul says, it's no longer him doing wrong, but this.
What is 'sin (addiction) living in me'?
What is 'through the commandment'?
Paul's words give this emotion to those who feel stuck in patterns of relapse.
What is 'relief' or 'encouragement'?
Paul ends up doing this instead.
What is 'the evil I do not want to do'?
Recognizing the sin in him, Paul is practicing this recovery step.
What is 'step 1 - admitting powerlessness over sin/addiction'?
This part of Paul agrees with God's law.
What is 'his inner being' (or 'his mind')?
The law is described as holy, but Paul finds himself this instead.
What is 'another law at work in him, waging war'?
Paul's honesty teaches that even leaders can feel this.
What is 'powerless' or 'divided within themselves'?
Paul finds this law at work when he wants to do good.
What is 'evil right there with me'?
Paul's admission could encourage group members to do this.
What is "be vulnerable' or 'share honestly in group'?
The "war" Paul describes is between these two forces.
What are 'the law of mind' and 'the law of sin'?
Paul says that sin seizes this opportunity to produce all kinds of desires in him.
What is 'through the commandment'?
By admitting his struggle, Paul models this important recovery principle.
What is 'rigorous honesty'?
This contradiction in Paul's behavior highlights this core human issue.
What is 'the brokenness of sin nature' or 'the struggle between flesh and spirit'?
This line can be a prayer for those in recovery: "Who will rescue me from this body of death?" leads to this hopeful answer.
What is 'Thanks be to God -- through Jesus Christ our Lord' (Romans 7:25)?