1. Sold as a slave (14-20)

In this passage is Paul referring to his pre-Christian life? No. He writes in the present tense because this is the dilemma of human life; everyone is both good and evil. Only God is good. God's law is good, and if we don't break his laws, we are free. But because of Adam's fall, Satan's power rules the world, and I am in bondage to sin. (Jesus called Satan 'the prince of this world.'-Jn 14:30) As long as I am in the flesh, I must grow through struggling with my sinful nature.

2. Two laws at war within (21-25)

Everyone is both good and evil. I have God's image, so I delight in God's law; but there is another law or principle at work in me--the law of the sinful nature. I have no strength to defeat it. Who can rescue me? Only Jesus who died and rose again can rescue me! I must trust him and depend on him every day. Before he knew Jesus, Paul struggled with sin and lived a defeated life. After conversion, Paul struggled with sin and found victory and freedom and peace in Jesus.

Application: Lord, thank you for Jesus Christ. I claim today the freedom he purchased with his blood.
One Word: Jesus rescues me