WRETCHED MAN

Once when we were serving in a penitentiary, an inmate said, "Actually, none of us really want to be here. We certainly don't want to be bad people. But, the situation is like this, so here we are." That statement implies helplessness. Feeling unable to break free from sin, even though they know what they are doing is wrong.

However, it's not just the struggle of people imprisoned after committing certain criminal acts. It is also the struggle of everyone, wherever they are. This is what the Apostle Paul described as an inner struggle that he himself also experienced. On one hand, he wants to do what is good, that is, to follow God's commandments. But, on the other hand, there is a strong urge constantly fighting within his body to commit sin. We know what is good, but we end up doing what is evil. In such despair, the Apostle Paul even called himself a wretched man, someone who is miserable, sorrowful, and in distress because he cannot break free from sin.

Yes, no one has the power to break free from the grip of sin. Only God is capable of doing it for us. And in His mercy, He has done it through the work and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. He became a man just like us, going through all the difficulties and trials of life, yet without sin (Hebrews 4:15). Only in Him can we experience victory over sin, and live a life pleasing to God. --HT/www.renunganharian.net