What practical steps can we take to overcome doing "what I hate"? Understanding Our Struggle “ I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do, I do not do. Instead, I do what I hate.” (Romans 7:15) Paul puts a voice to the tug-of-war every believer feels after conversion. The struggle is real, but it is not hopeless. Recognize Our New Identity in Christ • Romans 6:6 – “Our old self was crucified with Him…” • Romans 6:11 – “Count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.” Practical outworking: • Daily affirm aloud that the old sinful self was nailed to the cross. • Replace “I am a slave to this” with “I am dead to this and alive to God.” Depend on the Holy Spirit Daily • Galatians 5:16 – “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” • Romans 8:1-2 – “No condemnation… the law of the Spirit of life has set you free.” Steps to take: • Begin each morning asking the Spirit to lead every decision. • Pause throughout the day, deliberately yielding thoughts, words, and actions to His control. Renew the Mind with Truth • Romans 12:2 – “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” • 2 Corinthians 10:5 – “Take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” How to do this: • Memorize verses that target your specific struggle; quote them when temptation surfaces. • Replace sinful mental rehearsals with worship, thanksgiving, and Scripture meditation. • Journal the lies you tend to believe, then write out the corresponding biblical truths. Practice Radical Obedience • James 1:22 – “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” • Hebrews 12:1 – “Let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles.” Concrete actions: • Remove access to whatever feeds the sin (apps, relationships, locations, times of day). • Act quickly; delayed obedience invites compromise. • Celebrate every small victory as evidence of God’s grace at work. Cultivate Accountability and Community • James 5:16 – “Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another so that you may be healed.” Ways to implement: • Meet regularly with a trustworthy believer to share progress and setbacks. • Invite honest feedback; secrecy breeds bondage, transparency breeds freedom. • Participate in corporate worship and small groups where Scripture is central. Guard the Gates • 1 Peter 5:8 – “Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion.” Protection plan: • Monitor what enters the eyes, ears, and mind; install filters if needed. • Fast periodically from media that dulls spiritual sensitivity. • Fill the environment with Scripture, Christ-centered music, and edifying conversation. Live in Hope • Philippians 1:6 – “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.” • 1 Corinthians 10:13 – “God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.” Encouragement for the journey: • Remember that progress, not perfection, marks growth. • Keep your eyes on Jesus, “the pioneer and perfecter of faith” (Hebrews 12:2). • Anticipate final victory when the body of death is replaced with resurrection life. By embracing these God-given steps, the believer moves from merely lamenting “I do what I hate” to living the freedom secured by Christ. |
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