For I know that in me, that is, in my flesh, dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me, but to do that which is good is not. Romans 7:18
Paul was expressing his dilemma in trying to obey the law in his fleshly power. Most of chapter seven in the book of Romans is devoted to the inability of the flesh to achieve righteousness. No one can please God by the determination of the will. By this, I mean that resolving to do better and not fall into sin by the strength of our will power will never work. Paul came to the conclusion that all his will power and self-discipline amounted to nothing. As you read Paul’s writings, you can see that he was a very disciplined man.
How then are we to achieve this condition of being pleasing to God? By faith. Easy answer, to be sure, but the implementation can be rather complex. God is pleased by faith and only by faith. (Hebrews 11:6) This does not mean that we simply don’t bother to do the right things at the right times, but that we act in obedience to Holy Spirit by faith. When we know Holy Spirit is telling us to do something, we are to do it without trying to figure out if it makes sense or not. How do you know when Holy Spirit is talking to you? First of all, seek God’s will in all you do. If you will seek His will, He will teach you how to listen. Seeking your own will is the surest way to deafen your ears to Holy Spirit.
I’m sure you have noticed how you often miss hearing something because you were very involved in doing something unrelated to that sound. Hearing is, in large part a matter of focus. If you are listening for a phone call, you are much more likely to hear the phone ring even if it is very muffled. Focus on hearing Holy Spirit with a heart set to please God, and you will hear Him.
Dan
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