Most of us at some time or other can identify with the anguish of the Apostle Paul, who wrote to the early Christians in Rome, "The good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do." Rom. 7:19. Every earnest Christian wants to be good, do good, and think good thoughts. And he or she wants to understand better the powerlessness of evil's temptations.
So at those times when we are tempted, Paul's discussion of his struggles recorded in chapters 7 and 8 of the book of Romans can give us guidance, instruction, and encouragement.
Paul was successful in his efforts to resist the temptation to do evil. His life after his conversion is a testimony to the fact that he was able to overcome the evil suggestions of the carnal mind, to draw close to God and thus spiritualize his thought and daily life. There is much we can learn from his teachings.
