Romans 7 has been a challenge for some scholars as Paul openly talks about actually struggling with sin. Some have gone so far as to say that Paul must have been speaking of a time before his conversion, or perhaps he was referencing his childhood. Yet, when one plainly reads the text, he doesn’t speak in past tense; Paul speaks of a present, ongoing struggle with sin.

Over the course of the holiness movement, sinless perfection became a goal for many. The belief that sanctification (finding a freedom from sinful actions) would happen all at once was picked up by many holiness movements in their infancy. While other movements developed the belief that sanctification was an ongoing, lifelong process—one that begins at salvation, and that remains until we leave this world and shed this sinful flesh.

For those who believe the latter, this passage from Paul in Romans 7 is clear—it describes the plight of every Christian who is striving to serve God daily while also living in a fallen world with sinful inclinations. The very thing that makes us know we’re serving God is the fact that there is a war going on inside of us, compelling us to say no to all our sinful pulls, so we can serve God wholeheartedly. Those who aren’t serving God have no such battle—they simply live for themselves and appease the flesh without hesitation.

So if you’re feeling the struggle as described by Paul in Romans 7, take heart. It may mean that you’re right where God wants you—learning to grow in Christ and say no to your sinful inclinations.