Romans 7:18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. 19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. 21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. 22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: 23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.
This passage of scripture demonstrates to us our utter inability to save ourselves, whether we are in Christ or not, for salvation comes to us only through Jesus Christ, and that on an ongoing basis, meaning that there is no point in our experience when we can run on automatic apart from Christ. There has been much theological debate over whether Paul is speaking in the context of an unconverted man, or in the context of one who has been saved by the grace of God. The truth of the matter is that such debate is absolutely unwarranted, for it makes no difference whatsoever, because the righteous as well as the sinner needs Jesus for as long as life shall last, and beyond. In other words, it's Jesus from beginning to end, with no pause in between.
A general misunderstanding of this sacred truth has caused millions of people to try to be good, independent of God, and what ends up taking place as a result, is a life lived with many external good works stemming from a corrupted heart, or worse yet, the pent up desires of sin and lust await an opportune moment to break forth in terrible torrents, thus causing the self righteous one to fall into the very depths of sin.
This is what happened to David, who for many years had been depending on God to keep him from falling, and the Lord had responded by guiding him safely through the many snares which had been laid for his feet. But after a while he became careless, as so many of us often do, and he took it for granted, that because he had been practicing righteousness for so many years, that is had become second nature, and would be able to sustain him in resisting temptation, should a fierce and sudden assault be made upon him.
But sacred history shows us what was the inevitable result, for when satan succeeded in getting him to disconnect himself from the source of his power over a period of time, then his defenses were gone and he knew it not, and the rest is history, for he fell so low as to tarnish his entire earthly career, and he was never able to fully recuperate himself, because he was wounded in spirit on account of his transgression, and furthermore, he was humbled greatly in the sight of his subjects.
Now, we are indeed speaking in the context of a righteous man, who had a pretty sound relationship with God, but who fell very low when he was disconnected from the source of his strength. His experience sheds great light on what Paul is saying in our passage for today, and David's great sin sheds a beacon of warning to those of us who may become careless in our relationship with Christ, or who might erroneously conclude that practicing righteousness over many years will one day cause it to become second nature in us, even if our relationship with The Lord is in shambles.
As Christians we are to be plugged in at all times to the source of power that is found in Christ alone, for it is dangerous, and ill-advised for us to let go of His hands, even for one minute. Furthermore, because we are absolutely incapable of saving ourselves, it becomes all the more necessary and urgent for us to have Christ front, back, and center of our lives each and every day, for without Him we cannot do anything good or acceptable in the sight of God. We therefore end with a passage of scripture which confirms this sacred truth, and it is the will of God that we humble ourselves by acknowledging everyday, our entire dependence on Him, who is the only One able to keep us from falling. Let's read:
John 15:4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
May The Lord add His blessing to the study and practice of His every word. God bless!