The Apostle Paul’s Admission of Flaws

JEFF TURNER

In the Bible, there’s a well-known statement: “The good that I want to do, I do not do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing.” Many might guess a troubled figure like King Saul or Judas Iscariot said these words. But surprisingly, these words came from the apostle Paul, one of the greatest leaders of the Christian faith.

Paul, the writer of 13 New Testament books and a powerful preacher of Jesus Christ, admitted this personal struggle in Romans 7:14-25. Even though he was deeply committed to God, Paul confessed that he still battled against sin within himself. This wasn’t a moment of weakness before his conversion, but an honest reflection as a believer.

This passage speaks for every Christian, no matter how faithful or spiritually mature they are. When followers of Christ compare their lives to the perfect standard of God’s law and the depth of their love for Him, they realise they often fall short. True believers don’t claim to be sinless. Instead, they recognise their flaws and eagerly look forward to the day they will be made perfect in heaven.

He was not the Light, but he came to testify about the Light.

John 1:8