Have you ever known exactly what you should do… and still done the opposite?

In Romans 7:15–20, the Apostle Paul describes one of the most relatable struggles in the entire Bible: “For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.”

In this episode, Coach Chris Wilson unpacks Paul’s raw honesty about the internal war between the desire to obey God and the pull of the sinful nature. This isn’t just about bad habits — it’s about the deeper spiritual conflict every believer faces.

You’ll learn:
• Why the struggle with sin doesn’t mean your faith is fake
• The difference between conviction and condemnation
• The two common traps that keep Christians stuck (shame and self-reliance)
• Why willpower alone can’t defeat the flesh
• How Romans 8 provides the hope and power that Romans 7 exposes

If you’ve ever felt frustrated, discouraged, or tired of repeating the same cycle — this conversation will remind you that the fight itself is evidence of spiritual life.

The war within is real… but so is the Spirit of God.

Your struggle is not proof that God has left you. Sometimes it’s proof that He’s working.

Scripture: Romans 7:15–20 (NIV), with references to Romans 7:24–25 and Romans 8:1-4, 26-28.

Time Stamps

0:00 – Is your struggle proof you’re spiritually alive?

0:32 – Welcome to the Strong by Design podcast!

0:55 – Join host Chris Wilson for today’s special solo episode

4:51 – Why you keep doing the very thing you hate

6:59 – The inner battle nobody talks about

8:35 – Is it lack of discipline or spiritual warfare?

10:32 – Why the fight doesn’t mean you’ve failed God

13:40 – The two subtle lies that keep you stuck

15:45 – Why “trying harder” keeps backfiring

17:42 – The turning point that changes everything

18:23 – From constant defeat to unexpected power

19:14 – What if freedom is already available?

21:42 – Why the struggle shouldn’t shock you

22:16 – The secret strength found in confession

23:02 – Surrender: the daily move that shifts everything

27:08 – Why you can stop chasing perfection

27:28 – Could the struggle mean God is at work?

29:14 – You’re not broken — you’re in a battle!

30:32 – Please share and leave ratings & reviews for the SBD podcast!

Resources:

YouVersion Bible App

Connect with Chris:

Instagram

Support the show

Connect w/ Critical Bench:

Ep 424 Why Do I Keep Doing What I Hate?