As you read this portion emphasize the word “I.”  “We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin.  I do not understand what I do.  For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.  And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good…etc.” 

When a word is repeated over and over it provides insight into the meaning of the portion.  Paul struggled trying to do the right thing because there was a law at work in his life, the law of sin.  What is the law of sin?  Essentially it is asserting self, rather than depending on Jesus to do it. 

Paul wanted to be good consistently, but failed.  That’ll be true for anyone trying to live a good life before trusting in Jesus Christ for salvation.  It’s also true for those who try to live a good life after becoming Christians.  The root of the problem is found in the insight word, “I.”  You might seem to succeed for a spell, but it won’t last.  When you fail you’ll be discouraged and defeated, much like Paul felt in this chapter. 

So if the story line of my life is “I, I, I…” the likelihood is I’ll find myself failing more than desired, and discouraged, if not despairing.  The only solution is total dependence on Christ.