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This is one of the biggest glimpses into the life of Paul. Here we see Paul bearing his soul in that he struggles with it is more profitable to be in this life. He knows that there are those people who would rather preach Christ in the wrong spirit so that in some way it might hurt Paul, but it is not the outcome. Those men underestimated Paul and he suffers, yes, but he is happy that Christ is preached!

He then goes on to talk about the struggle of desires. There is a metaphor used here. We can live out Christ's message in our own strengths. We can certainly do this, but the key to the Christian life is death. Death to oneself. For us to see ourselves as somewhat of a spiritual being could be a detriment. If we do not die to self daily, we are going to experience a world of hurt!