The Nature of Man (Ephesians 2 part 2).

     Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging in the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest.
                                                            Ephesians 2:3 NASB

     Many individuals like to look at their sinful actions as something that they cannot help. They feel as if they would like to do what is right, but they just can't. There is some truth to this. The Apostle Paul paints a picture of a lost individual who is in bondage to sin (Romans 7:14-25). He speaks of an individual who knows what is right, and wants to do what is right, but in the end sins. The bible indeed presents the circumstance of the sinner as being in bondage or slavery to sin (2 Peter 2:19; John 8:34). 
     It is also a biblical truth that we enter into this bondage through our own lusts. It is much more than a case of being unable to do right, like someone who is programmed to only act in a certain way against their will. Many individuals feel this way, and even begin to justify themselves in the fact that they can't help their actions, they are "only human" and deserve pity, not wrath. 
     The above verse tells us that mankind lives out his days pursuing the lusts of his flesh and mind. He indulges in selfish desires. This is not something that he is doing against his will, no, he willingly indulges himself in sinful pleasures! This is the nature of fallen man; selfishness! James tells us that man is drawn away and tempted by his desires, and when he gives in to his selfish desires, he sins (James 1:14-15). The fact that man is a willing participant in his sin makes him responsible. How could he be responsible for something he has no control over? He falls into bondage when he allows his selfish desires to control his choices. He may desire to do what is right, but his selfish lusts rise up and he gives into them instead. This is what Paul is saying in Romans 7:17. He is not saying that he is no longer responsible for his actions, or that something outside of him is making him sin, but that he is in bondage to his own wicked and selfish nature. He is ultimately selfish, and therefore fully responsible for his sin. 
     This is what lies at the heart of the sin nature. It is rebellion against God and His ways. The mind set on the flesh is hostile to God. It will not submit to God, and cannot (Romans 8:7-8; James 4:4). Pride gets in the way. The fallen nature of man has set itself up against God, and until the proud heart is broken, God will oppose it (James 4:6)