A Voice from the Past - Luther

Here we must point out that the entire Scripture of God is divided into two parts: commandments and promises. Although the commandments teach things that are good, the things taught are not done as soon as they are taught, for the commandments show us what we ought to do but do not give us the power to do it. They are intended to teach man to know himself, that through them he may recognize his inability to do good and may despair of his own ability.

Martin Luther, 1483-1546, The Freedom of a Christian (Three Treatises, translated by W. A. Lambert, Fortress Press, 1970, p.282)

Is this the right approach to God's commandments? How does it relate to living the Christian life?