Romans 7:14-25
The Believer’s Predicament
After acknowledging that God’s law is holy, righteous, good, and spiritual (Rom 7:12-14), Paul goes on to explain his predicament as a follower of Jesus. “I do not understand what I do” (v. 15), he says in pain and confusion. It is at this point in Romans that the author underlines the complexity of the believer’s plight, the battle between the old self and the new self.
The Believer’s Condition
Although those who follow Christ are dead to sin, it is quite clear that Sin is pretty much alive in them. Paul states that Sin is “living in [him]” (v. 17). Moreover, he goes on to say that there is “another law at work in [him]” (v. 23), which means that Sin is a powerful force at work within us, which leads us to think, feel, and act in a way we do not want.
The Believer’s Savior
Conflicted, wounded, and exhausted by the war waged in his heart, the greatest theologian the world has ever known writes, “What a wretched man I am!” in verse 24. The adjective “wretched” gives us the image of someone who has been beaten so badly that death seems something desirable. In the middle of his fight with self, Paul lifts up his eyes to Christ, the Savior and Deliverer of all struggling saints (v. 25).
Still, we need to ask ourselves, “How do we find deliverance through Jesus? Let’s find the answer together as we study Romans 7:14-25!
Reflection Questions
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In what specific way(s) do you resonate with Paul’s words in v. 15? Which cherished sins or weaknesses make you say, “I do not understand what I do“?
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How would you reconcile the idea of being dead to Sin with the fact that Sin is still alive in us? What truth do you think is behind this apparent theological contradiction?
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Have you felt “beaten up” by the spiritual and psychological conflict waged in your heart between good and evil? How do you think God “delivers [us] through Christ Jesus“?