The Struggle Within: Understanding Romans 7 and the Conflict with Sin

Executive Summary ✨

Romans 7, often misunderstood, delves into the profound and agonizing reality of the Christian’s struggle with sin even after salvation. Paul, writing to the believers in Rome, powerfully illustrates how the Law, while holy and just, paradoxically reveals and exacerbates sin. It acts as a mirror, showing us our imperfections, but lacks the power to heal them. The chapter explores the inner turmoil between the “old man” (our fallen nature) and the desire to obey God’s commandments, a conflict that continues even in those who have been justified by faith. Through poignant descriptions of this internal war, Paul underscores the need for deliverance, ultimately found in Jesus Christ. The chapter emphasizes not justification by law, but the need for continual reliance on God’s grace, highlighting that sanctification is a lifelong process, marked by both victories and defeats. The key is recognizing the power of grace offered freely through the Holy Spirit. This chapter helps us navigate our ongoing struggle to obey God with the hope of being fully freed from sin’s grasp on the final day. Understanding the Struggle with Sin as described by Paul gives us the tools to find peace in Christ.

Romans 7 lays bare the complex reality of Christian life: the struggle against sin. It’s a chapter often debated, sometimes misunderstood, but undeniably crucial for comprehending the Christian journey. We explore the depths of Paul’s argument, rooted in the Law’s role and the believer’s internal battle, seeking to unearth the profound spiritual truths within this pivotal passage.

Commentary Sections

Romans 7:1-3 – Knowing the Law and Marriage Analogy

Romans 7:1-3 (KJV): Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth? For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband. So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man.

Paul begins by establishing a legal principle using the analogy of marriage. The law holds dominion over a person only as long as they live. Just as a woman is bound to her husband until his death, believers were bound to the Law until the death of Christ. This death frees them from the Law’s condemnation. The Law served as our “husband,” but through Christ’s sacrifice, we died to the Law and are now free to be united to Christ. This union with Christ is not a mere substitution, but a transformation. We are not simply freed from the Law’s penalty; we are empowered to live a new life in the Spirit.

Spiritual Application: Recognize that you are no longer under the Law’s condemnation. Embrace your freedom in Christ and strive to live according to the Spirit, not according to the flesh.

Romans 7:4 – Dead to the Law, United to Christ

Romans 7:4 (KJV): Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.

Paul emphasizes that believers have become “dead to the law through the body of Christ.” This death is not just a legal technicality but a real participation in Christ’s crucifixion. Through baptism, we are united with Christ in his death and resurrection (Romans 6:3-4). This union allows us to be “married to another” – to Christ, who was raised from the dead. The purpose of this union is to “bring forth fruit unto God.” This fruit is not simply outward obedience to rules but a life transformed by the Holy Spirit, producing love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).

Origen, commenting on this passage, highlights the transformative power of union with Christ, stating that, “Just as the graft, being united to the vine, draws life from it, so also we, being united to Christ, receive His divine life and bear fruit that pleases God.” (“Commentary on Romans,” Book 5, Chapter 3).

Spiritual Application: Cultivate your relationship with Christ. Spend time in prayer, study the Scriptures, and seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Allow Him to transform you from the inside out, producing fruit that honors God. Consider getting a website with ecommerce website builder to manage your religious books or events online.

Romans 7:5-6 – Fruit Unto Death vs. Serving in the Newness of Spirit

Romans 7:5-6 (KJV): For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death: But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.

Before Christ, our lives were governed by the “flesh,” resulting in sinful passions stirred up by the Law, leading to “fruit unto death.” The Law, intended to restrain sin, paradoxically aroused it because of our sinful nature. However, now in Christ, we are “delivered from the law” and are called to “serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.” This is a radical shift. It’s not about adhering to external rules, but about allowing the Holy Spirit to guide our hearts and minds, empowering us to live according to God’s will. Serving in the “newness of spirit” means relying on God’s grace and power rather than our own efforts.

Spiritual Application: Resist the temptation to rely on your own strength. Surrender your will to God and allow the Holy Spirit to guide you in all areas of your life.

Romans 7:7-13 – The Law Reveals Sin

Romans 7:7 (KJV): What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.

This section addresses a critical question: is the Law itself sinful? Paul vehemently denies this. The Law is not the cause of sin, but rather the revealer of it. Without the Law, we would not fully understand the extent of our sinfulness. The commandment “Thou shalt not covet” (Exodus 20:17) highlights the insidious nature of inner desires and their potential to lead to outward sin. The Law acts as a diagnostic tool, exposing the disease of sin that already resides within us. Consider the context of the Roman Empire, a society rife with wealth disparity and unchecked ambition. The prohibition against coveting would have been particularly relevant, exposing the inner turmoil of many individuals.

St. Augustine, in his “Confessions,” reflects on this very point, stating: “I did not know that my heart needed to be purged of its secret lusts until I read the Law, which said, ‘Thou shalt not covet.’ Then I understood the depths of my depravity and the need for divine grace.”

Spiritual Application: View the Law (God’s commandments) as a guide, not a burden. Allow it to reveal areas in your life where you need to grow and seek God’s grace to overcome them.

Romans 7:8-11 (KJV): But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin was dead. For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died. And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death. For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me.

Paul explains how sin, taking advantage of the commandment, stirs up all kinds of desires within us. Without the Law, sin is dormant, but when the Law comes, sin awakens and we “die” – not physically, but spiritually. The Law, intended for life, becomes an instrument of death because of our sinful nature. This isn’t a flaw in the Law, but a consequence of our fallen state. The Dead Sea Scrolls reveal how legalistic interpretations of the Torah during the Second Temple period further complicated the relationship between the Law and personal piety, highlighting the potential for the Law to become a source of spiritual burden rather than liberation.

Spiritual Application: Be vigilant against the deceptive nature of sin. Recognize that sin often masquerades as something appealing or harmless, but it always leads to death and separation from God.

Romans 7:12-13 (KJV): Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful.

Paul reaffirms the inherent goodness and holiness of the Law. It is not the Law that causes death, but sin using the Law as an instrument. This reveals the exceeding sinfulness of sin itself. Sin is not merely a transgression of rules; it is a rebellion against God and a perversion of what is good. The Law serves to unmask sin, exposing its true nature and its devastating consequences.

Spiritual Application: Don’t blame God’s commandments for your struggles. Instead, recognize the power and deceitfulness of sin and seek God’s grace to overcome it.

Romans 7:14-20 – The Inner Conflict: The Law of the Mind vs. The Law of Sin

Romans 7:14 (KJV): For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.

Here, Paul moves to describe his own internal struggle. He acknowledges that the Law is spiritual, but he is “carnal, sold under sin.” This is a profound statement of the human condition after the Fall. Even believers who desire to obey God still find themselves battling the desires of the flesh. This inner conflict is a constant reality for Christians, a tension between the “old man” and the “new man.”

St. Macarius the Great, in his homilies, speaks of this ongoing struggle, stating that, “The soul, even after baptism, remains a field where both wheat and tares grow together. The struggle continues until the harvest, when the angels will separate the righteous from the wicked.”

Spiritual Application: Acknowledge your own weakness and dependence on God’s grace. Don’t be discouraged by your failures, but keep striving to live according to the Spirit.

Romans 7:15-20 (KJV): For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.

Paul vividly describes the agonizing experience of doing what he doesn’t want to do and not doing what he wants to do. This is the essence of the inner conflict. He acknowledges the goodness of the Law, recognizing that it aligns with his desire to do what is right. However, he finds himself powerless to consistently obey it. He attributes this failure to “sin that dwelleth in me,” acknowledging that his “flesh” (his fallen nature) is inherently incapable of doing good. This echoes the teachings of the Desert Fathers, who emphasized the constant need for vigilance and spiritual warfare against the passions of the soul.

Spiritual Application: Identify the specific areas in your life where you struggle with sin. Recognize that these struggles are not unique to you, but are part of the common human experience. Don’t be ashamed to seek help from others and to pray for God’s strength.

Romans 7:21-25 – Wretched Man! Who Will Deliver Me?

Romans 7:21-23 (KJV): I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.

Paul summarizes his predicament: even when he desires to do good, evil is present with him. He delights in God’s Law in his “inward man” (his spirit), but he sees another “law” (the law of sin) at work in his body, warring against his mind and taking him captive. This is a powerful depiction of the spiritual warfare that every believer faces. It’s not a battle fought on a physical battlefield, but within the depths of our hearts and minds. The “law of sin” represents the ingrained habits and desires that pull us away from God.

Spiritual Application: Be aware of the forces that are working against you. Identify your triggers and develop strategies to resist temptation. Surround yourself with supportive Christian friends who can encourage you in your faith.

Romans 7:24 (KJV): O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?

This is the climax of Paul’s lament. He cries out, “O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” This is a cry of desperation, a recognition of his utter inability to overcome sin on his own. He feels trapped in a “body of death,” burdened by the weight of his sinfulness. This phrase could allude to the Roman practice of chaining a corpse to a condemned prisoner, forcing them to live in constant contact with death and decay.

Spiritual Application: Don’t try to fight sin in your own strength. Recognize your need for a Savior and cry out to God for deliverance.

Romans 7:25 (KJV): I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.

Paul immediately answers his own question with a declaration of hope: “I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord!” Deliverance comes not through the Law, not through human effort, but through the grace of God offered in Jesus Christ. He concludes by acknowledging the ongoing tension: with his mind, he serves the Law of God, but with his flesh, he serves the law of sin. This highlights the reality of the “already but not yet” nature of the Christian life. We have been saved, but we are still being sanctified. The struggle continues, but the victory is assured through Christ.

Spiritual Application: Rest in the assurance of God’s grace. Even when you fail, remember that you are forgiven and loved. Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus and trust in His power to transform you.

Subtopic Sections

The Law as a Mirror 🪞

The Law, in its function, isn’t meant to condemn, but rather to reveal. Here are some reflections:

• It shows us the reality of our sinfulness, highlighting the gap between our actions and God’s perfect standard.
• It motivates us to seek God’s grace and forgiveness, recognizing our inability to achieve righteousness on our own.
• It points us to Christ, the one who perfectly fulfilled the Law and offers us salvation.
• It guides us in living a life that is pleasing to God, providing principles for righteous living.
• It protects us from the harmful consequences of sin, by warning us of its dangers.
• It cultivates a sense of humility and dependence on God, recognizing our constant need for His help.

The Flesh vs. The Spirit 🕊️

The battle between the flesh and the Spirit is a central theme in Pauline theology. Understanding this conflict is crucial for spiritual growth.

• The “flesh” represents our fallen nature, our desires and impulses that are contrary to God’s will.
• The “Spirit” represents the Holy Spirit, who dwells within believers and empowers them to live righteously.
• The Christian life is a constant struggle between the flesh and the Spirit.
• Victory comes through yielding to the Spirit and resisting the desires of the flesh.
• Prayer, fasting, and studying the Scriptures are essential tools for overcoming the flesh.
• The ultimate goal is to be transformed into the likeness of Christ, becoming more and more like Him in thought, word, and deed.

FAQ ❓

Q: Does Romans 7 mean that Christians are doomed to keep sinning?

A: No, absolutely not! While Romans 7 acknowledges the ongoing struggle with sin, it does not suggest that Christians are destined to remain in a state of perpetual failure. The chapter emphasizes the reality of the inner conflict, but it also points to the hope of deliverance through Jesus Christ. This highlights the need for reliance on Christ.

Q: If we are no longer under the Law, does that mean we can ignore God’s commandments?

A: Certainly not! Being freed from the Law’s condemnation does not mean that we are free to live however we please. Rather, it means that we are now empowered by the Holy Spirit to obey God’s commandments from a heart of love, not out of fear of punishment. The goal is obedience, not legalism.

Q: How can I overcome the struggle with sin described in Romans 7?

A: Overcoming the struggle with sin requires a combination of faith, effort, and reliance on God’s grace. This includes acknowledging your weakness, confessing your sins, seeking God’s forgiveness, and actively resisting temptation. Spending time in prayer, studying the Scriptures, and surrounding yourself with supportive Christian friends are also essential tools for spiritual growth.

Conclusion

Romans 7 is not a chapter of despair, but a chapter of honest reflection and ultimately, of hope. It acknowledges the frustrating reality of the Christian’s ongoing struggle with sin. It reveals that the Law, though holy, cannot deliver us from this struggle. However, the chapter culminates in a triumphant declaration of deliverance through Jesus Christ. Understanding the Struggle with Sin allows us to appreciate the depth of Christ’s sacrifice and the power of God’s grace. We serve with our mind in the law of God, but our flesh battles the law of sin. The Christian life is not about achieving perfection through our own efforts, but about relying on Christ’s perfect righteousness and allowing the Holy Spirit to transform us from the inside out. It’s a lifelong journey marked by both victories and defeats, but ultimately leading to the fulfillment of God’s promise of complete freedom from sin’s power.

Tags

Romans 7, Struggle with Sin, The Law, Paul, Inner Conflict, Flesh, Spirit, Grace, Deliverance, Justification

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Explore Romans 7 and discover the truth about the Christian’s struggle with sin, the role of the Law, and the hope of deliverance through Jesus Christ. Understanding the Struggle with Sin is key to walking with Christ.