21. Romans 7:14-25 - The Struggle Between Sin and Righteousness

October 31st, 2024
by Jongseung Park

In this passage, Paul vividly describes the internal struggle between spiritual aspirations and the reality of sin that every believer faces. He acknowledges that, although he desires to follow God’s law, he often finds himself doing things he hates instead. This struggle reveals that, even as committed Christians, we wrestle with our sinful nature. This shows that human effort alone cannot conquer this conflict. However, Paul does not leave us in despair. In fact, this reflects his unique rhetorical style, setting the stage in the following chapter to emphasize the ministry of the Sprit, the one who is with us and empowers us to overcome sin and live in accordance with God’s will.

1. SCRIPTURE

14 For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold under sin. 15 For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. 16 Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. 17 So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. 18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. 20 Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. 21 So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. 22 For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, 23 but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members.

24 Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin.

2. OBSERVATIONS :

We live in a body—the flesh—that contains sinful desires and impulses that hinder us from obeying God's spiritual law. However, we must remember the consistent message he has emphasized: even though our flesh was once sold as a slave to sin and still craves sinful things, we have been freed from the power of sin through faith in Christ (v. 14).
As believers, we want to do good, yet we often find ourselves doing the very things we despise, and we struggle to understand our own actions. In fact, It wasn’t our conscious mind that did the things we hated; rather, it was sin dwelling in us (in our flesh) (v. 15-17).
Note, It is important to note that Paul is not discussing willful sin, which involves consciously giving in to the desires of the flesh. Willful sin is done with full awareness of one’s actions and their consequences. Instead, Paul highlights the struggle of wanting to do good but often failing, pointing to a deeper internal conflict rather than a deliberate choice to sin.

In our faith journey, we encounter the complexity of human nature and the ongoing battle between our desire for righteousness and the reality of sin. We sometimes feel frustrated when we recognize that, despite our desire to live according to God’s law, sin still influences our actions. This struggle is not a reflection of our true selves, but rather an indication of the sinful nature that still exists within us (vv. 18-20). This highlights that human willpower alone is insufficient to overcome sin.
Our inner conflict can be understood as a “law” or principle: even when we desire to do good, evil is still present. While we may find delight in God’s law internally, we also face a different “law” at work within our bodies, waging war against our desire to act righteously. This creates a tension between our minds, which align with God’s law, and our sinful nature, which urges us to disobey. (v. 21-23).
"Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?" This rhetorical question highlights our awareness of the power of sin and the frustration of being unable to fully align our actions with our spiritual desires. However, this does not leave us in despair, for we find hope in Jesus Christ. While we struggle with our sinful nature, we also have victory through Him (vv. 24-25).

3. APPLICATION:

Paul’s cry of “Who will deliver me from this body of death?” resonates with me, as I often feel the weight of my own weaknesses. Yet his answer—“Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!”—fills me with hope and reassurance. I’m reminded that Jesus has already won the victory over sin and death, and because of Him, I am not defined by my struggles.

Instead of being discouraged by my failures, I will remember that this struggle is not unique to me; it’s part of living in a fallen world. I’ll be honest with myself and with God about my weaknesses, recognizing that this struggle can draw me closer to Him as I rely on His strength rather than my own.

I’ve also learned that my willpower isn’t enough to overcome sin. I often try to handle things on my own, believing that if I just try hard enough, I can conquer my faults. However, victory doesn’t come from self-effort. Therefore, I will intentionally pray for God’s help and make it a habit to seek His guidance and strength each day, especially in the areas where I know I am weak.

4. PRAYER:

Dear God,

I come to You with my weaknesses and struggles, just as Paul expressed his frustration. Thank You for the hope found in Jesus Christ, who has already won the victory over sin and death. Help me to remember that I am not defined by my failures, but by Your grace.

As I face the challenges of living in a fallen world, give me the courage to be honest with myself and with You. Draw me closer to You through my struggles, and remind me to rely on Your strength rather than my own.

I recognize that my willpower is not enough to overcome sin. Teach me to seek Your guidance and help each day, especially in my areas of weakness. May Your holy Spirit empower me to live according to Your will.

In Jesus' name, I pray.
Amen.

Posted in Book of Romans