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The Book of Romans, Part 16 – Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me

[Study Aired October 24, 2023]

Rom 7:7 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. 
Rom 7:8 But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin was dead. 
Rom 7:9 For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died.
Rom 7:10 And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death. 
Rom 7:11 For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me. 
Rom 7:12 Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. 
Rom 7:13 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. 
Rom 7:14 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. 
Rom 7:15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. 
Rom 7:16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. 
Rom 7:17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 
Rom 7:18 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. 
Rom 7:19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.
Rom 7:20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
Rom 7:21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. 
Rom 7:22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: 
Rom 7:23 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. 
Rom 7:24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? 
Rom 7:25 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. 

Our previous study on Romans 7:1-6 serves as a foundation for understanding the broader context of Romans 7:7-25. That study established important concepts related to our relationship with the law and the transition from the old covenant to the new covenant through Christ. Here’s how it relates to Romans 7:7-25.

In both passages, Paul uses analogies to convey spiritual truths. In Romans 7:1-6, he employs the analogy of marriage to explain the change in our relationship with the law. In Romans 7:7-25, Paul uses the concept of the law to illustrate the inner struggles and conflicts we experience as believers.

The earlier passage (Rom 7:1-6) emphasizes the freedom which believers have from the Mosaic law through Christ’s death and resurrection. This freedom from the law is a recurring theme throughout Romans 7, as it’s foundational to understanding the inner struggles Paul describes in Romans 7:7-25.

In both passages, the role of the law is explored. In Romans 7:1-6, the law is presented as a restrictive force that can lead to sin and death. In Romans 7:7-25, Paul further unpacks the relationship between the law and sin, demonstrating how the law can highlight sin in our lives and create inner conflicts.

This study emphasizes the idea of being spiritually minded and understanding the deeper spiritual truths behind the law. This perspective is crucial in connecting it to Romans 7:7-25. In these verses, Paul describes the inner struggles and conflicts he faced as a believer, which are universal experiences for all mankind trying to live according to their spiritual beliefs as we become the new man.

Both passages underline the transition from the old covenant, represented by the Mosaic law, to the new covenant in Christ. Romans 7:1-6 explains how believers are “married” to Christ, while Romans 7:7-25 explores the inner transformation and the ongoing struggle to live according to the new law of Christ.

Overall, these passages together provide a comprehensive perspective on the relationship between believers and the law, the freedom found in Christ, and the ongoing spiritual journey involving struggles and inner conflicts. They emphasize the need for a deep understanding of the spirit of the law and the importance of being spiritually minded as we navigate our faith and our relationship with God.

Rom 7:7 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. 
Rom 7:8 But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin was dead.

Paul here is trying to explain that the law serves as a compass, helping us recognize what is right and wrong. It’s a way of understanding our actions and desires. In this way, it can be seen as a helpful guide for our spiritual journey.

Exo 20:17 Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s.

1Co 15:56 The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law.

Jas 1:15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

2Pe 2:14 Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children.

1Jn 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

These verses speak to the nature of sin, how it arises through desires (concupiscence), and its destructive consequences. They shed light on the spiritual struggles we face in dealing with sinful desires and temptations.

Rom 7:9 For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died. 
Rom 7:10 And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death. 
Rom 7:11 For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me. 

Paul’s words illustrate the inner conflict we all experience when trying to adhere to the law and beliefs. He’s expressing how the introduction of the law confronted him with his own imperfections and the difficulties he faced in following it.

Rom 7:12 Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. 
Rom 7:13 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 is essentially saying that the intention behind the law is to guide us toward goodness and righteousness. However, our inner struggles and shortcomings make it clear where we, of ourselves, cannot perform that which is good.

Rom 7:14 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. 
Rom 7:15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. 
Rom 7:16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. 
Rom 7:17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 
Rom 7:18 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. 
Rom 7:19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.
Rom 7:20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.

Paul’s words convey the universal struggle between our ideals and our actions. This is a reminder that it’s common to grapple with our internal conflicts, and it’s essential to approach ourselves with compassion and understanding during these times.

Gal 5:17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

1Ti 1:15 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.

Mat 26:41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

1Jn 1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

Eph 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

The above verses highlight the ongoing struggle between our ideals and our actions, reflecting our experience of wrestling with internal conflicts, temptations, and our own desires.

Rom 7:21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. 
Rom 7:22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: 
Rom 7:23 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 expresses his desire to do good and his frustration with the constant presence of sin. He acknowledges the inner battle and ultimately expresses gratitude for the hope provided by Jesus Christ.

Paul’s journey, as described here, illustrates mankind’s experience of grappling with our inner conflicts and carnality. It highlights the importance of finding hope and support in our faith and beliefs when facing these challenges.

These verses from Romans serve as a reminder of the commonality of these struggles and the need for compassion, both for us and others, as we navigate them. We all desire to do good. This is impossible without Christ. We can do nothing of ourselves.

Mat 19:23-26 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved? But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.

Joh 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

Rom 7:24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? 
Rom 7:25 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. 

Christ is the only one that can deliver us from this body of death.

Psa 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.

1Co 15:57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Returning to Romans 7:17,

Rom 7:17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 

In this verse, Paul is addressing the tension between his inner desire to do what is right and his acknowledgment of the presence of sin within him. He’s essentially saying that the sins he commits are not a reflection of his new man. Instead, they are the result of the sinful nature that dwells within him.

Paul makes a clear distinction between his new man, the “I,” and the presence of sin within him. He is asserting that the sins he commits are not a reflection of his new man. He’s effectively separating his identity from the sinful actions he’s describing.

By stating that “sin dwelleth in me,” Paul is acknowledging the ongoing presence of a sinful nature within him. Despite being saved through faith in Christ, we still grapple with the remnants of our sinful nature.

This verse underscores the inner conflict experienced by us as believers. Paul’s words resonate with those who find ourselves torn between a genuine desire to do what is right, as guided by our faith, and our struggle with the influence of sin. It highlights mankind’s experience of wrestling with inner conflicts, temptations, and moral imperfections.

While Paul acknowledges the struggle, it’s also important to note that his acknowledgment of the presence of sin within him does not lead to condemnation. The context of Romans 7 is a prelude to the victory and hope that is found in Jesus Christ, as emphasized throughout the New Testament. In this context, Paul is laying the groundwork for the message of salvation and redemption through faith in Christ.

Ultimately, Romans 7:17 captures the essence of our inner spiritual conflict that we face. It’s a recognition of the tension between our innate desire to do good and the presence of sin within us. This verse sets the stage for the message of hope and redemption, highlighting the central role of faith in Christ in finding victory over this internal struggle.

1Co 15:50-58 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.