25 The Weakness of the Law – Part 2

In the final portion of chapter seven, Paul continues building upon the foundation he previously established, by discussing the internal battled faced by every believer.

In this section of the chapter, Paul personalized everything by showing how he personally struggled in this area:

Romans 7:14-15

 And then:

Romans 7:17

Paul was showing the internal struggle between his converted spirit, and his unconverted flesh and mind.

His spirit no longer participated in the sins which his flesh and mind were drawn to.  Therefore, two thirds of his person seemed as if he was “bound” by those sinful pursuits.

1 Nothing Good in the Old Nature

As believers are comprised of three parts (spirit, soul, and body) the “true” believer is the portion which has been converted (the spirit).

Therefore, it’s the believer’s mind and body which cooperate and engage in the things of the old nature, while our spirits cooperate with the Holy Spirit.

That was evidenced by Paul saying, “it is no longer I” who participate in those sinful activities.  This shows the natural “disconnect” between the new and old natures.

In verse 18, Paul went on to say that “nothing good dwells” (in his flesh).

Of course, some individuals might take offense at Paul’s words, since they hold to the view that “everyone has some good in them”.  Others may subscribe to the theory that they are “good and moral” and therefore qualify as a “good person”.

God’s Word is clear that the opposite is true, but that everyone has sin resides within everyone:

Isaiah 64:6

Therefore, when Paul spoke of nothing good dwelling in him, he was speaking of his body and his soul (mind).

Yet, he spoke of having the desire to do good things, but the inability to enact them.

It is therefore vital that an individual have a vibrant, personal relationship with the Lord, to live victoriously:

John 15:5

2 A Law Within

Paul had previously discussed how sin only produces death; however, he obviously considered it such an important topic, that he decided to address it again:

Romans 7:19-24

Continuing his personal transparency, in verse 19, Paul admitted that while he didn’t always do that which he should do, there were times he did the evil (sin) which he knew he shouldn’t.

In verse 20, he repeats what he had previously mentioned in verses 15 and 17, which again points to the civil war between the old and new natures deals with.

Contextually, verse 20 fts in perfectly with the words Paul wrote to the church of Galatia:

Galatians 5:17

That passage shows how our flesh is in complete (irreconcilable) opposition to God’s Spirit. 

Paul likens his internal conflict, to a “law” present in his life.   That falls into a context of its own, being in context with how he’d previously shown how the believer is no longer bound by the Mosaic Law.

Therefore, he was showing, that in the same waw God’s Law is only able to point out our sinfulness, but cannot save us from that sin, In the same way, the “law” within, which he spoke of, shows us right from wrong, it cannot enable us to do what is right.

Paul used an interesting Greek word <nomos> – which we see translated as “law”.  The word is defined as “principle”.  Therefore, he was addressing God’s Law, but rather, a principle which refers to the ever-present battle within every believer.

At the same time, Paul once again discussed his desire to do good.

He then mentioned his delight is in the law of God, which was a principle established throughout many of the Psalms, as seen in this example:

Psalms 40:8

In verses 23 and 24, Paul once again discusses the ongoing battle, but in these verses, he almost expresses a sense of hopeless resignation:

Romans 7:23-24

3 Christ, Our Deliverer

Romans 7:25

Paul had been rightfully disillusioned by seeing that there was no available answer within him – or in those around him for that matter, However, he then declared that there was indeed an answer to the dilemma, and it was found in Jesus, the One who delivers and provides victory for His people.