Romans 7:13-25 NKJV
13 Has then what is good become death to me? Certainly not! But sin, that it might appear sin, was producing death in me through what is good, so that sin through the commandment might become exceedingly sinful. 14 For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin. 15 For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do. 16 If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good. 17 But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. 18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. 19 For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. 20 Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me.
21 I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good. 22 For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man. 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. 24 O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 25 I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!
13 Has then what is good become death to me? Certainly not! But sin, that it might appear sin, was producing death in me through what is good, so that sin through the commandment might become exceedingly sinful. 14 For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin. 15 For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do. 16 If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good. 17 But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. 18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. 19 For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. 20 Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me.
21 I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good. 22 For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man. 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. 24 O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 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.
This text helps us to recognize the ongoing struggle with sin in our lives. In it the Apostle Paul shares his own inner conflict between the desire to do good and the presence of sin. As we reflect on this passage, we find encouragement in the transformative power of Christ’s grace as we strive against sin.
The struggle with sin is real! Paul’s words in this passage resonate with the internal battle we face as believers. Despite desiring to do good and follow God’s law, we often find ourselves falling short due to the power of sin that dwells within us. It is essential to acknowledge this struggle because it reminds us of our constant need for God’s grace and strength.
The law shows us our sin. The law reveals the reality of sin in our lives and magnifies its presence. Though the law is good and holy, it also exposes our sinful nature and incapability to save ourselves. We recognize that we are helpless in our own efforts to overcome sin.
Therefore, we find deliverance only in Christ. Amid Paul’s anguish, he turns to the ultimate source of deliverance: Jesus Christ our Lord. It is through Christ’s sacrificial death and resurrection that we find forgiveness, redemption, and the power to overcome sin. Our hope lies not in our own strength but in Christ’s victory over sin and death.
The struggle with sin is part of the Christian journey, but we do not lose heart, because Christ has triumphed over sin and death. Through faith in Him, we find the strength to resist sin, through the Holy Spirit and the Word. So, we continue to fix our eyes on Jesus, seeking His grace and mercy, and rejoicing in the assurance that we are justified and sanctified through His atoning work. With minds constantly renewed by the Holy Spirit through the Word, we earnestly strive to serve the law of God, finding our ultimate deliverance and hope in Christ alone.
Let us pray: Almighty and eternal God, pour down on us the abundance of your mercy, forgiving us those things of which our conscience is afraid, and giving us those good things which we are not worthy to ask; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.