This last section of Romans 7 (vers. 14-25) is greatly misunderstood by most who study it.  Interpreted properly, it fits nicely into the overall context, as well as Paul’s primary emphasis in this epistle.

Throughout Romans, Paul is teaching us that we are justified by faith rather than by works.  In this context, we must realize that Paul is not contrasting faith with obedience, but with the sinless living that the law demanded, seeing it did not have the power to forgive sins.  Paul consistently refers to the demands of the law as “works of the law” (Romans 3:20, 28; Galatians 3:16; 3:1, 2, 5, 10).

In my last blog, I emphasized that the problem with the old law (which in itself was holy, just, and good – Romans 7:12) was the weakness of man.  Having allowed sin to corrupt us, we can no longer please God living under a law that demands perfection.  What Paul describes in Romans 7:14-25 is the frustration of a man who attempts to do so.

The first thing to clear up in this passage is who Paul is describing in the text.  The reason most people misunderstand Paul’s teaching here is because they automatically conclude that Paul is describing the frustration and failure of Christians who are in a constant battle with the flesh.  While it is true that we constantly battle the flesh (James 4:1), the section of Romans that we are contemplating is not dealing with that.  How do I know?  Again, the answer is in context.  Notice what Paul says in ver. 14.

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

The question that I have is this—would Paul describe himself, or any other Christian, as being sold under sin?  The answer is no.  In the last chapter, Paul described Christians as having been freed from sin (Romans 6:6-7).  Can one be free from sin and a slave to sin at the same time?  Of course not.

Why did Paul refer to himself as being “sold under sin?”  He is referring to the time when he was under the law, that is, not as Paul the apostle, but as Saul of Tarsus.  He uses himself as an example of the futileness involved in trying to please God under a law that demands perfection.

I will not attempt to explain Paul’s words verse by verse in vers. 15-21, because it is just too confusing.  It should, however, be understood that when Paul uses the words “good” and “evil” in this passage, he is not referring to isolated acts, but rather to good and evil in an absolute sense.  How do we know this?  We know it because it is simply not true that Paul never did any good, or that there was a time when he made a practice of doing evil, suggested by the words “the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing” (ver. 19). 

Paul is describing a man in this context who wants to please God, but he has sinned, and under a law demanding perfection, he could never be viewed as good by God.  His life is stain by sin, not because he constantly commits it, but because under the old law there was no way to remove the sin he did commit.  Under such a law, no matter how much you try to please God and be in His favor, it is impossible because sin separates man from Him (Isaiah 59:1-2).

The good news is there is a solution.   That solution is our Lord, Jesus (ver. 25).  Paul will begin the next chapter, emphasizing the wonderful state one can be in when he is released from the old law and enters into Christ.  In Christ is the only place we can find relief from the frustration and condemnation of sin.

As you wind down for the night, think about these things