Romans 7 is Not About Paul’s Personal Struggle

 Romans 7:15 For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate” (NASB).

 It would be easy to think Paul is talking about a personal struggle when reading this passage of Scripture. A few verses preceding and following it seem to reinforce this idea.

The consequence of this thought process has led some to believe we’re supposed to struggle and fail as Christians. “If Paul struggled, then I guess I will too.” But is this God’s plan for us? Does it tend to remove personal responsibility? How many have hidden behind this verse to cover intentional sin? “I just couldn’t help myself” becomes the post narrative of something planned in advance. Obviously, not a good idea; but then, one can rest on “Paul’s struggle” -not! Time to get honest with ourselves.

Context is Everything

How often have we heard everything must be kept in context? This especially applies to Romans 7. Not only view things in context of the entire chapter, but also the chapters that come before and after. By examining chapter 6 and 8 in conjunction with 7, you may see things differently. Let’s look at a few bullet points in order to put things in proper perspective. Since this is a cursory view, it may behoove you to slowly examine these passages for yourself, if you haven’t already done so. The book of Galatians is a great companion book for added clarity.  

Bullet Points

Romans 7:1 Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion (jurisdiction) over a man as long as he liveth?

1) This is written to those who know the Law of Moses (i.e., Jewish or Messianic believers); but yes, it does apply to everyone. There are some things being clarified to those trying to mix covenants (Old and New Testaments). In other words, they are attempting to follow both the Law of Moses, and the Law of Faith (this is where Galatians adds clarity).

2) Verses 2-6 reveals a change of covenants, using marriage, divorce and death to underscore this point.    

3) Verses 7-14 shows us the purpose of the Old Testament, and that it can lead to death.

1 Corinthians 15:55-57 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.

4) Verses 15-24 reveals the futility of trying to follow the Law. For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin (verse 14). In short, it is impossible to follow the Law in our own strength. The result of trying to do so leads to failure (read verses 15-20).

Mixing covenants leads to bondage. As long as people try to “be good,” they will miserably fail. It places them under condemnation. They are relying on the flesh, and the flesh is at odds with God. Of course, this also leads to carrying unnecessary guilt.

Romans 8:7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the Law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

5) Verse 24-25 tells us Jesus delivered us from the Law of sin and death. Chapter 8 clarifies this latter point.

Romans 8:1-2 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

6) Chapter 6 makes it clear God has given us victory over sin by Jesus Christ. We don’t have to fail, because He gave us the ability to freely walk in faith by grace.

Romans 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the Law, but under grace.

Romans 6:22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.

7) Because we are baptized into Jesus, we are baptized into His death. His death is our death, which means our old nature is counted as dead in God’s eyes. This legally separates us from the Law, and frees us from sin.

Romans 6:6-7 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin.

8) When we walk in the Spirit, we walk in victory. When Holy Spirit leads you, you do not have to worry about failing.

Galatians 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

Romans 8:14-15 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

Final Point

Romans 8:24-25 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me (Who will set me free) from the body of this death? 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.

Paul clarifies the point: because Jesus delivered him from the body of sin, he could either serve the Law of God, or the law of sin. He wasn’t doomed to failure. He didn’t have to do those things he hated; neither did he have to fail to do the right things. God’s grace empowered him to live a godly life through Jesus Christ. By the way, it applies to you as well!

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