Romans 7:9–25

Bible Studies for Life
Assistant Professor of Religion, Department of Religion, Samford University

ALL CHRISTIANS STRUGGLE WITH SIN
Romans 7:9–25
It is undeniable that all Christians struggle with sin. This is especially evident when one’s definition of sin is not limited to “big” sins. Of course, certain sinful actions may be more consequential than others. Still, one must recognize that even things that seem less important are also sins. In fact, Paul includes what many consider “small” sins in his list of serious offenses against God — deceit, gossip, envy and haughtiness (Rom. 1:29–31).

Thus, a biblical view of sin includes all of the ways sin expresses itself in human actions and motives. Such a view understands that even those actions that appear genuine on the surface are often driven by very questionable motives. In addition, condemnation of others’ sin is often accompanied by its own sinful hypocrisy. Paul thoroughly established this point in the first three chapters of Romans — no one is exempt from sin. Thus, salvation from sin and its effects only comes by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.

What’s the Problem? (9–13)
Salvation through grace by faith in Christ does not mean that believers should ask, “Should we continue in sin in order that grace may multiply?” Paul responds to this question emphatically, “Absolutely not! How can we who died to sin still live in it?” (Rom. 6:1–2). Thus, Paul goes on to command, “Do not let sin reign in your mortal body, so that you obey its desires” (Rom. 6:12). Paul adds that sin does not reign because the believer is not under the law. This raises another question: Should we sin because we are not under the law? Again, Paul answers forcefully, “Absolutely not!” (Rom. 6:14–15).

Paul continues this line of questions in Romans 7. Specifically, Paul addresses the relationship between desire and ability in obeying God’s law. God’s law reveals what God requires, such as the command against coveting. Yet the law does not produce the desired result. Instead, God’s will in the law is twisted by human sin. As Paul explains, “But sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, produced in me coveting of every kind” (Rom. 7:8).

Since God’s law evokes a sinful response, one might conclude the law itself must be sinful. In response, Paul ardently says no. The problem is not God’s law. The problem is human sin in response to God’s command (9–11).
Thus, God’s revelation, whether in creation (Rom. 1) or in God’s law (Rom. 2), removes the veil of ignorance regarding the depths of sin (12–13).

Spiritual Tug-of-War (14–25)
Sin works through the flesh so that one is not able to do what is right. Paul goes so far to say, “For the desire to do what is good is with me, but there is no ability to do it” (18). This does not mean the law is bad; it confirms the law’s judgments (16, 21). Yet there is a different law “waging war against the law of my mind and taking me prisoner to the law of sin in the parts of my body” (23). This spiritual tug-of-war means that instead of doing what is right, one does what one wishes not to do (19). This “wretched” predicament leads Paul to ask, “Who will rescue me from this body of death?” (24).

The answer is Jesus. Though sin is powerful, even able to twist God’s commands, it does not have the last word.
Jesus has taken sin in Himself so that sin may not win in the end. Though sin is indeed perniciously present, sin is overcome by the life and death of Jesus. His power is mediated to believers by the Holy Spirit. Thus, Paul will say in the next chapter, “Therefore, no condemnation now exists for those in Christ Jesus, because the Spirit’s law of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. What the law could not do since it was limited by the flesh, God did. He condemned sin in the flesh by sending His own Son in flesh like ours under sin’s domain, and as a sin offering, in order that the law’s requirement would be accomplished in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit” (Rom. 8:1–4). May we show our gratitude for Christ by walking in the Spirit’s power.