This passage is from Romans 7:21-25. The Apostle Paul reflects on the internal struggle. He talks about the desire to do good and the presence of sin within himself. Let’s break down these verses:

Romans 7:21-25 (Living Bible Paraphrase)

21 “It seems to be a fact of life that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong.”

22 “I love God’s law with all my heart.”

23 “But there is another law at work within me that is at war with my mind. This law wins the fight and makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me.”

24 “Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death?”

25 “Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: in my mind, I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin.”

Analysis

1. Inner Conflict (Verses 21-23):

• Verse 21: Paul acknowledges a universal truth for believers: even with the desire to do good, evil is still present. This highlights the ongoing internal conflict between the desire to live righteously and the sinful nature that exists within.
• Verse 22: Paul expresses his genuine delight in God’s law, indicating a sincere inner devotion and agreement with God’s will.
• Verse 23: Despite this, he recognizes another force at work within him. This force is the law of sin. It opposes the law of his mind. This internal struggle is depicted as a war, suggesting intense conflict and tension within his being.

1. Desperation and Hope (Verses 24-25):

• Verse 24: Paul’s exclamation of “Wretched man that I am!” conveys deep anguish and frustration over his inability to overcome sin on his own. The rhetorical question, “Who will set me free from the body of this death?” emphasizes his sense of desperation and the need for deliverance.
• Verse 25: The answer to his plight comes in the form of gratitude to God through Jesus Christ. This verse highlights the dual reality of Paul’s existence. Mentally, he serves the law of God. However, his flesh (sinful nature) serves the law of sin. This dichotomy underscores the necessity of Christ’s saving work to bridge the gap between these two opposing forces.

Theological Implications

• Human Nature and Sin: This passage provides a profound insight into the human condition. It emphasizes that even those who earnestly seek to follow God are not immune to the influence of sin.
• Dependence on Christ: It underscores the necessity of divine intervention through Jesus Christ. Divine intervention is essential for true deliverance from the power of sin. Human effort alone is insufficient to overcome the sinful nature.
• Ongoing Sanctification: Paul’s struggle illustrates the ongoing process of sanctification. Believers continually rely on Christ’s strength and grace to live in accordance with God’s will. This is despite the presence of sin.

Application

For believers today, this passage serves as a reminder of the reality of spiritual warfare within oneself. It highlights the importance of relying on Christ for victory over sin. It encourages humility. It recognizes that one’s own efforts are inadequate without God’s help. It also fosters gratitude for the provision of salvation and strength through Jesus Christ.

Practical Application of Romans 7:21-25

1. Recognizing Inner Conflict (Verses 21-23): Example:
   Imagine a believer named Nathan. He genuinely wants to live a life pleasing to God. He sets his alarm early to spend time in prayer and Bible study. However, when the alarm goes off, he often hits the snooze button. He prefers extra sleep over spiritual discipline. Nathan feels a deep conflict: his desire to honor God clashes with his physical desire for comfort. Reflection:
   Nathan’s struggle is a modern example of the inner conflict Paul describes. Recognizing this struggle is the first step. Nathan can remind himself that this tension is a common experience for believers. It doesn’t mean he’s a failure as a Christian. Instead, it’s an opportunity to rely more on God’s strength. Application:

• Prayer: Nathan can start praying specifically for strength to overcome his inclination to hit snooze.
• Accountability: He could ask a friend to check in with him about his morning routine.
• Gradual Change: Setting a more realistic goal can help him gradually build the habit. One example is getting up 15 minutes earlier rather than an hour.

1. Desperation and Hope (Verses 24-25): Example:
   Consider Laura, who struggles with gossip at work. She knows it’s wrong and feels terrible every time she participates. But she finds it hard to resist the urge to join in conversations that tear others down. Laura feels like Paul when he says, “Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death?” Reflection:
   Laura’s frustration mirrors Paul’s cry for deliverance. This feeling of helplessness can be overwhelming, but it’s also a crucial moment for seeking God’s help. Application:

• Confession and Repentance: Laura can regularly confess her struggle to God, seeking His forgiveness and help.
• Scripture Memorization: Memorizing verses about the power of words (like Ephesians 4:29) can help her combat the urge to gossip.
• Changing Habits: She could try to steer conversations at work toward positive topics. She could also distance herself from situations where gossip is prevalent.

1. Dependence on Christ for Deliverance (Verse 25): Example:
   Michael has a short temper. He often loses his patience with his family. He feels guilty afterward and promises to do better, but finds himself failing repeatedly. Michael resonates with Paul’s words: “Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!” as he realizes he can’t change on his own. Reflection:
   Michael’s realization is critical. Understanding that his willpower alone isn’t enough to overcome his temper helps him depend more fully on Christ. Application:

• Daily Surrender: Michael can start his day by surrendering his temper to God and asking for the Holy Spirit’s guidance.
• Seeking Help: He might benefit from talking to a pastor or counselor for strategies to manage his anger.
• Celebrating Progress: Recognizing small victories and thanking God for them can encourage Michael. It can help him see the gradual change God is working in him.

Summary

Paul’s insights in Romans 7:21-25 can be deeply practical when applied to daily life. Recognizing the inner conflict is a step every believer can relate to. Feeling desperation is another relatable step. Turning to Christ for help is also a step every believer can act upon. Believers can navigate their struggles by incorporating prayer, accountability, and scripture. They also need the guidance of the Holy Spirit to grow in their spiritual journey. This passage reminds us of an important truth. We continually battle with our sinful nature. However, we have a sure and steadfast hope in Jesus Christ. He empowers us to live according to God’s will.