Freedom in the Struggle

 The War Within: Finding Freedom in the Struggle

Romans 7:14-25

[14]So the trouble is not with the law, for it is spiritual and good. The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin.

[15]I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate.

[16]But if I know that what I am doing is wrong, this shows that I agree that the law is good.

[17]So I am not the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.

[18]And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t.

[19]I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway.

[20]But if I do what I don’t want to do, I am not really the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.

[21]I have discovered this principle 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 power within me that is at war with my mind. This power 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.

Romans 7:14-25

 The Internal Conflict

​In this passage, the Apostle Paul provides a vivid description of an intense, internal struggle between a desire to follow God's law and the persistent pull of sin in human nature (the "flesh"). Paul highlights an often contradictory experience where one wants to do good but fails, illustrating that while the Law is spiritual, humans are carnal. This passage depicts our inability to achieve righteousness alone, concluding that true deliverance from this "body of death" comes only through Jesus Christ.

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​The Internal Conflict: Paul describes a war between his mind (which delights in God’s law) and his flesh (which is enslaved to sin), leading to a state where he does what he hates.

​The Inability of the Law: The Law is recognized as good, spiritual, and holy, but it cannot save someone from the power of sin dwelling within them.

​The Role of the "Flesh": The "flesh" refers to the old, fallen nature that continues to assert itself, causing the "wretched" state of feeling enslaved.

​The Solution in Christ: Despite the despairing tone, Paul concludes by thanking God for victory through Jesus Christ, setting up the freedom from condemnation found in Romans 8.

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​7:14-17: Paul explains that while the Law is spiritual, he is "carnal," sold under sin, doing things he does not want to do, suggesting a power (sin) residing within.

​7:18-20: Paul acknowledges that "nothing good dwells in his flesh" and that his actions often contradict his desire to do good.

​7:21-23: A "law" or principle is identified where evil is present even when trying to do good, making the mind a prisoner to the law of sin.

​7:24-25: Paul cries out in despair, "O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me...?", and immediately answers that deliverance is found through Jesus Christ.

​ Living a Life of Daily Repentance

​I hope you understand that Paul, once known as Saul, was a human who knew exactly what a sinner he was. Like us, Paul struggled not to sin. He saw that nothing good ever came from it.

​Some folks find it easy to live a sinful life Monday through Saturday, then head to church on Sunday to repent and wash the bloodstains off their soul. But what if we strive daily not to sin? What if we don’t go to church just to wipe the slate clean once again?

​What if we, like Paul, decided to do things differently? We can try harder not to sin, and when we find ourselves failing, we can go to God immediately and ask for forgiveness. We do not have to wait for the church doors to be open. We do not need the help of a Pastor in that moment. We can, in that very second of realization, speak to our Triune God. He knows our hearts. He knows the difference between "lip service" and true repentance.

​So today, if you catch yourself being human—being a sinner—repent as soon as you recognize it. God will not only forgive you, but He will guide you until you are no longer bound by that particular sin.

​ Prayer for Deliverance

​Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your Word and for the honesty of the Apostle Paul. We confess that we often feel that same war within our own hearts—wanting to do good, yet falling into the same old traps. Thank You that we don't have to wait until Sunday to find Your grace. Thank You that Your ears are always open to a repentant heart. Help us to walk in the Spirit today, and when we stumble, give us the humility to turn back to You instantly. In Jesus'  precious name we pray, Amen.

​The Lord’s Prayer

​Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

BELIEVE, OBEY, BE BLESSED, AMEN.

BOBBA

Love, Penny