September 22, 2002

THE MAN OF ROMANS 7

Romans 7:13-25

   Romans 7 is perhaps one of the most controversial of all scriptures. Even the greatest commentators differ as to the true meaning of this passage. Is it the experience of the believer? -- or the unbeliever? Is it limited to the Jew under law? Why is this experience recorded, and how far was it personally true of Paul? Before arriving at our conclusion we must reflect on the context. The chapter deals with Paul's hypothetical questions probing possible misunderstandings of his teachings that we "are not under law but under grace" (6:14).

   Romans 7:6 proclaimed our deliverance from the law "having died to that wherein we were held..." But this raised the question, "Is the law sin?" By no means, for "sin taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it (the law) slew me" (7:11). Sin was the culprit and the law pointed out the bad, yet it is "holy, just, and good."

   This raised a further question, "Was this good law then made death to me?" By no means! Sin, that it might conspicuously appear to be sin worked death in me by the good law, thus sin appeared as it truly is, exceeding sinful! However "the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin." The things he does, he does not approve. And the things he wants to do, he does not. Instead the things he hates are the ones he does! But If he does the things he does not want to do, he is, in effect, consenting that the law is good! He further realizes that it is not really he that is doing it, but sin which indwells him. And so the struggle continues.

   Verses 15-21 have the word "would" or "will" seven times. Every time his will is expressed, it is for the good. He delights in the law of God" (7:22), something the unsaved do not do. His mind, his will, and his delight are toward God. He hates sin, and best of all, he looks for deliverance to Christ alone through grace. Such convictions and de-sires are from a believer. Romans 7:7-11 record the awakening of an unbeliever and the verb is in the past tense. Verses 14-25 record the present struggle of a believer with the two natures and the verbs are in the present tense. This will continue until "the redemption of our body" (Rom. 8:23). "With my mind, I serve the law of God..."

Ivan L. Burgener