Romans 7:14-25 New International Version
14 We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. 15 I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. 16 And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. 17 As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. 18 For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature.[a] For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. 20 Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.
21 So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. 22 For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; 23 but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. 24 What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? 25 Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!
So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God’s law, but in my sinful nature[b] a slave to the law of sin.
Key Message:
In Romans 7:14-25, the apostle Paul candidly shares his struggle with sin and the internal battle between his desire to do what is right and the temptation to do what is wrong. This passage reminds us of the constant tension we face as human beings seeking to live in accordance with God's will.
Reflection Questions:
1. What does Paul mean when he says, "For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing" (Romans 7:19)?
2. How do you relate to Paul's experience of feeling trapped by sin and struggling to do what is right?
3. How can we find hope and encouragement in Paul's declaration, "Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!" (Romans 7:25)?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we confess our struggles and shortcomings before You. Help us to rely on Your strength and grace to overcome the power of sin in our lives. May we find solace in knowing that through Jesus Christ, we have been set free from the chains of sin. Amen.
Additional Scripture:
- Galatians 5:16-17
- 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
