Sermons on Romans 7:19
The various sermons below interpret Romans 7:19 through the lens of an internal struggle, using the analogy of a tug of war to depict the conflict between the desire to do good and the tendency to do wrong. This struggle is portrayed as a natural and ongoing part of the Christian experience, even for spiritually mature individuals like the Apostle Paul. The sermons emphasize that while perfection is unattainable, believers can strive to "sin less" by embracing truth and allowing the Holy Spirit to work within them. Additionally, the concept of the will is explored, distinguishing between different types of will and emphasizing the transformation of the embodied will through spiritual formation in Christ. This approach highlights the importance of aligning one's actions with Christ's teachings as a natural outcome of spiritual growth.
In contrast, one sermon emphasizes the theme of identity in Christ, encouraging believers to root their identity in being a child of God rather than in personal flaws or past mistakes. Another sermon focuses on the role of the body in spiritual formation, suggesting that true transformation involves the whole person, not just the mind or spirit. This perspective challenges the notion that spiritual growth is passive, highlighting the importance of personal effort and community influence. While one sermon underscores the ongoing struggle with sin as a normal part of the Christian journey, another emphasizes the transformation of the will as a key aspect of spiritual formation.
Romans 7:19 Interpretation:
Overcoming the Struggle: Victory Through Christ (Life Church) interprets Romans 7:19 by using the analogy of a tug of war to describe the internal conflict between the desire to do good and the tendency to do wrong. The sermon emphasizes that this struggle is a natural part of the Christian experience, even for someone as spiritually mature as the Apostle Paul. The preacher uses a physical tug of war demonstration to illustrate the constant battle between the spiritual and fleshly sides of a person, highlighting that the struggle is ongoing and part of the human condition.
Embracing Change: The Spiritual Tug of War (Life Church) also uses the tug of war analogy to explain Romans 7:19, focusing on the difficulty of making lasting changes in one's life. The sermon suggests that the struggle between doing good and doing wrong is akin to a manufacturing process striving for zero defects, which is an unrealistic expectation. The preacher emphasizes that while perfection is unattainable, believers can strive to "sin less" by embracing truth, making intentional choices, and allowing the Holy Spirit to work within them.
Transforming the Will: A Journey in Christ (Dallas Willard Ministries) interprets Romans 7:19 by focusing on the concept of the will, particularly distinguishing between the vital or impulsive will, reflective will, and embodied will. The sermon suggests that the struggle Paul describes in Romans 7:19 is a result of the embodied will, where actions are automatic and not reflective of Christ's teachings. The sermon emphasizes the transformation of the embodied will through spiritual formation in Christ, which allows a person to naturally act in accordance with Christ's will. This interpretation provides a unique perspective by focusing on the will's dimensions and how they relate to spiritual formation.
Romans 7:19 Theological Themes:
Overcoming the Struggle: Victory Through Christ (Life Church) presents the theme that even after conversion, Christians continue to struggle with sin due to their human nature. The sermon highlights the importance of recognizing this struggle as a normal part of the Christian journey and encourages believers to rely on Jesus Christ for victory over sin.
Embracing Change: The Spiritual Tug of War (Life Church) introduces the theme of identity in Christ, emphasizing that believers should not define themselves by their sins or struggles. The sermon encourages a shift in perspective, where one's identity is rooted in being a child of God rather than in personal flaws or past mistakes.
Transforming the Will: A Journey in Christ (Dallas Willard Ministries) presents the theme of spiritual formation as a process that involves the transformation of the embodied will to align with Christ's will. This theme is distinct in its emphasis on the role of the body in spiritual formation, suggesting that true transformation involves the whole person, not just the mind or spirit. The sermon also introduces the idea that spiritual formation is not solely the work of the Holy Spirit but involves personal effort and the influence of community, challenging the notion that spiritual growth is passive.
Romans 7:19 Historical and Contextual Insights:
Romans 7:19 Cross-References in the Bible:
Overcoming the Struggle: Victory Through Christ (Life Church) references Galatians 5:17 to explain the internal conflict between the sinful nature and the Spirit, supporting the idea that these two forces are constantly at war within believers. The sermon also cites 1 Corinthians 10:23-24 to discuss Christian liberty and the responsibility to avoid being a stumbling block to others.
Embracing Change: The Spiritual Tug of War (Life Church) references Ephesians 4:21-27 to discuss the process of personal change, emphasizing the need to throw off the old sinful nature and embrace the new nature in Christ. The sermon also cites Philippians 2:12-13 to highlight the cooperative effort between believers and God in working out salvation and allowing God to work within them.
Transforming the Will: A Journey in Christ (Dallas Willard Ministries) references several Bible passages to expand on Romans 7:19. Colossians 3:17 is used to illustrate the possibility of living a life that glorifies God in all actions. Galatians 4:19 is mentioned to emphasize the formation of Christ within believers. Matthew 26:14 and 1 Thessalonians 3:23 are cited to contrast the struggle of the flesh with the potential for holistic spiritual growth. These references support the sermon’s message that spiritual formation can lead to a reversal of the struggle described in Romans 7:19.
Romans 7:19 Christian References outside the Bible:
Romans 7:19 Illustrations from Secular Sources:
Overcoming the Struggle: Victory Through Christ (Life Church) uses a physical tug of war demonstration with members of the congregation to illustrate the internal struggle between good and evil. The preacher also references personal experiences with past struggles, such as substance abuse, to connect with the audience and emphasize the reality of the struggle.
Embracing Change: The Spiritual Tug of War (Life Church) uses the concept of zero defect manufacturing from the business world to illustrate the unrealistic expectation of perfection in the Christian life. The sermon also uses the analogy of working out at the gym to explain the process of developing spiritual strength and maturity.