Romans 7 Flesh and Spirit Conflict Explained

The Apostle Paul’s experience, as described in Romans 7, reveals the universal struggle between the flesh and the Spirit that all believers face. Paul openly admits the internal conflict of wanting to do what is right but often failing to do so, stating, “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” ([56:57]). This candid confession demonstrates that even a spiritual giant like Paul wrestled with the tension between his desire to follow God and the persistent pull of sin.

This struggle is not a sign of failure or spiritual weakness but a normal and expected part of the Christian life. Paul acknowledges that “nothing good lives in me that is in my sinful nature” (Romans 7:18), highlighting the ongoing battle within every believer. The conflict arises because two opposing forces operate simultaneously: the sinful nature, which inclines toward behaviors such as anger, envy, and temptation, and the Spirit, which produces fruit like love, joy, peace, and self-control.

Paul describes this internal war by stating, “I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me” (Romans 7:21) ([58:11]). This illustrates the persistent presence of sin even when the desire to live righteously is strong. The tension between these “two ladders”—one pulling downward toward sin and the other upward toward the Spirit’s fruit—is a defining characteristic of the Christian journey.

The ongoing nature of this conflict serves as evidence of the Spirit’s work within believers. It is part of the process of sanctification, through which Christians grow closer to Christ. Embracing this tension, rather than being discouraged by it, allows believers to rely on God’s grace and the guidance of the Holy Spirit to continue progressing toward a life that reflects Jesus more fully.

Understanding that the Apostle Paul himself experienced this struggle provides assurance that the fight between the flesh and the Spirit is a shared human experience. This acknowledgment encourages believers to persevere, knowing that with God’s help, they can keep moving forward in their spiritual growth.

This article was written by an AI tool for churches, based on a sermon from X Church, one of 60 churches in Boulder, CO