Struggling with Sin: The Duality of Believers
Summary
In this exploration of Romans 7, we delve into the Apostle Paul's profound struggle with sin and the duality within himself. Paul articulates a tension between his desire to follow God's law and the reality of sin's power in his life. This duality is not merely a superficial conflict but a deep-seated struggle that reveals the complexity of human nature. Paul acknowledges the spiritual nature of God's law and his delight in it, yet he finds himself unable to fully adhere to it due to the overpowering law of sin within his members. This internal battle leads him to a state of wretchedness, crying out for deliverance from "the body of this death."
The sermon examines whether this passage describes an unregenerate man, a fully regenerate man, or perhaps an immature Christian. It argues that the unregenerate man cannot be the subject, as such a person would not delight in God's law or recognize this spiritual duality. The discussion then shifts to whether Paul is describing a regenerate man at his best, suggesting that the regenerate man, while not perfect, is not perpetually defeated by sin. The sermon emphasizes the importance of comparing scripture with scripture to avoid misinterpretation and heresy.
Key Takeaways:
- The duality within believers is a profound reality, where the mind desires to serve God's law, but the flesh is drawn to sin. This struggle is not a sign of failure but a recognition of the ongoing battle between the spirit and the flesh. It is crucial to acknowledge this duality without succumbing to despair, understanding that it is part of the Christian journey. [06:22]
- The Apostle Paul's cry for deliverance highlights the depth of his struggle with sin. This cry is not one of hopelessness but a recognition of the need for divine intervention. It reminds us that true deliverance comes through Jesus Christ, who empowers us to overcome the power of sin. [13:25]
- The sermon challenges the notion that Romans 7 describes a fully regenerate man in a state of perpetual defeat. Instead, it suggests that the regenerate man, while engaged in a spiritual battle, is not without hope or victory. The presence of the Holy Spirit provides the power to overcome sin and live a victorious Christian life. [22:37]
- Comparing scripture with scripture is essential for accurate interpretation. By examining other passages, such as Galatians 5 and 1 Corinthians 9, we see that the Christian life is marked by both struggle and victory. These passages emphasize the role of the Holy Spirit in enabling believers to overcome the flesh and live in righteousness. [18:28]
- The groaning and mourning described in Romans 8 and 2 Corinthians 5 are not about internal sin struggles but the external realities of living in a fallen world. These passages remind us that while we experience suffering and groaning, we do so with the hope of future glory and redemption. [32:44]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[04:17] - The Unnatural Combination
[05:48] - Summing Up the Duality
[06:39] - The "I Myself" Dilemma
[08:25] - Slavery to Sin and God
[09:42] - Regenerate Man's Struggle
[11:05] - The Big Statement
[12:23] - Sin's Overpowering Strength
[13:46] - The Wretched Man's Cry
[15:32] - Unregenerate vs. Regenerate
[17:07] - Is This the Regenerate Man?
[18:14] - Comparing Scripture with Scripture
[19:45] - Galatians 5: A Different Struggle
[26:29] - 1 Corinthians 9: Victory Over the Body
[29:58] - Ephesians 6: Wrestling with Evil Forces
[32:44] - Groaning in Romans 8 and 2 Corinthians 5
[41:11] - Jesus' Groaning and Our Struggle
[45:45] - Conclusion and Next Steps
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Romans 7 and the Struggle with Sin
Bible Reading:
1. Romans 7:14-25
2. Galatians 5:16-18
3. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
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Observation Questions:
1. In Romans 7:14-25, how does Paul describe his internal struggle with sin? What language does he use to convey this battle? [11:20]
2. According to the sermon, why is it argued that the unregenerate man cannot be the subject of Romans 7? What characteristics of the unregenerate man are highlighted? [15:32]
3. How does Galatians 5:16-18 contrast with the struggle described in Romans 7? What role does the Holy Spirit play in this passage? [22:37]
4. In 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, how does Paul describe his approach to overcoming the flesh? How does this differ from the struggle depicted in Romans 7? [28:12]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does the duality within believers, as described in Romans 7, reveal about the nature of the Christian life? How does this duality impact a believer's daily walk with God? [11:20]
2. The sermon suggests that Romans 7 does not describe a fully regenerate man in perpetual defeat. How does the presence of the Holy Spirit change the nature of the struggle with sin for a believer? [22:37]
3. How does the sermon challenge the interpretation that Romans 7 is about a fully regenerate man? What evidence is provided to support this view? [17:07]
4. In what ways does comparing scripture with scripture, as suggested in the sermon, help in understanding difficult passages like Romans 7? [18:14]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt the tension between your desire to follow God's law and the pull of sin. How did you respond, and what might you do differently now? [11:20]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of divine intervention for deliverance from sin. How can you actively seek God's help in overcoming specific sins in your life? [13:25]
3. Consider the role of the Holy Spirit in your life. How can you be more intentional about walking in the Spirit to overcome the desires of the flesh? [22:37]
4. The sermon suggests that the Christian life involves both struggle and victory. How can you maintain hope and perseverance in your spiritual battles? [18:28]
5. How can you apply the principle of comparing scripture with scripture in your personal Bible study to gain a deeper understanding of challenging passages? [18:14]
6. Think about the external realities of living in a fallen world, as described in Romans 8 and 2 Corinthians 5. How can you find hope and encouragement in the promise of future glory and redemption? [32:44]
7. Identify one area in your life where you feel defeated by sin. What practical steps can you take this week to address this struggle with the help of the Holy Spirit? [22:37]
Devotional
Day 1: The Duality of the Christian Life
The Christian life is marked by a profound duality, where believers experience a tension between their desire to follow God's law and the pull of sin. This struggle is not a sign of failure but an acknowledgment of the ongoing battle between the spirit and the flesh. Recognizing this duality is crucial for understanding the Christian journey. It is important to acknowledge this internal conflict without succumbing to despair, as it is a natural part of spiritual growth. The Apostle Paul, in Romans 7, articulates this tension, highlighting the complexity of human nature and the reality of sin's power in our lives. By understanding this duality, believers can better navigate their spiritual journey, knowing that they are not alone in their struggles. [06:22]
"For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate." (Romans 7:15, ESV)
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you feel the tension between your spiritual desires and the pull of sin? How can you bring these struggles before God today?
Day 2: The Cry for Deliverance
The Apostle Paul's cry for deliverance in Romans 7 highlights the depth of his struggle with sin. This cry is not one of hopelessness but a recognition of the need for divine intervention. It serves as a reminder that true deliverance comes through Jesus Christ, who empowers believers to overcome the power of sin. By acknowledging our need for God's help, we open ourselves to His transformative power. This cry for deliverance is a powerful expression of faith, as it acknowledges our limitations and God's ability to rescue us from the bondage of sin. It is a call to rely on God's strength rather than our own, trusting in His ability to bring about true change in our lives. [13:25]
"Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!" (Romans 7:24-25a, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel overwhelmed by sin? How can you invite Jesus into this struggle and seek His deliverance today?
Day 3: Hope and Victory in the Regenerate Life
The sermon challenges the notion that Romans 7 describes a fully regenerate man in a state of perpetual defeat. Instead, it suggests that the regenerate man, while engaged in a spiritual battle, is not without hope or victory. The presence of the Holy Spirit provides the power to overcome sin and live a victorious Christian life. This perspective encourages believers to see their struggles not as signs of defeat but as opportunities for growth and reliance on God's strength. By embracing the power of the Holy Spirit, believers can experience victory over sin and live a life that reflects God's righteousness. [22:37]
"But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." (Galatians 5:16, ESV)
Reflection: How can you actively rely on the Holy Spirit to help you overcome a specific sin in your life today? What practical steps can you take to walk by the Spirit?
Day 4: The Importance of Scriptural Context
Comparing scripture with scripture is essential for accurate interpretation. By examining other passages, such as Galatians 5 and 1 Corinthians 9, we see that the Christian life is marked by both struggle and victory. These passages emphasize the role of the Holy Spirit in enabling believers to overcome the flesh and live in righteousness. Understanding the broader biblical context helps prevent misinterpretation and heresy, allowing believers to grasp the full scope of God's message. This approach encourages a deeper engagement with scripture, fostering a more comprehensive understanding of the Christian life. [18:28]
"Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable." (1 Corinthians 9:25, ESV)
Reflection: How can you incorporate the practice of comparing scripture with scripture into your daily Bible study? What new insights might this approach reveal about your spiritual journey?
Day 5: Groaning with Hope
The groaning and mourning described in Romans 8 and 2 Corinthians 5 are not about internal sin struggles but the external realities of living in a fallen world. These passages remind us that while we experience suffering and groaning, we do so with the hope of future glory and redemption. This perspective encourages believers to endure present hardships with the assurance of God's ultimate plan for restoration. By focusing on the hope of future glory, believers can find strength and encouragement in the midst of life's challenges, knowing that their suffering is not in vain. [32:44]
"For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling, if indeed by putting it on we may not be found naked." (2 Corinthians 5:2-3, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways are you currently experiencing the groaning of living in a fallen world? How can the hope of future glory and redemption encourage you in your present circumstances?
Quotes
He is a man who is conscious of a duality within himself. There's no question about that. He says it many times. He's a man who has come to see that the law of God is spiritual, that it is good. Indeed, he delights in it, but, and here is the problem, he cannot keep it. [00:11:17]
The law of sin that is in his members, this indwelling sin, is too strong for him. It's too much for him. It brings him into a state of captivity, and of course, the final proof of that is the cry in verse 24. It is as bad as that, that he is a wretched man. [00:13:25]
The Apostle Paul writing about himself at the height of his experience as an apostle of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Now then, what is the next step? Well, there is a very good rule when you're dealing with a difficult passage of scripture such as this. [00:17:48]
If ever you have a difficult passage of scripture, then the first thing you should ask yourself is this: are there similar passages somewhere else in the scripture? Can I find any light on this problem that is confronting me by referring to other parts of the scripture? [00:18:28]
Most heresies in the history of the church have come into being because people have founded a whole doctrine on one verse or one section and have forgotten to consult other sections of scripture which deal with the same. Very well then, let us observe the rule ourselves. [00:18:54]
The whole point of Galatians 5 is to show us positively the success and the victory that attend the man who is sanctifying himself and dealing with a problem within himself by the Spirit. He is a man who is able to crucify the flesh with the affections and lusts. [00:26:09]
Romans 7 is here to show us the state of failure of this man who is trying, as it were, to sanctify himself by the law. The whole point of Galatians 5 is to show us positively the success and the victory that attend the man who is sanctifying himself. [00:26:29]
The man in Romans 7 would have given the whole world if only he could have said that, but he couldn't say it. That was his whole trouble, that he was being brought into subjection by what? Well, by this law of sin that's in his members, in his body, in his members. [00:29:38]
The groaning and mourning described in Romans 8 and 2 Corinthians 5 are not about internal sin struggles but the external realities of living in a fallen world. These passages remind us that while we experience suffering and groaning, we do so with the hope of future glory and redemption. [00:32:44]
Though the Christian is redeemed and regenerate, he's living in a world of sin. It's a world of sorrow, it's a world of pain, it's a world of suffering, it's a world of evil, ugliness, foulness, subject to illnesses and diseases. That's what he's talking about here. [00:36:53]
Our Lord groaned in this world. In this tabernacle, says Paul, we do groan, being burdened. Yes, and the Lord groaned in spirit for the same reason, not because of sin in the members, no, no, but because this is a world of sin, because of all that sin has done to this world. [00:43:05]
He is filling up that which remains of the affliction of Christ in his own flesh, in his own body. He has entered into such intimate communion with his Lord and Savior that he really is feeling something of what Christ suffered when he was in this evil world. [00:44:45]
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