Understanding Romans 7: The Struggle and the Spirit

 

Summary

In our exploration of Romans 7, we have been delving into the Apostle Paul's profound discourse on the struggle between the law and the flesh. This passage has sparked much debate regarding whether it describes the experience of an unregenerate person, a regenerate person, or even Paul himself. After examining various interpretations and parallel passages, it becomes evident that this section of scripture cannot be reconciled with the broader teachings of Paul and other biblical writers about the nature of the regenerate man.

Paul's writings elsewhere, particularly in Romans 5 and 6, emphasize the triumph and assurance found in grace, which stands in stark contrast to the despairing cry of "O wretched man that I am" found in Romans 7. The regenerate man, as described by Paul, is one who has died to sin and is alive to God, living in the power of the Spirit. This is a life characterized by peace, joy, and victory over sin, not the bondage and defeat depicted in Romans 7.

Furthermore, the absence of any mention of the Holy Spirit or the indwelling Christ in Romans 7 suggests that this passage does not describe the full experience of a Christian. The Spirit is the great antagonist of the flesh, providing the power to overcome sin, yet this power is notably absent in the struggle described in Romans 7. This indicates that the passage is not a depiction of the Christian life at its best.

The key to understanding Romans 7 lies in recognizing it as a dramatic portrayal of the law's inability to save or sanctify. It serves as a parenthesis, highlighting the futility of trying to achieve righteousness through the law alone. The true Christian experience, as Paul elaborates in Romans 8, is one of freedom and empowerment through the Spirit, a life where sin is a nuisance rather than a master.

Key Takeaways:

- The regenerate life, as described by Paul, is one of triumph and assurance in grace, incompatible with the despair of Romans 7. The Christian stands in grace, rejoicing in the hope of God's glory, not in bondage to sin. [04:50]

- Romans 7 lacks any mention of the Holy Spirit or the indwelling Christ, which are essential for overcoming sin. This absence suggests that the passage does not describe the full Christian experience. [47:01]

- The struggle in Romans 7 is a dramatic portrayal of the law's inability to save or sanctify, emphasizing the futility of achieving righteousness through the law alone. [54:42]

- The true Christian experience, as elaborated in Romans 8, is one of freedom and empowerment through the Spirit, where sin is a nuisance rather than a master. [59:29]

- The teachings of Jesus and the apostles consistently describe the regenerate life as one of peace, joy, and victory, contrasting sharply with the despair depicted in Romans 7. [41:38]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:13] - Introduction to Romans 7
- [00:34] - Summing Up the Passage
- [01:09] - Searching for Parallels
- [01:43] - Incompatibility with Paul's Teachings
- [02:58] - Paul's Other Writings
- [05:07] - The Triumph of Grace
- [07:05] - Exhortations in Romans 6
- [11:17] - Romans 8: Life in the Spirit
- [14:09] - The Spirit of Adoption
- [18:28] - 2 Corinthians 3: The Ministry of the Spirit
- [21:55] - Galatians 2:20 and the Regenerate Life
- [24:20] - Ephesians: The Power of God
- [27:36] - Thessalonians: Joy in the Holy Ghost
- [32:44] - The Apostle John's Teachings
- [36:43] - The Teachings of Jesus
- [41:56] - The Old Testament Prophecies
- [46:44] - The Absence of the Spirit in Romans 7
- [54:42] - The Law's Inability to Save
- [59:29] - Conclusion: The Regenerate Man in Christ

Study Guide

Bible Reading:

1. Romans 7:13-25
2. Romans 8:1-4
3. Galatians 2:20

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Observation Questions:

1. In Romans 7:13-25, what is the nature of the struggle that Paul describes? How does this struggle relate to the law and the flesh? [00:13]

2. According to Romans 8:1-4, what is the role of the Spirit in the life of a believer, and how does it contrast with the experience described in Romans 7? [11:17]

3. How does Galatians 2:20 describe the life of a believer in relation to Christ? What does it mean to be "crucified with Christ"? [21:55]

4. What key elements are missing in the struggle described in Romans 7 that are present in the life of a regenerate believer according to the sermon? [47:01]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the absence of the Holy Spirit in Romans 7 affect the interpretation of this passage as a description of the Christian life? [47:01]

2. In what ways does Romans 8 provide a solution to the struggle depicted in Romans 7? How does this reflect the broader message of Paul's writings? [11:17]

3. How does the concept of being "crucified with Christ" in Galatians 2:20 inform our understanding of the Christian's victory over sin? [21:55]

4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between the law and grace in the life of a believer? How does this impact the believer's experience of sin and righteousness? [54:42]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you felt like you were in a struggle similar to the one described in Romans 7. How did you seek resolution, and what role did your faith play in that process? [00:13]

2. Romans 8 speaks of life in the Spirit. What practical steps can you take to live more fully in the Spirit this week, experiencing the freedom and empowerment it offers? [11:17]

3. Galatians 2:20 talks about being "crucified with Christ." What does this mean for your daily life, and how can you live out this truth in your interactions with others? [21:55]

4. The sermon emphasizes the triumph of grace over the law. How can you remind yourself of this truth when you feel overwhelmed by your shortcomings or failures? [54:42]

5. Consider the areas in your life where you feel "wretched" or in bondage. How can you invite the Holy Spirit into these areas to experience the victory and peace described in Romans 8? [12:19]

6. How can you cultivate a mindset of peace and joy, as described in the sermon, even when facing challenges or temptations? What specific practices or habits can support this? [41:38]

7. Identify one aspect of your life where you feel you are trying to achieve righteousness through your own efforts. How can you shift your focus to rely more on God's grace and the power of the Spirit? [54:42]

Devotional

Day 1: Triumph in Grace, Not Despair
The regenerate life, as described by Paul, is one of triumph and assurance in grace, incompatible with the despair of Romans 7. The Christian stands in grace, rejoicing in the hope of God's glory, not in bondage to sin. Romans 7 presents a stark contrast to the victorious life Paul describes elsewhere, particularly in Romans 5 and 6, where grace abounds and believers are assured of their standing before God. This triumph is not just a future hope but a present reality, where the believer is empowered to live a life free from the chains of sin. The despairing cry of "O wretched man that I am" is not the cry of a believer who understands the fullness of grace. Instead, it is a reminder of the futility of trying to achieve righteousness through human effort alone. [04:50]

Romans 5:1-2 (ESV): "Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God."

Reflection: Consider an area in your life where you feel defeated. How can you invite God's grace into this area to experience His triumph and assurance today?


Day 2: The Spirit's Absence in Romans 7
Romans 7 lacks any mention of the Holy Spirit or the indwelling Christ, which are essential for overcoming sin. This absence suggests that the passage does not describe the full Christian experience. The Holy Spirit is the power source for the believer, enabling them to live victoriously over sin. Without the Spirit, the struggle against sin is futile, as depicted in Romans 7. The Christian life is marked by the presence and power of the Spirit, who empowers believers to live in freedom and victory. The absence of the Spirit in Romans 7 highlights the inadequacy of the law to bring about true righteousness and transformation. [47:01]

Galatians 5:16-17 (ESV): "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do."

Reflection: Reflect on your daily walk. How can you be more intentional about inviting the Holy Spirit to guide and empower you in your daily decisions and actions?


Day 3: The Law's Inability to Save
The struggle in Romans 7 is a dramatic portrayal of the law's inability to save or sanctify, emphasizing the futility of achieving righteousness through the law alone. The law, while holy and good, cannot bring about the transformation needed to live a life pleasing to God. It serves to reveal sin but lacks the power to overcome it. This passage serves as a reminder that righteousness cannot be achieved through human effort or adherence to the law. Instead, it points to the need for a Savior and the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit to bring about true change and sanctification. [54:42]

Hebrews 7:18-19 (ESV): "For on the one hand, a former commandment is set aside because of its weakness and uselessness (for the law made nothing perfect); but on the other hand, a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God."

Reflection: In what ways have you relied on your own efforts to achieve righteousness? How can you shift your focus to rely on God's grace and the power of the Spirit instead?


Day 4: Freedom and Empowerment Through the Spirit
The true Christian experience, as elaborated in Romans 8, is one of freedom and empowerment through the Spirit, where sin is a nuisance rather than a master. Romans 8 contrasts sharply with the struggle depicted in Romans 7, highlighting the freedom and victory available to those who live by the Spirit. The Spirit empowers believers to overcome sin and live in the fullness of God's promises. This life is characterized by peace, joy, and a sense of purpose, as believers are no longer slaves to sin but are free to live as children of God. [59:29]

2 Corinthians 3:17-18 (ESV): "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."

Reflection: Identify an area where you feel enslaved by sin. How can you invite the Holy Spirit to bring freedom and transformation in this area today?


Day 5: Peace, Joy, and Victory in the Regenerate Life
The teachings of Jesus and the apostles consistently describe the regenerate life as one of peace, joy, and victory, contrasting sharply with the despair depicted in Romans 7. The regenerate life is marked by a deep sense of peace and joy that comes from knowing and walking with God. This life is not free from challenges, but it is characterized by a victory that comes from the assurance of God's presence and power. The despair of Romans 7 is replaced by the hope and joy of a life lived in the Spirit, where believers are empowered to overcome sin and live in the fullness of God's promises. [41:38]

1 Peter 1:8-9 (ESV): "Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls."

Reflection: Reflect on your current spiritual journey. How can you cultivate a deeper sense of peace and joy in your relationship with God, even amidst life's challenges?

Quotes



I cannot imagine that a man who could write that could at the same time cry out saying oh wretched men that I am who shall deliver me from the body of this death and furthermore it seems to me to be quite incompatible with the whole point and purpose of that great section in chapter 5 from verse 12 to the end at verse 21. [00:04:13]

I cannot see that there is any compatibility between emphasizing the super abounding power and capacity of Grace and crying out oh wretched men that I am who shall deliver me from the body of this death I can't fit the two things together in the same person and then when you come to chapter six as we saw so abundantly everything practically that he says is incompatible with this interpretation. [00:05:12]

The whole thing is the very antithesis of this interpretation of this portion of the seventh chapter but even we haven't finished yet in chapter 6 take verse 17 but God be thanked you were the slaves of sin but you have obeyed from the heart that form of Doctrine which was delivered you then in verse 18 being then made free from sin you became the Servants of righteousness. [00:08:11]

Surely again you can't reconcile that for there he is describing the regenerate men you can't reconcile that with that other interpretation of section four veres 14 to 25 in chapter 7 but listen again to verse 6 in chapter 8 for to be carnally minded is death but to be spiritually minded is life and not only life but peace. [00:12:04]

The characteristic the great characteristic of the man who is spiritually minded who is the regenerate man is this that he's got life and peace whereas the whole trouble with this men was that he couldn't Divine peace and cries out in his Cry of Despair oh wretched men that I am who shall deliver me. [00:12:46]

You have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear you have received the spirit of adoption whereby we cry ABA father the spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit that we are children of God and if children then HS HS of God and Joint HS with Christ if so be that we suffer with him that we shall be also glorified together. [00:14:24]

I have been crucified with Christ this isn't a second experience this is what happens to every man who is regenerate I was crucified with Christ it's Romans 6 again nevertheless I live yet not I but Christ liveth in me that's how the regenerate man speaks he doesn't say oh Wretched Man that I am who shall deliver me. [00:21:51]

Rejoice in the lord always and again I say rejoice rejoice in the lord always can you do that if your conscience are being brought constantly into captivity to the law of sin that is in your members and you're crying out oh wretched men that I am who shall deliver me rejoice in the lord always no no these things don't belong together. [00:26:23]

The Apostle is not describing his experience he as I've gone on repeating is concerned to tell us a number of things about the law he is trying to show us that the law cannot save in any respect it cannot justify it cannot sanctify that's his one object in the whole of the passage. [00:54:38]

The real secret of understanding this passage in Romans 7 is to notice that the Holy Spirit and the indwelling Christ are not mentioned at all hence the trouble and the problem the Holy Spirit as my quotations have proved to you tonight is the great antagonist of the Flesh and of sin he gives the victory but he isn't mentioned. [00:46:44]

The true Christian experience, as elaborated in Romans 8, is one of freedom and empowerment through the Spirit, where sin is a nuisance rather than a master. The regenerate man, as described by Paul, is one who has died to sin and is alive to God, living in the power of the Spirit. [00:59:29]

The regenerate life, as described by Paul, is one of triumph and assurance in grace, incompatible with the despair of Romans 7. The Christian stands in grace, rejoicing in the hope of God's glory, not in bondage to sin. [00:04:50]

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