Romans 7: The Inner Struggle With Sin

Read Romans Chapter 7

Introduction: Romans 7 teaches us about the complexities of sin, law, and human nature. He explains how the Law of Moses reveals our sinfulness, yet lacks the power to free us from sin’s grip. Through personal struggle and heavenly insight, Paul leads us to understand the internal conflict that believers face and the hope found in Jesus Christ. His teachings in this chapter aim to inspire us to recognize our dependence on God’s grace, rather than the law, for salvation.

I. The Law and the Believer (Romans 7:1-6)
Paul starts by comparing the law to a marriage contract, which only binds a woman to her husband as long as he lives (Romans 7:1-3). He then explains that, through Christ’s death, believers are released from the law and are now married to Him, enabling them to bear fruit for God (Romans 7:4). Since believers are no longer under the law but under grace, they serve in the new way of the Holy Spirit (Romans 7:5-6). The Apostle Paul further speaks of this in Galatians 2:19, saying for through the law I died to the law, so that I might live for God. What the law of Moses could not do, Jesus did on the cross. Also we are reminded in Ephesians 2:8-9,  that salvation is by grace through faith, not by the works of the Law. And in Colossians 2:14, the Bible tells us that Christ has taken away the written code of the law by nailing it to the cross.

II. The Purpose of the Law (Romans 7:7-13)
Paul points out that the law is not sinful, but it exposes sin (Romans 7:7). He describes how the commandment, intended for life, became an opportunity for the devil and sin to deceive and kill (Romans 7:9-11). The law is holy and righteous, but it reveals that the nature of sin is in all mankind (Romans 7:12-13). The Bible tells us in 1 Timothy 1:8-10, he law is good if used properly, showing it has the purpose of revealing sin in mankind. James 1:14-15, shows us how when we give into our own lusts, it can give birth to sin, which is basically Paul’s explanation. Furthermore in Psalm 19:7, the psalmist says the law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul (exposing sin), highlighting the law’s holy nature.

III. The Struggle with Sin (Romans 7:14-25)
Paul describes his struggle with sin, acknowledging that the law is spiritual, but he is unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin (Romans 7:14). He talks about the inner struggle of doing what he hates instead of what he should do (Romans 7:15). This struggle confirms the law’s goodness, but reveals the sin living in him (Romans 7:17,20). Paul says he is wretched and the need for deliverance from the body of death through Jesus Christ (Romans 7:24-25). The flesh wars against the spirit, as read in Galatians 5:17, the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, showing the ongoing battle inside each person, only Jesus can deliver us from such inner turmoil. We all have sin, and are sinners as we can see in 1 John 1:8-10, the Bible says if we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, pointing out our sinful nature. And in 2 Corinthians 12:9, hope is present, Christ’s power is made perfect in weakness, offering hope amidst the struggle.

Conclusion: Romans 7 offers a profound view into the human condition under sin and the law. Paul’s personal account of his own spiritual struggle is both relatable and hopeful. He emphasizes that the law, while holy and good, cannot save us; it only reveals our desperate need for a Savior. Through Christ, we are released from the law’s demand for perfection, and are invited into a life led by the Spirit. This chapter reminds believers that our victory over sin and death does not come through our efforts, but through the grace and redemption offered by Jesus Christ. As we acknowledge our weaknesses, we can find  strength in the transformative power of God’s love and mercy.