What does Paul mean when he says he does what he doesn't want to do in Romans 7?

In Romans 7, the Apostle Paul presents one of the most profound and introspective passages in the New Testament. He delves into the human condition, the struggle between the flesh and the spirit, and the nature of sin. When Paul says, "For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing" (Romans 7:19, NIV), he is articulating a universal human experience: the inner conflict between our desires to do good and the reality of our sinful actions.

Paul's discussion in Romans 7:14-25 is part of a larger argument that spans several chapters. In Romans 6, Paul speaks about being dead to sin but alive in Christ. He emphasizes that believers are no longer slaves to sin because they have been united with Christ in His death and resurrection. However, in Romans 7, Paul shifts to a more personal reflection, illustrating the ongoing struggle with sin even after one has been justified by faith.

Paul begins by acknowledging the goodness of the law: "So then, the law is holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous and good" (Romans 7:12, NIV). The law reveals God's standards and exposes sin, but it does not provide the power to overcome sin. Instead, it often highlights our inability to live up to God's standards, thereby driving us to Christ for salvation.

In Romans 7:14, Paul states, "We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin" (NIV). Here, Paul uses the term "unspiritual" (or "of the flesh" in some translations) to describe the human condition. Despite being redeemed, believers still live in a fallen world and possess a sinful nature that wars against their desire to obey God.

Paul's inner turmoil is vividly described in Romans 7:15-17: "I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me" (NIV). This passage captures the essence of the struggle. Paul wants to do good, but he finds himself doing the opposite. He acknowledges that the law is good because it aligns with God's will, but he also recognizes that sin, which dwells within him, is the culprit behind his actions.

The concept of "sin living in me" is crucial to understanding Paul's argument. He is not absolving himself of responsibility but rather highlighting the pervasive influence of sin. This indwelling sin is a remnant of the old nature that believers continue to battle. Paul further elaborates on this in Romans 7:18: "For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out" (NIV). This verse underscores the impotence of human effort apart from divine intervention. Despite knowing what is right and desiring to do it, Paul confesses his inability to achieve it on his own.

The climax of Paul's lament is found in Romans 7:24: "What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death?" (NIV). This cry of desperation reflects the depth of Paul's struggle and his recognition of his need for deliverance. However, Paul does not leave us in despair. He immediately answers his own question in Romans 7:25: "Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!" (NIV). The deliverance from this inner conflict comes through Jesus Christ, who empowers believers to live according to the Spirit.

Paul's struggle in Romans 7 is not an isolated experience but a common reality for all Christians. Even after accepting Christ, believers continue to wrestle with sin. This struggle is a sign of spiritual life and growth, as it indicates a desire to live in accordance with God's will. The presence of this conflict should not lead to despair but to a deeper reliance on Christ and the Holy Spirit.

In Romans 8, Paul provides the solution to the struggle described in Romans 7. He begins with a triumphant declaration: "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:1, NIV). This assurance of no condemnation is the foundation for living a victorious Christian life. Paul explains that the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set us free from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:2). The indwelling Holy Spirit empowers believers to overcome the flesh and live according to God's will.

Paul contrasts living according to the flesh with living according to the Spirit in Romans 8:5-6: "Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace" (NIV). The key to overcoming the struggle described in Romans 7 is to set our minds on the things of the Spirit and rely on the Holy Spirit's power to live a godly life.

The struggle Paul describes in Romans 7 serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle between the flesh and the Spirit. It highlights the need for continual dependence on Christ and the Holy Spirit. While believers will experience this conflict throughout their lives, they can take comfort in knowing that victory is assured through Jesus Christ. As Paul concludes in Romans 8:37, "No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us" (NIV).

In summary, when Paul says he does what he doesn't want to do in Romans 7, he is expressing the inner conflict experienced by all believers. This struggle is a result of the ongoing presence of sin in our lives, even after we have been justified by faith. The law reveals our inability to achieve righteousness on our own, driving us to Christ for deliverance. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, believers can overcome the flesh and live according to God's will. This passage serves as a powerful reminder of our need for continual reliance on Christ and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.