Previously, we explored Romans 6, where we learned about our identification with Christ's death and resurrection. Today, we will delve into Romans 7 and discover the reality of the believer's life lived in a fallen world, with powerful temptations and a willingness to do right but sometimes falling short. We will come to understand that the Christian life is a journey of progressive growth, not perfection. We will also see the means of grace for us when we stumble.
In Romans 7:14–15, the Apostle Paul acknowledges the struggle between the flesh and the spirit. He describes himself as "unspiritual" and "sold as a slave to sin."
This may seem contradictory to what he had just written in Romans 6 about being set free from sin and becoming slaves to righteousness. However, the key lies in understanding our new selves and our flesh.
Our "old self" has died, and we have been given a new nature, God's nature (this is Romans 6). The new self desires to do good and live for righteousness. However, this new self coexists with the flesh, which is yet to be redeemed. We all have powerful enemies to contend with—the fallen world that tries to allure us, our own unredeemed flesh that is weak, and the tempter, Satan, who is deceptive.
Separating Sin from Identity
In Romans 7:18–20, Paul makes a stunning statement: "It is no longer I who do it, but sin living in me." This doesn't mean that believers have no sin, but it emphasizes that our true identity is not bound up with sin.
A man by the name of Augustine used to frequent prostitutes until the day Jesus revealed Himself to him, and he turned away from sin. One day after he was saved, he was walking down the road, and he walked right by a favorite prostitute without saying anything. She stopped him and said, “Augustine, it is I”, to which he responded, “Yes, but it is not I.”
Augustine rejoiced in the fact that he had been crucified with Christ and raised as a new person, and that he was no longer the same man he used to be.
Our identity is in Christ, as those who love holiness and righteousness. When we stumble and fall, we must remember that it is not our new nature but the flesh that is weak and faltering. We must keep our identity clear and not connect ourselves with our sin.
Question 2. Why is it important to understand that when you sin, it is not the new you sinning, but rather your flesh (sin living in you)?
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Finding Victory in Christ
Paul concludes Romans 7 by acknowledging the ongoing struggle between good and evil within him. He cries out, "What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death?" (Romans 7:24). The solution to this internal conflict is found in Jesus Christ. Jesus, Himself, is our means of grace.
Jesus delivers us from sin's power. Just as He walked on water to the disciples in the midst of a storm and took them immediately to the other side, He rescues us from the storms of sin. See Mark 6:45–48.
When we stumble, we must look to Jesus for rescue, wash at the cross for cleansing, and revisit our battle plan. Jesus advocates for us and intercedes for us with the Father, and His atoning sacrifice covers our sins. He, Himself, is our means of grace.
Embracing God's Deliverance
Jesus Christ is the one who delivers us from sin and its consequences. He not only rescues us from the penalty of sin but also empowers us to live victoriously. When we stumble, we should confess our sins to God, turn away from them, and align ourselves with His truth. Jesus' blood speaks on our behalf, pleading for forgiveness and redemption.
In summary, all believers have a new nature that loves God and righteousness, but we also have the unredeemed flesh within us. We may stumble and fall, but Jesus Christ is our deliverer. He rescues us from the storms of sin and intercedes for us with the Father.
Our identity is found in Christ, not in our sin. As we continue on our journey of maturing in Christ, we can trust in Jesus' faithfulness to deliver us and bring us into God's presence.
Remember, the road of maturity takes a lifetime to travel, but with Christ as our “means of grace”, our washing of the cross, and the power of the Holy Spirit, we can overcome the struggles and find true freedom in Him.