If, then, I do what I determine not to do, I agree with the law that it is good.
Truth to Learn
Our battle against our sin nature is evidence that we are saved.
Behind the Words
The Greek word translated “determine” is thelō, which is often translated as “will.” However, there are two Greek words translated “will” or “willing.” They are thelō and boulomai. Thelō means to desire something, but it implies active volition and purpose. Boulomai, however, expresses an intent or desire, but without pressing on to execute that desire. Hence, thelō can be thought of as “determined will” whereas boulomai can be thought of as “desirous will.” So Paul is saying “If, then, I do what I am determined not to do …”
Meaning Explained
In the previous verse Paul shared with us the frustration that he experienced as a result of his sin nature causing him to do the very thing that he was determined to avoid, that is, sin. What he was determined to do was to obey God, but he found that he didn’t always do it.
So, his conclusion now is that if he really wanted to keep the Law, then the Law (and avoiding sin) is good. Remember from just a few verses back, Paul said,
So then, the law is holy, and the commandment is holy and just and good. (Romans 7:12)
He then reiterated this fact and compared it to sinful man,
For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am fleshly, having been sold by sin. (Romans 7:14)
Finally, in the previous verse and this one Paul is showing that we all must admit that the Law is good but that we are sinful.
I like what Albert Barnes said about this struggle that Paul has just expressed:
The fact of struggling against evil, the desire to be free from it, and to overcome it, the anxiety and grief which it causes, is an evidence that we do not love it, and that therefore we are the friends of God. Perhaps nothing can be a more decisive test of piety than a long-continued and painful struggle against evil passions and desires in every form, and a panting of the soul to be delivered from the power and dominion of sin.
Do you feel this constant struggle against your own sinful tendencies? Does it make you wonder sometimes whether you really are saved? Barnes says that this very struggle is clear evidence that you are genuinely saved. The fact that you are aware of your sinful tendencies and that you are saddened every time you let your sinful nature win the battle is evidence that you are the child of God. And, since you are a true child of God, a born-again Christian, you will continue to have this struggle until the day that you pass into eternity and receive your perfect, sinless body.
Until that day, however, we are to continue to strive against our own sin nature, and though we may occasionally lose a battle, we will ultimately have victory. We know that He will never leave us nor forsake us and ultimately, He will win not only the battle, but also the war against evil.
Application
Don’t be discouraged when you lose the battle against the sin that you are determined to overcome. Instead, be encouraged and recognize that He will win the victory for you!
In that day we will praise Him perfectly because we will be perfect and He is worthy!
In God's service, for His glory,
Copyright © 2018 Will Krause. All rights reserved
