Romans 7:18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. Truth to Learn We can’t work, or fight, our way to victory as a Christian. Behind...
Romans 7:17 – Victory Through Surrender
Romans 7:17 But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. Truth to Learn There is a battle going on within us that requires surrender. Behind the Words The word translated “dwells” is the Greek word oikousa, which is a participial form of...
Romans 7:16 – Encouragement in Defeat
Romans 7:16 If, then, I do what I will 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 There are two Greek words translated “will” or “willing.” They are...
Romans 7:15 – That Thing You Do
Romans 7:15 For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do. Truth to Learn Paul battled his sin nature just as you and I do. Behind the Words “Doing” is from the...
Romans 7:14 – Flesh Versus Spirit
Romans 7:14 For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin. Truth to Learn There is a constant battle between our flesh and our spirit. Behind the Words The word translated “spiritual” is the Greek word pneumatikos, which means “that which pertains to the...
Romans 7:13 – Sinfulness Revealed
Romans 7:13 Has then what is good become death to me? Certainly not! But sin, that it might appear sin, was producing death in me through what is good, so that sin through the commandment might become exceedingly sinful. Truth to Learn The Law reveals our sinfulness to the fullest...
Romans 7:12 – The Holy Law
Romans 7:12 Therefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy and just and good. Truth to Learn The Law and its commandments are holy, but we are sinful. Behind the Words “Law” is translated from the Greek word nomos, which we saw in the last chapter is the noun...
Romans 7:11 – Deception and Confession
Romans 7:11 For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it killed me. Truth to Learn Sin is deceptive and causes separation between us and God. Behind the Words “Taking occasion” is translated from aphormē. This is a compound word made up of apo, meaning “from” or...
Romans 7:10 – The Deadly Law
Romans 7:10 And the commandment, which was to bring life, I found to bring death. Truth to Learn The Law is supposed to bring life, but it only brings death. Behind the Words The word translated “found” is heuriskō, which means “to find, by having searched or without searching. Metaphorically,...
Romans 7:9 – Understanding Produces Guilt
Romans 7:9 I was alive once without the law, but when the commandment came, sin revived and I died. Truth to Learn Without an understanding of what sin is, we feel innocent of it, but when we understand what it is, we realize our guilt. Behind the Words The word...