Romans 7:14, The Law is Spiritual
Romans 7:14 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.
The Apostle Paul described himself as “carnal”. It means “fleshly”, with the tendency to satisfy the flesh, implying sinfulness, sinful propensity. The “sold under sin” means figuratively, of becoming enslaved to sin, personified as a master who gains control. The Apostle Paul shows us that a born-again believer can struggle against the dominion of sin in his or her life in his own strength and succumb to sin!
He tells us that there is this constant tug-of-wall within our heart between the “flesh” or the “carnality” that still exist in the believer’s life. This is seen in the use of the present tense that the Apostle Paul used to describe himself. He is saying to us that you have the power to choose not to sin even if you are enticed within you to sin! You need to depend on God’s power, His unfailing grace to help you live a victorious Christian life!
And the Apostle Paul tells us that the law of God or God’s Word is spiritual in that it shows him the way of righteousness. It shows himself the way to victory and the Holy Spirit indwelling him will bring to mind in his heart the law of God to give him the victory as the Psalmist testifies in Psalm 119:9-11 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. 10 With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. 11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
He acknowledges that if he yields himself to the flesh, he will serve sin like the dog going back to his vomit. There is the story of a blind man who had two dogs. A black dog and a white dog. The black dog would lead him to sin while the white dog to do good. As he was blind, he was at the mercy of the dogs to direct him. He thought of a good plan so that he will not be led to commit sin. He would starve the black dog and feed the white dog so that it will be strong. In this way, he would not be at the mercy of the black dog and benefit from the strength of the white dog.
It is the same for the believer. He finds two opposing opponents within him struggling, the good and the evil. By a sound and healthy mind, the believer overcomes sin his life by a clean healthy thought life and thus feed the “white dog” that it may be strong when he said in Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
May the Lord help us to renew our mind! Amen.