Romans 7:15, A Truthful Assessment

Romans 7:15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.

The Apostle Paul gives a truthful testimony in his self-evaluation the fact that he realizes his propensity to sin! He openly declares the conflict that he experiences as a believer. He is not speaking these words as a discouragement to believers rather an encouragement for believers to trust God’s grace to live holy lives.

As long as we are in this mortal body, we will face this struggle within. It is a testimony that we are spiritually alive and in need of God’s grace to overcome sin! As a believer grows in spiritual stature, he will become more sensitive to sin in his life. He would have time to observe himself and understand the weakness of the flesh in him. He would need God’s help for victory!

He described this conflict well in the ensuing verses –  Romans 7:22-24 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: 23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. 24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? He understood he is weak and dare not depend on his strength to live his life as a child of God.

He applies the perfect process of sanctification through God’s Word –  2 Timothy 3:16-17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. 

The believer is not sinless and “sin less” because he is always seeking to draw close to God for strength to live a spirit-filled, God honouring life. Amen.