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ROMANS 7
Romans 7 is one of the most popular scriptures that many use to seemingly substantiate that the flesh of born-again believers is sinful. Sadly, many do not realize that most of it does not apply to the sons of God. This scripture as all scripture must be rightly divided.
In Romans 7 Paul is speaking of the body of sin. He speaks as if he has a never-ending struggle with the flesh. However, if we keep the scripture in context we will realize what is happening.
5 For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death. - Romans 7:5
This 5th verse is the base for the rest of the scripture. The operative word here is 'were'. When we were in the flesh, sin worked in our bodies to bring forth fruit unto death. He then continues to minister the rest of this scripture as someone who is bound to sin, i.e. as someone who does not have the Holy Spirit. ROMANS 7 IS FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF SOMEONE WITHOUT THE HOLY GHOST, UNDER THE LAW. I will address some of the issues mentioned in Romans 7 and prove that it is not speaking about a born-again believer.
1. Sin takes occasion by the law (vs. 11)
The law of Moses was given before the Holy Spirit came. At that time, there were none that were righteous. All were born in sin and shaped in iniquity. Thus, the giving of the law, though it was the righteousness of God, could not purge the deeds of the flesh (Rom 8:3). Seeing that men now knew the righteousness of God, they should be able to perform it. However, all this did was highlight the power of sin in the flesh. The individual's will to perform the righteousness of God could not overpower indwelling sin.
This is why the law of sin and death had to be circumcised from the body. (Col 2:11, Rom 8:2). This is also why the laws of God are no longer on tables of stone but on our hearts (Heb 10:16). Now, we naturally do the things contained in the law (Rom 2:14). We do not struggle to perform the righteousness of God because we are free from sin.
2. In my flesh dwells no good thing. (vs. 18)
According to 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, God lives in the bodies of born-again believers. How then can one say that in the flesh of the sons of God dwells no good thing? The Holy Spirit is a good thing. Paul was speaking as an unsaved man.
3. The law of sin in my flesh wars against my mind. (vs. 23)
Romans 8:1-2 says, There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. The sons of God have been made free from the law of sin and death that once worked in their members (body). Now the law of the Spirit of life works in their flesh. This new law constantly condemns sin in our flesh (Rom 8:3).
If we are indeed free from the law of sin and death, it can no longer be in their members warring against our minds.
4. I serve the law of sin with the flesh, and Jesus with the mind. (vs.25)
When we rightly divide this scripture we will see that Paul is saying that because Jesus is now in Him (through Jesus Christ), He can serve the law of God with his mind. However, before Jesus was in Him, He was considered to be in the flesh (Rom 7:5). So those that are in Jesus can serve the law of God freely, however those that are in the flesh will always serve the law of sin.
KEEP ROMANS 7 IN CONTEXT
If we compare Romans 7:5 to Romans 8:8-9 we will keep the entire scripture in context and realize something.
5 For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death. - Romans 7:5
8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. - Romans 8:8-9
Apparently, Romans 7 does not apply to us, because we are not in the flesh but in the Holy Spirit, if it is that the Holy Spirit is in us. This is a phenomenon we will explore more on Monday. However, tomorrow we will deal with 1 John 1.
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