How does Romans 7:15 connect with Paul's teachings in Galatians 5:17? The Shared Struggle Paul Describes “I do not understand what I do. For I do not practice what I want to do. Instead, I do what I hate.” “For the flesh craves what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are opposed to each other, so that you do not do what you want.” Parallel Phrases, Same Battle • Both verses testify to one reality: a redeemed believer can genuinely delight in God’s will yet feel pulled in the opposite direction by lingering sin. • “I do not do what I want” (Romans 7:15) mirrors “you do not do what you want” (Galatians 5:17); Paul’s experience is every Christian’s experience. • Romans 7 shows the inner turmoil from the viewpoint of the struggling individual; Galatians 5 explains the struggle by naming the combatants—“the flesh” versus “the Spirit.” What Paul Means by “the Flesh” • The flesh is not the physical body itself but the old, Adam-shaped nature still present until glorification (Romans 8:23). • It is hostile to God’s law (Romans 8:7) and produces visible “works” such as impurity, jealousy, and fits of rage (Galatians 5:19-21). • Even after salvation, the flesh remains active, demanding to be denied daily (Luke 9:23; 1 Peter 2:11). The Spirit’s Role in the Conflict • Only the indwelling Holy Spirit can oppose the flesh effectively (Galatians 5:16). • Romans 8:2 presents the same truth: “the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death.” • Where the Spirit prevails, He produces fruit—love, joy, peace, and the other qualities of Galatians 5:22-23—that the flesh can never counterfeit. How the Two Passages Fit Together 1. Romans 7:15 highlights the believer’s frustration and powerlessness when relying on self-effort under the law. 2. Romans 7:24-25 climaxes in Paul’s cry, “Who will deliver me?… Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!”—pointing forward to life in the Spirit (Romans 8). 3. Galatians 5 picks up the same solution: freedom from the flesh is not by new rules but by “walking by the Spirit” (Galatians 5:16). 4. The tension Paul depicts is therefore normal, but it is not permanent defeat; the Spirit supplies victory as we yield. Living These Truths Today • Acknowledge the conflict without despair—Scripture foretells it, so struggle is proof of new life, not failure (Philippians 1:6). • Feed the Spirit: saturate the mind with God’s Word (Psalm 119:11; Colossians 3:16). • Starve the flesh: refuse provisions for sinful desires (Romans 13:14). • Actively “keep in step with the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25)—obey His promptings immediately. • Remember the promised end: “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet” (Romans 16:20); final freedom is certain. Romans 7:15 and Galatians 5:17 together reveal the same battlefield, the same opponents, and the same victorious strategy: dependence on the indwelling Spirit supplied through the finished work of Christ. |
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