How does Romans 7:20 connect with Paul's teachings in Galatians 5:16-17? Romans 7:20—Setting the Scene “If I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.” Galatians 5:16-17—Paul’s Parallel “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 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.” One Conflict, Two Angles ‣ Romans 7:20 highlights the involuntary sway of indwelling sin inside the believer. ‣ Galatians 5:16-17 names the opposing force—the Spirit—and urges an active walk that counters the flesh. ‣ Both passages describe the same tug-of-war: redeemed will versus resident sin nature. Key Connections • Source of the problem – Romans 7:20: “sin living in me.” – Galatians 5:17: “the flesh.” – Cross-reference: Romans 8:7-8, showing the flesh cannot submit to God. • Resulting frustration – Romans 7:20: “I do what I do not want.” – Galatians 5:17: “you do not do what you want.” – Echoed in 1 John 1:8—self-deception if we deny ongoing sin. • Spiritual solution – Romans hints at deliverance in 7:24-25, fully stated in 8:2: “the law of the Spirit of life.” – Galatians 5:16 commands, “Walk by the Spirit.” – Together: victory comes not by willpower but by yielding to the indwelling Spirit. What Walking by the Spirit Looks Like • Setting the mind on the Spirit (Romans 8:5-6). • Actively putting to death the deeds of the body (Romans 8:13; Colossians 3:5). • Bearing the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Practical Takeaways ‣ Recognize the flesh as a present enemy, not your true identity in Christ. ‣ Depend daily on the Spirit—prayer, Scripture, obedience—not mere resolutions. ‣ Expect conflict but anticipate victory; the same apostle who lamented Romans 7 celebrates triumph in Romans 8:37. |
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