What does "I delight in the law of God" mean in Romans 7:22? Canonical Text “For in my inner being I delight in God’s law.” (Romans 7:22) Greek: κατὰ τὸν ἔσω ἄνθρωπον συνήδομαι τῷ νόμῳ τοῦ Θεοῦ Transliteration: kata ton esō anthrōpon synēdomai tō nomō tou Theou. Immediate Literary Setting (Romans 7:14-25) 1. v.14-17 ‑ The believer acknowledges the goodness of the Law yet recognizes indwelling sin. 2. v.18-20 ‑ The will to do good is present, but the ability is impeded by the flesh. 3. v.21-23 ‑ Two laws are at war: the “law of God” and the “law of sin.” 4. v.24-25 ‑ The tension culminates in a cry for deliverance answered in Christ. Verse 22 sits in the center of this chiastic unit, providing the crucial self-diagnosis: despite ongoing struggle, the regenerate heart loves God’s standards. Historical and Theological Context Romans was penned c. AD 57 from Corinth. Paul has argued (1:18-3:20) that all stand condemned under sin and (3:21-5:21) that justification is by faith apart from works. In chapters 6-8 he addresses sanctification. Chapter 7 focuses on the Law’s inability to liberate from sin, not on any defect in the Law itself. The statement of delight vindicates the Law and confirms the presence of new life. Who Is the “I”? Regenerate Paul Early Fathers (e.g., Origen, Chrysostom), Reformers (Luther, Calvin), and contemporary scholarship that affirms biblical inerrancy concur that the first-person narrative from v.14 onward describes Paul in his post-conversion state. Only a regenerate person “delights” in God’s Law (cf. Psalm 1:2; 119:97). An unregenerate heart is “hostile to God” and “unable to submit to His law” (Romans 8:7-8). The Law of God “Law” here is not mere Mosaic ceremonialism but the total moral revelation reflecting God’s character (Leviticus 19:2). Jesus summarized it as loving God and neighbor (Matthew 22:37-40). For the Christian, this Law is now “written on hearts” (Jeremiah 31:33; Hebrews 8:10). Delight as Evidence of Regeneration New-covenant life implants new affections (Ezekiel 36:26-27). The believer’s will is liberated to “agree that the law is good” (Romans 7:16). Though sin remains, love for righteousness testifies that God has begun a good work (Philippians 1:6). Inner Man vs. Flesh “Inner man” = renewed spirit indwelt by the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:9; 2 Corinthians 4:16; Ephesians 3:16). “Flesh” (σάρξ) = residual fallenness in body and mind. The clash is mirrored in Galatians 5:16-17. Moral progress arises as the believer walks “according to the Spirit” (Romans 8:4). Old Testament Foundations of Delighting in the Law Psalm 1:2 “his delight is in the Law of the LORD.” Psalm 40:8 “I delight to do Your will, O my God; Your Law is within my heart.” Psalm 119 (vv.16, 24, 47, 97) repeats the motif. Paul, steeped in Torah, echoes these texts. New Testament Parallels 1 Corinthians 9:21 ‑ “under the law of Christ.” James 1:25 ‑ “law of liberty.” 1 John 5:3 ‑ “His commandments are not burdensome.” Sanctification and the War Within Romans 8 supplies the antidote: the indwelling Spirit fulfills the righteous requirement of the Law in us (8:4). Progressive sanctification does not deny struggle but expects increasing conformity (2 Corinthians 3:18). Practical Implications 1. Self-examination: genuine believers experience inward affection for God’s standards even when failing outwardly. 2. Encouragement: struggle itself is evidence of life. Dead men do not wrestle. 3. Means of grace: Scripture meditation, prayer, fellowship, and Spirit-enabled obedience align the outer life with the inner delight. Historical Interpretation • Augustine: the verse reflects the regenerate will battling concupiscence (Retractions 1.23). • Luther: here is simul iustus et peccator—simultaneously justified and sinful. • Calvin: an “inward man… renewed by the Spirit of God” (Institutes 3.2.27). • Wesley: proof of in-wrought holiness preceding perfect love. Summary “I delight in the law of God” (Romans 7:22) expresses the regenerate believer’s heartfelt pleasure in God’s moral will, even while the flesh resists. It demonstrates: • The goodness of God’s Law. • The reality of new affections birthed by the Spirit. • The ongoing conflict of sanctification. • The assurance that ultimate victory lies in Christ, “who will rescue me” (7:24-25). Thus, delight is not mere emotion but covenantal allegiance springing from a heart made alive to glorify God. |
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