What role does human will play in overcoming sin, according to Romans 7:20? Setting the Scene Romans 7 captures the tension every believer feels—the longing to honor God and the stubborn pull of the old sinful nature. Paul is brutally honest about this inner war, and verse 20 shines a bright light on where human will fits into the battle. Key Verse “If I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.” (Romans 7:20) What Paul Confessed About His Will • He truly “wants” to do good (v. 18). • His will alone is not strong enough to carry out that desire. • The culprit is “sin living in me,” a real, active force still present in the believer’s earthly body. What This Teaches About Our Human Will • The will matters—it points us toward righteousness. • Yet the will is powerless by itself; it can’t break sin’s grip. • Human will, without divine help, ends in frustration: “I do not practice what I want to do” (v. 15). How God Provides the Power We Lack • Christ’s deliverance: “Who will rescue me…? Thanks be to God, through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (v. 24-25). • The Holy Spirit’s indwelling: “The law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.” (Romans 8:2). • New creation energy: “It is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose.” (Philippians 2:13). Connecting the Dots with Other Scriptures • Galatians 5:16-17—The Spirit and the flesh are opposed; victory comes by “walking by the Spirit.” • John 15:5—“Apart from Me you can do nothing,” yet abiding in Christ makes fruitful obedience possible. • Ephesians 2:8-9—Even the faith to trust Christ is a gift; salvation and sanctification rest on grace, not sheer determination. Living It Out 1. Acknowledge the limits of your will—humility opens the door to grace. 2. Continually yield your will to the Spirit’s control through confession, Scripture intake, and conscious dependence. 3. Replace self-reliance with Christ-reliance: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13). 4. Celebrate progress as evidence of God at work in you, not proof of personal prowess. Human will wants holiness; only God’s indwelling power delivers it. |
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