How does Romans 7:14 connect with Galatians 5:17 about spiritual conflict? The Heart of Romans 7:14 “For we know that the Law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin.” • Paul recognizes the God-given Law as “spiritual”—originating from God’s own nature. • Yet he honestly confesses his personal condition: “unspiritual,” still influenced by indwelling sin even after coming to faith. • He is not denying salvation; he is describing the ongoing tug-of-war inside every believer between the Holy Spirit and the lingering power of the flesh. Parallel Truth in Galatians 5:17 “For the flesh desires 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.” • Galatians summarizes in a single verse what Romans 7 expands in detail. • Both texts affirm two active forces inside the believer: – The flesh (old, sin-bent orientation) – The Spirit (new, God-pleasing orientation) Key Connections Between the Two Passages • Same Conflict, Different Vocabulary – Romans 7:14 calls the inner struggle “slavery to sin.” – Galatians 5:17 calls it “opposition” between flesh and Spirit. – Both highlight an internal battleground, not an external circumstance. • Continuous Present Tense – “I am unspiritual, sold as a slave” (Romans). – “The flesh desires … the Spirit desires” (Galatians). – The verbs show an ongoing, daily contest, not a one-time event. • Purpose of the Struggle – Romans emphasizes the humbling recognition of personal inability to please God apart from His grace. – Galatians explains why believers sometimes “do not do what you want,” revealing our need to walk by the Spirit (Galatians 5:16). Supporting Scriptures That Illuminate the Conflict • Romans 8:5–9 — contrasts living “according to the flesh” with living “according to the Spirit,” assuring believers that the Spirit dwells in them. • James 4:1 — identifies “passions that war within you.” • 1 Peter 2:11 — urges believers to abstain from “fleshly desires, which wage war against the soul.” • Ephesians 4:22–24 — calls for putting off the old self and putting on the new, echoing the same duality. Practical Takeaways • Expect the Battle – Knowing the conflict is normal prevents discouragement. • Rely on the Spirit – Galatians 5:16: “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” • Use the Word – Romans 7:14 upholds the Law as “spiritual.” Scripture exposes sin and guides us toward holiness (Psalm 119:11). • Remember Your Position – Though the flesh fights, believers are “crucified with Christ” (Galatians 2:20) and “no longer slaves to sin” (Romans 6:6). • Look to the Final Victory – Romans 7 culminates in praise: “Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (v. 25). Galatians promises that living by the Spirit bears the “fruit of the Spirit” (5:22-23), a foretaste of complete freedom when Christ returns. |
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