How does Romans 7:22 reflect the struggle between flesh and spirit in believers? Setting the Scene: Romans 7 : 22 “For in my inner being I delight in God’s law.” The Inner Delight and the Outer Tug-of-War • “Inner being” points to the regenerate heart—the new creation that genuinely loves God’s commands. • Yet the surrounding context (vv. 18–23) shows “another law” in the members waging war. • Paul speaks literally: two spheres operate inside one redeemed person—spirit (new nature) and flesh (old nature). • Delight in God’s law is proof of spiritual life, but conflict shows remaining sin has not been eradicated. Tracing the Battle Lines • Romans 7 : 18—“Nothing good lives in me, that is, in my flesh.” • Romans 8 : 7—“The mind of the flesh is hostile to God.” • Galatians 5 : 17—“For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh.” • 1 Peter 2 : 11—“Abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against the soul.” Key observation: Scripture consistently pictures a believer as having two opposing principles until glorification. What “Delight” Tells Us About the Spirit’s Work • Spiritual rebirth implants genuine affection for God’s will (Ezekiel 36 : 26-27). • Psalm 119 echoes this joy—“Your statutes are my delight” (v. 24). • Such delight is impossible for the natural man (1 Corinthians 2 : 14). • Thus Romans 7 : 22 is evidence of conversion, not defeat. Why the Struggle Persists • The body awaits redemption (Romans 8 : 23); meanwhile indwelling sin uses bodily faculties as footholds. • God allows the conflict to expose self-dependence and drive believers to Christ (Romans 7 : 24-25). • Victory is positional now—“crucified with Christ” (Galatians 2 : 20)—and experiential as we “walk by the Spirit” (Galatians 5 : 16). Scriptural Echoes of Hope • Romans 8 : 2—“The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free.” • 2 Corinthians 4 : 16—“Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.” • Philippians 1 : 6—He who began the good work will carry it to completion. Living It Out: Practical Implications • Expect conflict; it confirms spiritual life rather than negates it. • Feed the inner delight—regular Scripture intake, worship, fellowship (Colossians 3 : 16). • Starve the flesh—make “no provision” for it (Romans 13 : 14). • Rely on the Spirit’s power, not sheer willpower (Romans 8 : 13). • Fix hope on final deliverance when the struggle ceases (1 John 3 : 2). |
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