What is the meaning of Romans 7:14? We know • Paul begins with a shared conviction: “We know” (cf. Romans 3:19; 1 Corinthians 8:1). • This confidence anchors believers in inspired truth, not speculation. • The certainty invites every reader to examine life in the light of God’s revealed standards. that the law is spiritual • “The law is spiritual” because it comes from God, who is Spirit (John 4:24); it reflects His holy character (Romans 7:12). • Spiritual does not mean abstract; it means sourced in the Spirit, aiming at the heart (Psalm 19:7–11). • The law exposes motives and attitudes, revealing sin beneath outward behavior (Hebrews 4:12). • While powerless to save, it remains “holy and righteous and good,” guiding us to Christ (Galatians 3:24). but I am unspiritual • By contrast, Paul confesses human frailty: “I am unspiritual,” literally “of the flesh” (cf. Romans 8:7–8). • Flesh refers to the fallen nature inherited from Adam (Romans 5:12). • Even a regenerate believer battles remnants of this nature (Galatians 5:17). • Acknowledging fleshly weakness prevents self-reliance and drives dependence on the Spirit (John 15:5). sold as a slave to sin • “Sold” recalls the slave market, depicting total domination by sin outside Christ (John 8:34). • Though redeemed, believers still feel sin’s pull in their members (Romans 6:12–14; 7:23). • The phrase underscores humanity’s need for a Deliverer greater than the law (Romans 7:24–25). • In Christ, the chains are legally broken, yet the conflict continues until glory (Philippians 3:20-21). summary Romans 7:14 contrasts the perfect, Spirit-given law with our fleshly condition. God’s law is holy, searching, and heart-targeted, but humans—saved or unsaved—still bear a flesh that leans toward sin. Paul’s candid admission, “sold as a slave to sin,” highlights the bondage from which only Christ can liberate us. The verse stands as both a mirror exposing our need and a signpost pointing to the Spirit’s power for daily victory. |
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