Romans 7:14-25 is a powerful passage that reveals a fundamental truth: there is a battle between our spirit and our flesh. The Apostle Paul, who authored Romans, captures all believer’s tension in the war between wanting to do good and struggling with sin. This battle may sometimes feel discouraging, but we are given hope and the tools to overcome in Christ. Let’s dive into this text and explore three key lessons that can transform our walk with God.
1. Your Spirit and Your Flesh Are at War!
Paul’s words in Romans 7 highlight the struggle between spirit and flesh. He writes, “For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want” (Romans 7:19 NAS20). This conflict, described by Paul, is familiar to anyone trying to live a life pleasing to God. It is as if our spirit, which craves holiness, is at constant odds with our flesh, which is drawn to sin.
This inner conflict is beautifully summarized in Galatians 5:17: “For the desire of the flesh is against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, in order to keep you from doing whatever you want” (Galatians 5:17 NAS20). The law could expose sin but not rescue us from it. It took something far greater than the law, the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to give us victory. The “good news” is that forgiveness is available through Christ, and we no longer have to live under the oppressive weight of sin.
When God created us, He made us in His image (Genesis 1:27). Our hearts were once pure and full of truth. But everything changed with the fall of man (Genesis 3). Sin entered the world, and our nature became corrupt. Yet, even in this fallen state, God had a plan of redemption. Through Jesus, our spirit can overcome the flesh!
2. Good Does Not Dwell in You
In Romans 7:18, Paul says, “For I know that good does not dwell in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not” (Romans 7:18 NAS20). This is an essential realization for every believer on our own: apart from Christ, there is no good in us. Our flesh has been tainted by sin, and no matter how hard we try, we cannot please God without His grace.
As Christians, we must “crucify the flesh” daily, as Paul teaches in Galatians “Now those who belong to Christ Jesus crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let’s follow the Spirit as well. Let’s not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another” (Galatians 5:24-26 NAS20). But how do we do this? We must be born of the Spirit (John 3:6) and renew our minds constantly.“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2 NAS20) and in Romans 7:25, Paul thanks God for the deliverance that comes through Jesus Christ.
Without this daily crucifixion of the flesh and renewal of the mind, progress in holiness is impossible. Our flesh is corrupt, but God’s Spirit gives us the strength to resist temptation and live in victory. Until we learn, as Paul did, to depend on Christ for everything, we will remain stuck in the cycle of frustration and failure.
3. We Can Overcome the Flesh
The good news is that we are not left helpless in this battle. While our flesh is weak, God has given us the victory through Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:57 says, “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:57 NAS20). We do not have to be slaves to our sinful nature. We are victorious in Christ and can overcome the flesh through the power of the Holy Spirit.
One of our most powerful tools is our ability to “take every thought captive” and bring it into obedience to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). When we guard our minds and fill them with truth, and we weaken the power of the flesh. Ephesians 6:10-17 describes the armor of God that we are to wear daily, including the helmet of salvation, which protects our minds from the enemy’s attacks.
In Christ, we are not only free from sin’s control but also from sin’s condemnation. John 8:36 says, “So if the Son sets you free, you really will be free” (John 8:36 NAS20). We are no longer bound by the chains of sin and death because, as Romans 8:2 says, “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death” (Romans 8:2 NAS20). This is the glorious freedom that belongs to all who trust in Christ.
We can now walk in the freedom that comes from knowing we are no longer slaves to sin. Galatians 5:1 reminds us “It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery” (Galatians 5:1 NAS20). Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Christ has set us free, and in Him, we are victorious!
Closing Thoughts
The battle between flesh and spirit is real, but thanks to Jesus, victory is within our grasp. We are no longer powerless in the fight against sin. When we rely on God’s strength, crucify the flesh daily, renew our minds, and put on the whole armor of God, we are equipped to overcome the flesh and live in the freedom Christ offers.
Remember, the struggle may be intense, but the victory is certain! Be encouraged, knowing God has already won the war on your behalf. And as you walk out this journey of faith, hold onto the truth of this verse: “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:57 NAS20). Keep pressing forward in your walk with Christ, and live in the freedom He has already won for you.
“The flesh may wage war, but the victory belongs to those who walk in the Spirit.” Keith Charles