Does Sin Dwell in Me? Romans 7

“flesh” 5 For when we were in the realm of the flesh, the sinful passions aroused by the law were at work in us, so that we bore fruit for death. Romans 7:5 (NIV)

“flesh” 5 For when we were controlled by the sinful nature, the sinful passions aroused by the law were at work in our bodies, so that we bore fruit for death. Romans 7:5 (NIV84)

“flesh” flesh - “sarx” 5 For when we were controlled by the sinful nature, the sinful passions aroused by the law were at work in our bodies, so that we bore fruit for death. Romans 7:5 (NIV84) “the material that covers the bones of a human or animal body, flesh” (BDAG) “flesh (the soft substance of the living body, which covers the bones and is permeated with blood) of both man and beasts. 2 the body. 2a the body of a man.” (Strong’s)

Three Positions on Romans 7 5 For when we were controlled by the sinful nature, the sinful passions aroused by the law were at work in our bodies, so that we bore fruit for death. Romans 7:5 (NIV84) “Flesh” - refers to the depraved nature of man and thus in Romans 7 man’s helplessness to sin “Flesh” - refers to humanity and thus Romans 7 speaks of the Christian’s struggle with sin “Flesh” - refers to self-sufficiency based on a rejection of the Gospel thus Romans 7 speaks of the Jew under the law

The Overall Context 5 For when we were controlled by the sinful nature, the sinful passions aroused by the law were at work in our bodies, so that we bore fruit for death. Romans 7:5 (NIV84) Romans 1-5 - Deals with the need for justification by grace through faith for all men Romans 6-8 - A picture of the man justified by grace through faith Paul’s overall point is that this justification has freed us from sin and its eternal consequences

Romans 6 Romans 7 Romans 8 vs. 2 - “died to sin” vs. 14 “sold into bondage to sin” vs. 1 - “no condemnation” vs. 6 - “body of sin...done away with” vs. 24 - “who will set me free from the body of this death” vs. 2 - “free from the law of sin and death” vs. 7 - “freed from sin” vs. 18 - “for I know that nothing good dwells in me...” vs. 4 - “righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us who walk not after the flesh but after the spirit” vs. 11 - “dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus” vs. 19 - “the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want.” vs. 5-6 - The justified man can set his mind on the spirit and enjoy “life and peace” vs. 14 - sin “shall not be master over you” vs. 17 - “So now, no longer am I the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me” vs. 7-10 - alive because of righteousness vs. 16-17 - we are capable of choosing obedience vs. 23 - “but I see a different law in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is in my members” vs. 12-13 - living by the Spirit you are putting to death the deed of the body The same man????

1 Or do you not know, brethren (for I am speaking to those who know the law), that the law has jurisdiction over a person as long as he lives? ... 4 Therefore, my brethren, you also were made to die to the Law through the body of Christ, so that you might be joined to another, to Him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God. Romans 7:1–4 (NASB95) The Context of Romans 7 How can a Jew under the law abandon that Law without committing spiritual adultery He must die, i.e. he must join Christ in death, through baptism and rise to “walk in newness of life” (Rom 6:4) The man attempting to live under both commits spiritual adultery

The Context of Romans 7 5 For while we were in the flesh, the sinful passions, which were aroused by the Law, were at work in the members of our body to bear fruit for death. 6 But now we have been released from the Law, having died to that by which we were bound, so that we serve in newness of the Spirit and not in oldness of the letter. Romans 7:5–6 (NASB95) What was the purpose of the Law if it was to be done away with? To demonstrate the sinfulness, or wickedness of sin Such a demonstration pointed out the need for the grace offered to Jesus Christ

The Context of Romans 7 What is meant by “while we were in the flesh”? 5 For while we were in the flesh, the sinful passions, which were aroused by the Law, were at work in the members of our body to bear fruit for death. 6 But now we have been released from the Law, having died to that by which we were bound, so that we serve in newness of the Spirit and not in oldness of the letter. Romans 7:5–6 (NASB95) What is meant by “while we were in the flesh”? A time when “sinful passions were aroused by the law

The Context of Romans 7 What is meant by “while we were in the flesh”? 5 For while we were in the flesh, the sinful passions, which were aroused by the Law, were at work in the members of our body to bear fruit for death. 6 But now we have been released from the Law, having died to that by which we were bound, so that we serve in newness of the Spirit and not in oldness of the letter. Romans 7:5–6 (NASB95) What is meant by “while we were in the flesh”? A time when “sinful passions were aroused by the law Contrasted with a time, “now,” when man is “released from the Law”

The Context of Romans 7 What is meant by “while we were in the flesh”? 5 For while we were in the flesh, the sinful passions, which were aroused by the Law, were at work in the members of our body to bear fruit for death. 6 But now we have been released from the Law, having died to that by which we were bound, so that we serve in newness of the Spirit and not in oldness of the letter. Romans 7:5–6 (NASB95) What is meant by “while we were in the flesh”? A time when “sinful passions were aroused by the law Contrasted with a time, “now,” when man is “released from the Law” Further contrasted as “newness of Spirit” and “oldness of the letter”

The Context of Romans 7 What is meant by “while we were in the flesh”? 5 For while we were in the flesh, the sinful passions, which were aroused by the Law, were at work in the members of our body to bear fruit for death. 6 But now we have been released from the Law, having died to that by which we were bound, so that we serve in newness of the Spirit and not in oldness of the letter. Romans 7:5–6 (NASB95) What is meant by “while we were in the flesh”? Paul is describing a time when men were under the Old Law

The Context of Romans 7 7 What shall we say then? Is the Law sin? May it never be! On the contrary, I would not have come to know sin except through the Law; for I would not have known about coveting if the Law had not said, “You shall not covet.” Romans 7:7 (NASB95) What is meant by “while we were in the flesh”? Paul is describing a time when men were under the Old Law During this time man was educated regarding sin and its eternal consequences

The Context of Romans 7 What is meant by “while we were in the flesh”? 8 But sin, taking opportunity through the commandment, produced in me coveting of every kind; for apart from the Law sin is dead. 9 I was once alive apart from the Law; but when the commandment came, sin became alive and I died; 10 and this commandment, which was to result in life, proved to result in death for me; 11 for sin, taking an opportunity through the commandment, deceived me and through it killed me. Romans 7:8–11 (NASB95) What is meant by “while we were in the flesh”? Paul is describing a time when men were under the Old Law During this time man was educated regarding sin and its eternal consequences Man, under the law, sinned and thus he died

The Context of Romans 7 What is meant by “while we were in the flesh”? 12 So then, the Law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good. 13 Therefore did that which is good become a cause of death for me? May it never be! Rather it was sin, in order that it might be shown to be sin by effecting my death through that which is good, so that through the commandment sin would become utterly sinful. Romans 7:12–13 (NASB95) What is meant by “while we were in the flesh”? The Law had, within itself, no mechanism for pardon thus demonstrating the awful nature of sin The Law merely served as a means of showing the need for the Messiah and His offer of grace

The “Blameless” Man who Rejects the Gospel 14 For we know that the Law is spiritual, but I am of flesh, sold into bondage to sin. 15 For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate. 16 But if I do the very thing I do not want to do, I agree with the Law, confessing that the Law is good. 17 So now, no longer am I the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me. Romans 7:14–17 (NASB95) What if a Jew were to reject the Messiah? Such a man, even one devoutly following the Law would remain in the “flesh” Such a man is “deceived by sin” and is in a state of condemnation

The “Blameless” Man who Rejects the Gospel 14 For we know that the Law is spiritual, but I am of flesh, sold into bondage to sin. 15 For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate. Romans 7:14–17 (NASB95)

The “Blameless” Man who Rejects the Gospel 14 For we know that the Law is spiritual, but I am of flesh, sold into bondage to sin. 15 For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate. Romans 7:14–17 (NASB95) “spiritual” - pointing to something greater than the commandments contained within it

The “Blameless” Man who Rejects the Gospel 14 For we know that the Law is spiritual, but I am of flesh, sold into bondage to sin. 15 For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate. Romans 7:14–17 (NASB95) “spiritual” - pointing to something greater than the commandments contained within it “I” - a Jew rejecting the Gospel and therefore condemned

The “Blameless” Man who Rejects the Gospel 14 For we know that the Law is spiritual, but I am of flesh, sold into bondage to sin. 15 For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate. Romans 7:14–17 (NASB95) “spiritual” - pointing to something greater than the commandments contained within it “I” - a Jew rejecting the Gospel and therefore condemned “of Flesh” - Clinging to those commandments, not placing faith in the Gospel

The “Blameless” Man who Rejects the Gospel 14 For we know that the Law is spiritual, but I am of flesh, sold into bondage to sin. 15 For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate. Romans 7:14–17 (NASB95) “doing” - to bring about a result by doing something, achieve, accomplish (BDAG)

The “Blameless” Man who Rejects the Gospel 14 For we know that the Law is spiritual, but I am of flesh, sold into bondage to sin. 15 For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate. Romans 7:14–17 (NASB95) “doing” - to bring about a result by doing something, achieve, accomplish (BDAG) “practicing” - to bring about or accomplish something through activity (BDAG)

The “Blameless” Man who Rejects the Gospel 14 For we know that the Law is spiritual, but I am of flesh, sold into bondage to sin. 15 For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate. Romans 7:14–17 (NASB95) “doing” - to bring about a result by doing something, achieve, accomplish (BDAG) “practicing” - to bring about or accomplish something through activity (BDAG) These terms do not refer to a single action but the overall accomplishment of the work put forth So, this cannot mean even though I wish to perform a righteous act I sin, but that the work being put forth does not accomplish the desired goal “doing” - to produce something

The “Blameless” Man who Rejects the Gospel 15 For what I am accomplishing (condemnation), I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like (right-standing), but I am producing the very thing I hate (condemnation). Romans 7:14–17 “doing” - to bring about a result by doing something, achieve, accomplish (BDAG) “practicing” - to bring about or accomplish something through activity (BDAG) These terms do not refer to a single action but the overall accomplishment of the work put forth So, this cannot mean even though I wish to perform a righteous act I sin, but that the work being put forth does not accomplish the desired goal “doing” - to produce something

The “Blameless” Man who Rejects the Gospel 16 But if I do the very thing I do not want to do, I agree with the Law, confessing that the Law is good. 17 So now, no longer am I the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me. Romans 7:14–17 (NASB95) There can be no “right-standing” apart from faith in Christ Jesus The blameless man is condemned despite keeping the Law This is the function of the Law (vs. 13) Obedience does not bring condemnation, but the rejection of Christ

The “Blameless” Man who Rejects the Gospel 18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not. 19 For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want. 20 But if I am doing the very thing I do not want, I am no longer the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me. Romans 7:18–20 (NASB95) This blameless man must come to a realization of helplessness This man must realize his efforts alone cannot make him just Right-standing cannot be produced through the Law (Titus 3:5; Phil 3:7-11)

The “Blameless” Man who Rejects the Gospel 18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not. 19 For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want. 20 But if I am doing the very thing I do not want, I am no longer the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me. Romans 7:18–20 (NASB95) “the good that I want” - right- standing by his own works “the very evil that I do not want” - condemnation

The “Blameless” Man who Rejects the Gospel 18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not. 19 For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want. 20 But if I am doing the very thing I do not want, I am no longer the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me. Romans 7:18–20 (NASB95) “the good that I want” - right- standing by his own works “the very evil that I do not want” - condemnation His obedience does not condemn him, but the sin he has committed

The “Blameless” Man who Rejects the Gospel 21 I find then the principle that evil is present in me, the one who wants to do good. 22 For I joyfully concur with the law of God in the inner man, 23 but I see a different law in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is in my members. Romans 7:21–23 (NASB95) Despite the desire for right- standing this man is condemned

The “Blameless” Man who Rejects the Gospel 21 I find then the principle that evil is present in me, the one who wants to do good. 22 For I joyfully concur with the law of God in the inner man, 23 but I see a different law in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is in my members. Romans 7:21–23 (NASB95) Despite the desire for right- standing this man is condemned Despite serving the Law this man is condemned

The “Blameless” Man who Rejects the Gospel 21 I find then the principle that evil is present in me, the one who wants to do good. 22 For I joyfully concur with the law of God in the inner man, 23 but I see a different law in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is in my members. Romans 7:21–23 (NASB95) Despite the desire for right- standing this man is condemned Despite serving the Law this man is condemned Sin cannot be dealt with outside of the offer of Grace

The “Blameless” Man who Rejects the Gospel 24 Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death? 25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, on the one hand I myself with my mind am serving the law of God, but on the other, with my flesh the law of sin. Romans 7:24–25 (NASB95) The central question we must ask - Who can set me free from sin?

The “Blameless” Man who Rejects the Gospel 24 Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death? 25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, on the one hand I myself with my mind am serving the law of God, but on the other, with my flesh the law of sin. Romans 7:24–25 (NASB95) The central question we must ask - Who can set me free from sin? The answer can only be found in the offer of the Gospel Thanks be to God salvation is through Jesus Christ!