Romans 7:14-25

Sunday School

Romans 7:14–25 is a powerful and often-debated passage where the Apostle Paul describes a deep internal struggle between the desire to do good and the pull of sin. Here's a breakdown of the passage, followed by discussion questions and suggested answers. Key take a ways from these scriptures include: The law is spiritual, but Paul is "sold under sin.", Paul experiences a conflict: he wants to do good but ends up doing what he hates. He identifies that sin dwells in him—not his true self, but his "flesh." There’s a recognition of two natures: the inner person who delights in God's law, and the flesh which is captive to sin. Paul cries out: "Who will rescue me from this body of death?" and answers: "Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!"

Romans 7:14–25 NASB95

For we know that the Law is spiritual, but I am of flesh, sold into bondage to sin. 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. But if I do the very thing I do not want to do, I agree with the Law, confessing that the Law is good. So now, no longer am I the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me. 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. For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want. 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. I find then the principle that evil is present in me, the one who wants to do good. For I joyfully concur with the law of God in the inner man, 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. Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death? 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.

Who might Paul be talking about—himself, someone else, or Christians in general? Paul uses first-person language ("I," "me"), so he is clearly speaking personally. But many scholars debate whether he’s describing: His life before conversion (struggling under the law without Christ), His current experience as a believer (ongoing battle with sin despite salvation), or A general human experience under sin’s power.

Most scholars believe he is describing the ongoing struggle of a believer, since he delights in God's law (v.22), which suggests spiritual rebirth.

What might Paul mean when he says, "I am sold under sin"? (v.14) Paul is acknowledging that even though he agrees with God’s law, he is still under the influence of sin. This doesn't mean he approves of sin, but that in his human nature, he still wrestles with it. This shows the ongoing nature of the believer’s struggle even after conversion.

Why might Paul say that he does the evil he does not want to do? (v.15, v.19) Paul is highlighting the inner battle between the mind renewed by God and the sinful tendencies that still reside in the flesh. It emphasizes the disconnect between intention and action, a reality many believers experience.

Why might this be significant to us today? Paul has highlighted the inner conflict between the mind (which agrees with God’s law) and the sinful nature (which rebels). Even though we want to obey, we find ourselves falling short. This reflects the Christian’s experience of sanctification—not being instantly perfect, but growing while battling sin.

It almost seems as though Paul is speaking double talk, and some scholars question whether Paul is speaking as a believer or non-believer here? What do you believe? The overwhelming majority of scholars believe Paul is speaking as a mature believer, describing the ongoing tension between the redeemed inner self and the unredeemed flesh. The desire to do good and hatred for sin indicate the presence of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit which is present within the believer, convicts the believer to repentance when the believer sins.

What might “It is no longer I who do it, but sin living in me” mean? (v.17, 20) Paul is not denying responsibility. He’s acknowledging that sin is like a force still present within his mortal body. His “new self” wants to obey God, but the “old self” (the flesh) resists. It’s a way of explaining the duality that we as Christians often feel inside ourselves.

What does Paul mean by “the law of sin at work within me”? (v.23) He means a principle or power (not a written law) that drives sinful behavior. It’s in conflict with the “law of [his] mind,” which desires to follow God. This “law of sin” is deeply embedded and must be overcome by something stronger—namely, the power of Christ.

What is the "body of death" Paul mentions in verse 24? It symbolizes the sinful nature or mortal body that is still affected by sin. It could also be a metaphor for the burden of sin that clings to a person. Paul longs for complete freedom from it.

Why might Paul have cried out, “Who will rescue me from this body of death?” (v.24) It’s a desperate plea from someone who realizes their own inability to defeat sin through willpower or the law. “This body of death” reflects the fallen, mortal nature that still experiences sin. It expresses longing for full deliverance (which will come in Christ at resurrection).

Today, is it important for us to get to the same place in our minds and walk with the Lord? Absolutely. Until we do, we are really of little use to God. He needs us to the point where we are constantly reminded of the fact that we are absolutely nothing without Him and in repentance we humbly surrender all we have and are to Him for His glory through His strength and strength alone.

What is the solution that Paul points to in v.25? “Thanks be to God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!” Paul doesn’t leave us in despair. He rejoices that Jesus has provided the victory over sin and death. The internal struggle may persist, but the final victory belongs to those who are in Christ.

What might this passage teach about the law? The law is good and spiritual, but it lacks the power to overcome sin. The law reveals sin but cannot save from it. This points to the need for a Savior—Jesus Christ.

What does this passage teach us about Christian life? Struggle with sin is normal for believers. The law reveals sin but cannot save us from it. Victory comes not through self-effort, but through Jesus Christ. We as Christians live in a tension between the “already” of salvation and the “not yet” of full sanctification. This is why discipleship at every opportunity is crucial for the spiritual walk of a believer.

How might we apply this passage to our daily lives? We must recognize that the struggle with sin is normal in the Christian life. We must not rely on our own strength instead we are to depend on God’s grace and the Holy Spirit. We must be honest about sin but hopeful as we trust in Christ’s power to deliver. We must use the struggle as a means of growth and deeper dependence on Christ.