The War Within
Journey's Road Map • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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Text: Romans 7:7–25
Text: Romans 7:7–25
Series: Journey’s Road Map
Series: Journey’s Road Map
Theme: The believer is freed from sin’s power but not yet free from sin’s presence.
Theme: The believer is freed from sin’s power but not yet free from sin’s presence.
Introduction – The Battle No One Admits
Introduction – The Battle No One Admits
7 What then shall we say? That the law is sin? By no means! Yet if it had not been for the law, I would not have known sin. For I would not have known what it is to covet if the law had not said, “You shall not covet.” 8 But sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, produced in me all kinds of covetousness. For apart from the law, sin lies dead. 9 I was once alive apart from the law, but when the commandment came, sin came alive and I died. 10 The very commandment that promised life proved to be death to me. 11 For sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, deceived me and through it killed me. 12 So the law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good.
7 What then shall we say? That the law is sin? By no means! Yet if it had not been for the law, I would not have known sin. For I would not have known what it is to covet if the law had not said, “You shall not covet.” 8 But sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, produced in me all kinds of covetousness. For apart from the law, sin lies dead. 9 I was once alive apart from the law, but when the commandment came, sin came alive and I died. 10 The very commandment that promised life proved to be death to me. 11 For sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, deceived me and through it killed me. 12 So the law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good.
13 Did that which is good, then, bring death to me? By no means! It was sin, producing death in me through what is good, in order that sin might be shown to be sin, and through the commandment might become sinful beyond measure. 14 For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold under sin. 15 For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. 16 Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. 17 So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. 18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. 20 Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me.
13 Did that which is good, then, bring death to me? By no means! It was sin, producing death in me through what is good, in order that sin might be shown to be sin, and through the commandment might become sinful beyond measure. 14 For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold under sin. 15 For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. 16 Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. 17 So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. 18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. 20 Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me.
21 So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. 22 For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, 23 but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. 24 Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin.
21 So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. 22 For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, 23 but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. 24 Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin.
The War Within
The War Within
Funny Opener:
Funny Opener:
“I saw a T-shirt once that said, ‘I’m not arguing with myself—I’m just having a staff meeting.’
“I saw a T-shirt once that said, ‘I’m not arguing with myself—I’m just having a staff meeting.’
That’s Romans 7 in a nutshell.”
That’s Romans 7 in a nutshell.”
Paul describes the inner meeting of the soul—a debate between the redeemed mind and the rebellious flesh. Every Christian knows this battle: the desire to do good, but the struggle to carry it out.
Paul describes the inner meeting of the soul—a debate between the redeemed mind and the rebellious flesh. Every Christian knows this battle: the desire to do good, but the struggle to carry it out.
Romans 7 shows that this war isn’t a sign of failure—it’s the evidence of life. The dead don’t fight. Only the living do.
Romans 7 shows that this war isn’t a sign of failure—it’s the evidence of life. The dead don’t fight. Only the living do.
I. The Purpose of the Law (vv. 7–12)
I. The Purpose of the Law (vv. 7–12)
“What then shall we say? That the law is sin? By no means! Yet if it had not been for the law, I would not have known sin.”
“What then shall we say? That the law is sin? By no means! Yet if it had not been for the law, I would not have known sin.”
Explanation
Explanation
Paul defends the Law—it is not sinful; it is holy, but it reveals sin.
Paul defends the Law—it is not sinful; it is holy, but it reveals sin.
The Law acts like a mirror: it shows the dirt on our face, but it can’t wash it off.
The Law acts like a mirror: it shows the dirt on our face, but it can’t wash it off.
“I would not have known coveting if the law had not said, ‘You shall not covet.’” (v.7)
“I would not have known coveting if the law had not said, ‘You shall not covet.’” (v.7)
→ Paul moves from abstract sin to internal motives.
→ Paul moves from abstract sin to internal motives.
Greek Note:
Greek Note:
“Covet” (ἐπιθυμία) means deep desire or longing—it exposes inward corruption, not just outward acts.
“Covet” (ἐπιθυμία) means deep desire or longing—it exposes inward corruption, not just outward acts.
Cross-References:
Cross-References:
Galatians 3:24 – “The law was our guardian until Christ came.”
Galatians 3:24 – “The law was our guardian until Christ came.”
1 Timothy 1:8–9 – “The law is good, if one uses it lawfully.”
1 Timothy 1:8–9 – “The law is good, if one uses it lawfully.”
Illustration – Moral Story: The Speed Limit Sign
Illustration – Moral Story: The Speed Limit Sign
You’re cruising along, feeling fine—until you see a “Speed Limit 45” sign and realize you’re doing 65. The law didn’t create your speeding; it just exposed it. That’s the Law’s function.
You’re cruising along, feeling fine—until you see a “Speed Limit 45” sign and realize you’re doing 65. The law didn’t create your speeding; it just exposed it. That’s the Law’s function.
Quote – Augustine:
Quote – Augustine:
“The law bids us, as we try to fulfill its commands, and we become wearied in our weakness under it, to know how to ask for the help of grace.”
“The law bids us, as we try to fulfill its commands, and we become wearied in our weakness under it, to know how to ask for the help of grace.”
Application
Application
The Law wasn’t given to make you righteous—it was given to make you desperate.
The Law wasn’t given to make you righteous—it was given to make you desperate.
It exposes sin so you’ll look to the Savior.
It exposes sin so you’ll look to the Savior.
II. The Problem of the Flesh (vv. 13–20)
II. The Problem of the Flesh (vv. 13–20)
“Did that which is good, then, bring death to me? By no means! It was sin, producing death in me through what is good.”
“Did that which is good, then, bring death to me? By no means! It was sin, producing death in me through what is good.”
Explanation
Explanation
The Law is good; sin is the problem.
The Law is good; sin is the problem.
Paul personifies sin—it hijacks what is good and weaponizes it.
Paul personifies sin—it hijacks what is good and weaponizes it.
“I do not understand my own actions… For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.” (v.15)
“I do not understand my own actions… For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.” (v.15)
→ The internal conflict of the believer: redeemed spirit vs. sinful flesh.
→ The internal conflict of the believer: redeemed spirit vs. sinful flesh.
Greek Note:
Greek Note:
“Flesh” (σάρξ) doesn’t mean the physical body; it means our fallen nature still resistant to God.
“Flesh” (σάρξ) doesn’t mean the physical body; it means our fallen nature still resistant to God.
Cross-References:
Cross-References:
Galatians 5:17 – “The desires of the flesh are against the Spirit.”
Galatians 5:17 – “The desires of the flesh are against the Spirit.”
James 1:14–15 – “Each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.”
James 1:14–15 – “Each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.”
Illustration – Historical: Martin Luther’s Ink Bottle
Illustration – Historical: Martin Luther’s Ink Bottle
Legend says Luther once threw an ink bottle at the devil during his study in the Wartburg Castle. The mark remained on the wall for years. Whether literal or not, it symbolizes the reality of that inner war—evil isn’t out there only; it’s in here.
Legend says Luther once threw an ink bottle at the devil during his study in the Wartburg Castle. The mark remained on the wall for years. Whether literal or not, it symbolizes the reality of that inner war—evil isn’t out there only; it’s in here.
Quote – C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity:
Quote – C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity:
“No man knows how bad he is till he has tried very hard to be good.”
“No man knows how bad he is till he has tried very hard to be good.”
Application
Application
If you feel this battle inside you, you’re not a bad Christian—you’re a living one.
If you feel this battle inside you, you’re not a bad Christian—you’re a living one.
Sin doesn’t fight for corpses; it fights for captives being liberated.
Sin doesn’t fight for corpses; it fights for captives being liberated.
III. The Powerlessness of Self (vv. 21–23)
III. The Powerlessness of Self (vv. 21–23)
“So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand.”
“So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand.”
Explanation
Explanation
Paul describes a spiritual law of gravity—when he desires good, sin pulls downward.
Paul describes a spiritual law of gravity—when he desires good, sin pulls downward.
“I delight in the law of God, in my inner being” (v.22) – his mind loves righteousness.
“I delight in the law of God, in my inner being” (v.22) – his mind loves righteousness.
“But I see another law in my members, waging war” (v.23) – his flesh resists it.
“But I see another law in my members, waging war” (v.23) – his flesh resists it.
The word “waging war” (ἀντιστρατευόμενον) means an ongoing military campaign—it never fully stops this side of heaven.
The word “waging war” (ἀντιστρατευόμενον) means an ongoing military campaign—it never fully stops this side of heaven.
Cross-Refs:
Cross-Refs:
2 Corinthians 10:4 – “The weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh.”
2 Corinthians 10:4 – “The weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh.”
Ephesians 6:12 – “We wrestle not against flesh and blood.”
Ephesians 6:12 – “We wrestle not against flesh and blood.”
Illustration – Moral Story: The Tug-of-War Rope
Illustration – Moral Story: The Tug-of-War Rope
A pastor once said, “When I was lost, the rope was slack—sin just dragged me. Now that I’m saved, the rope’s tight, and I feel the pull.”
A pastor once said, “When I was lost, the rope was slack—sin just dragged me. Now that I’m saved, the rope’s tight, and I feel the pull.”
That’s the Christian life. The presence of struggle proves the presence of the Spirit.
That’s the Christian life. The presence of struggle proves the presence of the Spirit.
Quote – John Newton:
Quote – John Newton:
“I am not what I ought to be, I am not what I wish to be, but by the grace of God, I am not what I was.”
“I am not what I ought to be, I am not what I wish to be, but by the grace of God, I am not what I was.”
Application
Application
You can’t fix your flesh; you can only crucify it daily.
You can’t fix your flesh; you can only crucify it daily.
Don’t rely on self-improvement—rely on the indwelling Spirit.
Don’t rely on self-improvement—rely on the indwelling Spirit.
IV. The Cry of the Heart (vv. 24–25)
IV. The Cry of the Heart (vv. 24–25)
“Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!”
“Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!”
Explanation
Explanation
“Wretched” (ταλαίπωρος) means exhausted, worn out by battle.
“Wretched” (ταλαίπωρος) means exhausted, worn out by battle.
Paul doesn’t ask what will deliver him—but who.
Paul doesn’t ask what will deliver him—but who.
The answer is a Person, not a program.
The answer is a Person, not a program.
Jesus Christ alone delivers from both guilt and slavery to sin.
Jesus Christ alone delivers from both guilt and slavery to sin.
Cross-Refs:
Cross-Refs:
Romans 8:1 – “There is therefore now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus.”
Romans 8:1 – “There is therefore now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus.”
2 Corinthians 3:17 – “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”
2 Corinthians 3:17 – “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”
Illustration – Historical: The Roman “Body of Death” Punishment
Illustration – Historical: The Roman “Body of Death” Punishment
In some ancient Roman executions, a murderer’s victim was tied to his body—hand to hand, face to face—until decay consumed both. Paul may be alluding to this practice: “Who will deliver me from this body of death?”
In some ancient Roman executions, a murderer’s victim was tied to his body—hand to hand, face to face—until decay consumed both. Paul may be alluding to this practice: “Who will deliver me from this body of death?”
Only Christ severs the corpse of the old man from the soul of the new.
Only Christ severs the corpse of the old man from the soul of the new.
Quote – Charles Spurgeon:
Quote – Charles Spurgeon:
“A believer may be known by his inward warfare as well as by his outward peace.”
“A believer may be known by his inward warfare as well as by his outward peace.”
Application
Application
Don’t despair when the war rages—your cry for deliverance is proof of life.
Don’t despair when the war rages—your cry for deliverance is proof of life.
The same grace that saved you will sustain you until sin’s presence is gone forever.
The same grace that saved you will sustain you until sin’s presence is gone forever.
Conclusion – The Struggle and the Savior
Conclusion – The Struggle and the Savior
Romans 7 reminds us:
Romans 7 reminds us:
The Law reveals sin.
The Law reveals sin.
The flesh resists righteousness.
The flesh resists righteousness.
The self is powerless.
The self is powerless.
Christ alone delivers.
Christ alone delivers.
Quote – D.L. Moody:
Quote – D.L. Moody:
“A holy life will make the deepest impression. Lighthouses blow no horns; they just shine.”
“A holy life will make the deepest impression. Lighthouses blow no horns; they just shine.”
Final Reflection
Final Reflection
The Christian life is not the absence of struggle; it’s the presence of victory in the midst of it.
The Christian life is not the absence of struggle; it’s the presence of victory in the midst of it.
If you find yourself saying, “I’m tired of fighting this battle,” take heart—you’re fighting on the winning side.
If you find yourself saying, “I’m tired of fighting this battle,” take heart—you’re fighting on the winning side.
Final Line:
Final Line:
“Sin may still shout, but grace still speaks louder.”
“Sin may still shout, but grace still speaks louder.”
