What does Romans 7:15 mean?

Explanation

Romans 7:15 is a confession of the inner conflict and struggle that the apostle Paul faces between his desires as a converted Christian and his human nature that is susceptible to sin.

In this verse, Paul articulates the paradox of his experience, his inability to perform what he knows is right and his proclivity to do what he detests.

The verse reflects not just a personal battle but an illustration of the broader human condition. Paul recognizes that although he wishes to do good, he often ends up acting contrary to his own moral intentions.

Historical Context

The verse is part of Paul's Epistle to the Romans, a letter written to early Christians in Rome, likely composed around AD 57.

Romans 7 falls within a section where Paul discusses the role of the law (Torah) in defining sin and the new life that believers can live through the Spirit.

Paul uses a rhetorical style that reflects the struggle between the "old self" bound under the law and the "new self" under grace, representing the transformative experience of Christian conversion and sanctification.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse highlights several key concepts:

• The Doctrine of Sin: Paul's statement exemplifies the Christian teaching of human fallibility and the natural inclination to sin (referred to as "concupiscence" in some traditions).
• The Law and Grace: It underlines the limitations of the Mosaic Law to bring about righteousness and points toward the need for God's grace through Jesus Christ.
• The Inner Conflict: The verse is often understood to epitomize the Christian struggle of the "flesh" vs. the "spirit" and highlights the necessity of divine assistance in the Christian's sanctification process.

Different Christian traditions interpret this struggle in various ways, with some viewing it as a pre-conversion experience while others see it as an ongoing condition of the Christian life.

Practical Applications

For contemporary believers, Romans 7:15 offers a sobering reminder of the continuous struggle against sin and the importance of relying on God's grace.

It encourages self-awareness and humility in acknowledging one's weaknesses and the indispensability of spiritual disciplines, such as prayer and community support, for personal growth and overcoming inherent sinful tendencies.

Cross-References

• Romans 7:18-19 - "For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.

For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do."

• Galatians 5:17 - "For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would."
• Romans 8:7 - "Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the key words are as follows:

• "do" (κατεργάζομαι, katergazomai): to work out, to perform effectively.
• "allow" (γινώσκω, ginōskō): to know, to approve, or to understand.
• "would" (θέλω, thelō): to will, to have the intention.
• "hate" (μισέω, miseō): to hate, detest.

Paul's choice of words conveys a sense of ongoing action and internal conflict between his conscious intentions and unconscious actions.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

This verse, with its acknowledgment of internal moral conflict, bears some resemblance to teachings found in other religious and philosophical traditions.

For instance, in some interpretations of Hinduism and Buddhism, there is an understanding of the struggle between higher and lower desires, a concept somewhat akin to Paul's depiction of the struggle between spirit and flesh.

Scientific Perspectives

Contemporary psychological research echoes similar conflicts in human behavior, such as the incongruence between one's values and actions, often explored through cognitive dissonance theory.

While secular explanations may focus on behavioral, biological, or psychological factors, Romans 7:15 can provide a spiritual dimension to understanding internal conflicts.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians have offered various insights into Romans 7:15:

• Traditional Commentators: Generally see this as Paul's description of his Christian struggle, demonstrating the need for sanctifying grace.
• Reformed Perspectives: Many emphasize the ongoing battle with sin even for the regenerate and the importance of the Holy Spirit's work for victory in this struggle.
• New Perspective on Paul: Scholars within this framework might focus more on the corporate aspects of sin and the law rather than just individual moral struggle.
• Psychological Interpretations: Some modern commentaries may explore Paul's introspective awareness as indicative of the psychological complexities in human moral behavior.