The meaning of Romans 7 is controversial. The correct understanding of this chapter goes a long way toward clarifying many misconceptions regarding the Christian life. Many believe this chapter simply describes the normal Christian experience. I'm afraid that is often so. However this is due to an incorrect understanding of how we should relate to God which translates into a flawed experience.
Romans 7 is characterized by the statement in verse 15; "For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do". This results from the frustration of trying to do right simply through a changed mind rather than a heart changed by grace. "That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit" (Jn 3:6). The person in Romans 7 wants to do right but continues to live in an old covenant moral atmosphere that actually saps and distorts ones motivation. That leaves them resorting primarily to the will, or looking for some sort of magical power that can be appropriated by faith. The results are the frustrating cry: "O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?"
The individual in Romans 7 is a carnal or fleshly Christian. That is one who has, indeed, been converted but does not live through spiritual, (resting in God's love and care) but fleshly power (using the will, law, and having an old covenant relationship to God).
For those who hold to the view that this is the normal Christian life, let's take a closer look at the facts. We will compare the before spirituality of Romans 7 with the after, Romans 8.
Paul accedes to that fact in 7:14, that he is a carnal Christian stating, "I am carnal, sold under sin". Now the appropriate status of a Christian is not "sold under sin" but "free from the law of sin" (Rm 8:2). In Romans 7:18, the fleshly Christian states; "to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good [law] I do not find". But in Romans 8:4 it states; "that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us". The fleshly Christian is brought "into captivity to the law of sin" (7:23). The spiritual, is "free from the law of sin" (8:2).
The fleshly Christian lives by the will and knowledge of the
love of God that has not been translated into a truly healthy experience. This
is due to their failure to switch covenants. The spiritual Christian is empowered
as he experiences life through the new covenant and rests in God's care. The
covenant you live in will determine your experience.
Copyright Patrick Fagenstrom, 10/03: edited 12/05