Mastering Internal Chatter

The Law Is Spiritual: But I Am of Flesh- Romans 7
(7:14-16)

14 For we know that the Law is spiritual; but I am of flesh, sold into bondage to sin. 15 For that which 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 wish to do, I agree with the Law, confessing that it is good.

I AM OF FLESH

The Law is not Paul’s problem. Paul tells us that he is the problem. The Law is “spiritual,” and he is not. He is “of flesh.” His nature, by birth and by virtue of his union with Adam, is fallen. His fleshly nature is hostile toward God and friendly toward sin. Nothing good dwells in his flesh. His nature impairs not only his ability to comprehend the Law of God but inclines him to disobey it even if he did understand.

Paul’s flesh is in “bondage to sin” (verse 14). Because of this, the standards set by the Law are not met. Those things which the Law requires, Paul finds himself failing to do. Those things which the Law prohibits, Paul finds himself practicing. He does the very things he hates (verse 15). One thing can be learned from Paul’s confusing and chaotic condition and conduct: if not in his actions, at least in his attitude, Paul agrees with the Law of God, confessing it to be good (verse 16). Paul hates those sins which the Law condemns. Thus Paul is in agreement with the Law. Paul wishes to do what the Law commands. Paul is, once again, in fundamental agreement with the Law. Paul’s mind is in agreement with God’s Law, but his flesh is opposed to it. The Law is not the problem; Paul is.

The Source of the Problem Is Not Me, but Sin The only help is walking after the spirit of God..
(7:17-24)