Romans 7:22

Context

Romans 7:22 is a pivotal verse within Paul's deeply introspective and often debated discussion in Romans chapter 7. This chapter explores the ongoing struggle within the believer concerning sin and the Law. Paul, speaking either from his own experience as a regenerate believer or illustrating the experience of a person under the Law, highlights a profound paradox: while the Law is good and spiritual, human nature (the "flesh") is weak and prone to sin. Verse 22 specifically reveals the spiritual dichotomy where the true believer, having been renewed by God, genuinely desires to obey God's commands, even as they contend with the persistent pull of sinful desires. It sets the stage for the glorious resolution found in Romans 8, which emphasizes freedom in Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit.

Key Themes

• The Believer's Dual Nature: The verse sharply distinguishes between the "inward man" and the sinful nature (often referred to as "the flesh" in this chapter, as in Romans 7:18). The "inward man" represents the regenerated spirit, the new creation in Christ, which is aligned with God's will.
• Delight in God's Law: This is a powerful statement. Despite the struggle with sin, the believer's true, spiritual self finds genuine joy and agreement with God's righteous standards. This delight is not a burdensome legalism but a profound appreciation for divine holiness and justice, a characteristic of a heart transformed by grace.
• Spiritual Conflict and Sanctification: The verse underscores the reality of spiritual warfare within the Christian life. The delight in the law from the "inward man" stands in stark contrast to the warring principle of sin that Paul describes just a few verses later (Romans 7:23). This tension is a hallmark of the sanctification process, where believers are progressively made more like Christ.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "inward man" translates the Greek ho esō anthrōpos (ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος). This term refers to the spiritual, inner being of a person, the part that has been renewed and illuminated by God's Spirit. It contrasts sharply with the outward, physical, and often sin-inclined nature. The word "delight" comes from the Greek synēdomai (συνήδομαι), which means to "rejoice with" or "take pleasure with." It implies a deep, internal agreement and affinity, indicating that the believer's core identity, now aligned with God, fully approves and loves His holy Law, even when the fallen nature struggles to obey.

Practical Application

Romans 7:22 offers great comfort and insight for believers today. It validates the common experience of internal conflict, assuring us that having a desire to obey God's Word, even while struggling with sin, is a sign of true faith, not its absence. This verse reminds us that:

• The Struggle is Real, But So is the New Nature: It's normal for believers to feel a tension between their desire to do good and the lingering pull of sin. This verse affirms that your "inward man" truly delights in God, a testament to His transforming work within you.
• God's Law is Good: We should not view God's commandments as oppressive, but as a reflection of His perfect character and a guide for flourishing. Our delight in it should grow as we mature in faith.
• Hope in Christ: While this verse highlights the struggle, it implicitly points to the solution found in Jesus Christ. The power to overcome the "law of sin" (mentioned in Romans 7:23) comes not from our own strength but through the Holy Spirit's enablement, as elaborated in Romans 8:2. Focus on nurturing your "inward man" through prayer, Scripture, and reliance on the Spirit.