Romans 7:25

KJV

I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.

KJV (with Strong's)

I thank {G2168} God {G2316} through {G1223} Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547} our {G2257} Lord {G2962}. So then {G686}{G3767} with the mind {G3563} I {G1473} myself {G846} serve {G3303}{G1398} the law {G3551} of God {G2316}; but {G1161} with the flesh {G4561} the law {G3551} of sin {G266}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Thanks be to God [, he will]! — through Yeshua the Messiah, our Lord!

To sum up: with my mind, I am a slave of God’s Torah; but with my old nature, I am a slave of sin’s “Torah.”

Berean Standard Bible

Thanks be to God, through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, with my mind I serve the law of God, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin.

American Standard Version

I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then I of myself with the mind, indeed, serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 7:25 serves as a pivotal declaration within Paul's profound discourse on the believer's struggle with sin and the Law, offering a triumphant exclamation of gratitude for deliverance found solely in Jesus Christ. It immediately follows Paul's cry of desperation, providing the divine answer to the internal conflict between the desire to obey God's law with the renewed mind and the persistent pull of the sinful nature, or "flesh," underscoring that while the tension remains, the ultimate victory and liberation are secured through Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 7:25 acts as the climactic resolution to the intense internal struggle described throughout the preceding verses of [Romans 7](/romans/7 "Romans 7 - The Struggle with Sin and the Law"). Paul has meticulously laid out the Law's holy and good nature, yet demonstrated its inability to provide life or overcome sin's power within fallen humanity. He personifies sin as an indwelling force, using the Law to provoke transgression and bring about death ([Romans 7:7-13](/romans/7-7-13 "Romans 7:7-13 - The Law and Sin")). The agonizing paradox of desiring to do good but finding evil present culminates in his desperate cry in [Romans 7:24](/romans/7-24 "Romans 7:24 - Paul's Cry of Wretchedness"), setting the stage for the immediate and glorious answer provided in verse 25. This verse also functions as a crucial bridge, transitioning from the futility of self-effort under the Law to the liberating power of the Holy Spirit, which is the central theme of [Romans 8](/romans/8 "Romans 8 - Life in the Spirit").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's audience in Rome included both Jewish and Gentile believers. For the Jewish Christians, the concept of the Law (Torah) was central to their identity and relationship with God. Paul's argument in [Romans 7](/romans/7 "Romans 7 - The Law and the Believer") would have challenged their understanding of the Law's role in sanctification, emphasizing that while the Law reveals sin, it cannot conquer it. For Gentiles, who were not under the Mosaic Law, Paul's explanation of the universal human struggle with sin and the need for a divine deliverer would have resonated. The cultural context of the Roman Empire, with its emphasis on Stoic philosophy and self-mastery, contrasts sharply with Paul's assertion that true freedom from sin's dominion comes not from human willpower but from a divine intervention through Christ. The "flesh" (sarx) in Pauline thought often refers to the fallen human nature, not merely the physical body, a concept crucial for understanding the internal battle.
* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several profound themes that permeate Paul's letter to the Romans. Foremost is the theme of **Deliverance and Gratitude**, as Paul's immediate expression of thanks points to Jesus Christ as the sole source of salvation and freedom from the dominion of sin, answering the desperate plea of [Romans 7:24](/romans/7-24 "Romans 7:24 - The Wretched Man's Cry"). It highlights the **Ongoing Spiritual Battle** within the believer, as the latter part of the verse, "So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin," acknowledges the reality of the believer's dual nature. The renewed mind, illuminated by the Spirit, desires to obey God's righteous standards, while the "flesh," representing the unredeemed sinful nature still present, continues to incline towards disobedience. This tension is a hallmark of the Christian's sanctification journey, further explored in passages like [Galatians 5:17](/galatians/5-17 "Galatians 5:17 - Flesh vs. Spirit"). Ultimately, the verse affirms **Victory in Christ**, asserting that despite the reality of the struggle, the decisive victory over sin's condemnation is secured through Christ, setting the stage for the glorious declaration in [Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **thank (Greek, _eucharistéō'_):** From G2168, meaning "to be grateful, i.e. (actively) to express gratitude (towards); specially, to say grace at a meal." Paul's immediate "I thank God" is a spontaneous outburst of profound gratitude, indicating that the answer to his desperate cry in the previous verse is not a future hope but a present reality, rooted in Christ's finished work. It signifies a deep-seated appreciation for divine intervention and deliverance.
* **serve (Greek, _douleúō'_):** From G1398, meaning "to be a slave to (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary); be in bondage, (do) serve(-ice)." This word emphasizes a state of being bound or devoted to. When Paul states "with the mind I myself serve the law of God," it implies a willing and intentional submission to God's righteous standards, driven by the renewed intellect. Conversely, "with the flesh the law of sin" indicates the persistent, albeit no longer dominant, inclination of the unredeemed nature to be enslaved to sin.
* **flesh (Greek, _sárx'_):** From G4561, referring to "flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e. (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or as the symbol of what is external, or as the means of kindred), or (by implication) human nature (with its frailties (physically or morally) and passions), or (specially), a human being (as such)." In Pauline theology, _sarx_ often transcends mere physicality to denote the fallen, unregenerate human nature, prone to sin and hostile to God, apart from the Spirit's work. It represents the "old self" or the sinful principle that remains even in the believer, though its dominion is broken.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord."**: This opening clause is a triumphant declaration of gratitude, immediately following Paul's anguished cry in [Romans 7:24](/romans/7-24 "Romans 7:24 - The Wretched Man's Cry"). It reveals the ultimate source of deliverance from the "body of this death"—not human effort, willpower, or adherence to the Law, but the saving grace and power of God mediated uniquely through Jesus Christ. This phrase serves as the definitive answer to the profound spiritual dilemma Paul has just described, shifting the focus from the problem to the solution.
* **"So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God;"**: This clause introduces the ongoing reality of the believer's experience. "So then" (Greek: _ara oun_) indicates a logical conclusion or summation. The "mind" (Greek: _nous_) refers to the intellect, the faculty of understanding and moral judgment, which in the believer has been renewed and enlightened by the Holy Spirit. With this renewed mind, the believer genuinely desires and endeavors to obey God's holy and righteous Law, aligning their will with divine standards. This signifies a fundamental shift in allegiance and intention.
* **"but with the flesh the law of sin."**: This final clause presents the stark contrast and the persistent internal tension. "But" (Greek: _dé_) introduces an adversative element. "Flesh" (Greek: _sarx_) here refers to the unredeemed aspect of human nature, the sinful principle that still indwells the believer, even though its power to condemn and dominate has been broken. This "flesh" continues to incline towards disobedience, operating under the "law of sin," which is the inherent propensity to rebel against God's will. This acknowledges the reality of the ongoing spiritual battle within the Christian, even after conversion.

#### Literary Devices
Romans 7:25 employs several key literary devices to convey its profound theological message. The most prominent is **Antithesis**, seen in the stark contrast between "with the mind I myself serve the law of God" and "but with the flesh the law of sin." This juxtaposition highlights the internal conflict within the believer, emphasizing the dual allegiances or inclinations that coexist. Paul also uses **Personification** indirectly by referring to "the law of sin," treating sin not merely as an act but as a powerful, governing principle that exerts influence. The phrase "I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord" functions as a powerful **Exclamation** and **Apostrophe**, a sudden, passionate outburst of gratitude directed towards God, providing an immediate and dramatic answer to the preceding lament. This rhetorical shift from despair to praise underscores the decisive nature of Christ's intervention.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 7:25 is a crucial theological statement that affirms both the reality of the believer's internal struggle with sin and the absolute sufficiency of Christ for deliverance. It teaches that while the regenerate mind delights in God's law and desires to obey, the residual "flesh" (the sinful nature) continues to exert a pull towards disobedience. This tension is not a sign of a lack of salvation but a characteristic of the sanctification process in this fallen world. Crucially, Paul's immediate expression of thanks points to the truth that the victory over sin's dominion and condemnation is not achieved through human willpower or legalistic striving, but through the finished work of Jesus Christ. This verse sets the stage for the glorious truths of [Romans 8](/romans/8 "Romans 8 - Life in the Spirit"), where the Holy Spirit's empowering presence enables believers to walk in newness of life, fulfilling the righteous requirements of the Law.

* [Romans 8:1-4](/romans/8-1-4 "Romans 8:1-4 - No Condemnation and Life in the Spirit")
* [Galatians 5:16-17](/galatians/5-16-17 "Galatians 5:16-17 - Walk by the Spirit")
* [Philippians 3:12-14](/philippians/3-12-14 "Philippians 3:12-14 - Pressing On Toward the Goal")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 7:25 offers profound comfort and practical guidance for every believer who experiences the persistent internal struggle with sin. It validates the reality of this conflict, assuring us that the tension between desiring to do good and the pull towards evil is a normal part of the Christian life, not an indication of spiritual failure or a lack of genuine faith. This verse powerfully redirects our gaze from our own inadequacy to the all-sufficient grace of God found in Jesus Christ. It reminds us that our deliverance from sin's power and condemnation is not dependent on our perfect performance or self-mastery, but on Christ's completed work on the cross. Therefore, when we feel the frustration of our own weaknesses, our response should be one of gratitude and renewed reliance on Christ, not despair. We are called to continually acknowledge our dependence on Him, allowing the Holy Spirit to empower our renewed minds to serve God's law, even as we acknowledge the lingering presence of the flesh. This perspective fosters humility, fuels prayer, and deepens our appreciation for the ongoing work of sanctification.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Paul's immediate transition from "wretched man" to "I thank God" challenge or affirm your understanding of spiritual struggle and victory?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you most acutely feel the tension between serving "the law of God" with your mind and the pull of "the law of sin" with your flesh?**
* **How does understanding that deliverance comes "through Jesus Christ our Lord" impact your approach to battling personal sin and pursuing holiness?**

### FAQ
**Does Romans 7:25 imply that believers are still enslaved to sin?**

Answer: No, Romans 7:25 does not imply that believers are still enslaved to sin in the same way they were before conversion. Paul's initial declaration, "I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord," is the triumphant answer to the question of deliverance from the "body of this death" ([Romans 7:24](/romans/7-24 "Romans 7:24 - Paul's Cry of Wretchedness")). This signifies that the believer has been set free from sin's dominion and condemnation. However, the latter part of the verse, "So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin," acknowledges the ongoing reality of the internal conflict. While the believer's ultimate allegiance and the orientation of their renewed mind are towards God's law, the "flesh" (the unredeemed sinful nature) still exists and exerts a pull. This is a struggle, not a state of slavery. The victory is secured in Christ, and [Romans 8:2](/romans/8-2 "Romans 8:2 - The Law of the Spirit of Life") clarifies that "the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 7:25 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate answer to humanity's desperate plight under the dominion of sin. Paul's exclamation, "I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord," immediately follows his cry of wretchedness, declaring Christ as the sole deliverer from the "body of this death" ([Romans 7:24](/romans/7-24 "Romans 7:24 - Paul's Cry of Wretchedness")). Jesus, through His perfect obedience, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, broke the power of sin and the Law's condemnation, fulfilling the righteous requirements of the Law on our behalf ([Romans 8:3-4](/romans/8-3-4 "Romans 8:3-4 - God Did What the Law Could Not Do")). He is the one who enables the renewed "mind" to genuinely serve the law of God, not by human effort, but by the indwelling Spirit He provides ([Romans 8:9-11](/romans/8-9-11 "Romans 8:9-11 - The Spirit Dwells in You")). While the "flesh" continues to wage war, Christ's victory ensures that it no longer holds ultimate dominion over the believer ([Romans 6:14](/romans/6-14 "Romans 6:14 - Sin Shall Not Have Dominion")). Thus, Romans 7:25 points us not to our own strength or struggle, but to the finished work and ongoing power of Christ as the source of our deliverance, sanctification, and ultimate triumph over sin.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.

Galatians 5:24

And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

Colossians 3:17

And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, [do] all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

2 Corinthians 12:9

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

2 Corinthians 12:10

Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

1 Peter 2:5

Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

Isaiah 49:13

¶ Sing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth; and break forth into singing, O mountains: for the LORD hath comforted his people, and will have mercy upon his afflicted.