Romans 7:16

Romans 7:16 (KJV) continues Paul's profound exploration of the human condition under the Law, highlighting a crucial aspect of the internal struggle against sin.

Context

This verse is part of Paul's famous discussion in Romans 7, often considered a personal wrestling match with the power of sin, even for a believer. Paul describes a person who desires to do good but finds themselves doing what they hate. This passage sets the stage for the glorious freedom found in Christ in Romans 8. The immediate context of Romans 7:15 shows the 'I' doing what 'I would not,' leading directly into the affirmation of the Law's goodness in verse 16.

Key Themes and Messages

• The Law's Goodness: Despite the internal conflict, the verse unequivocally states that the Law is good. The problem is not with God's perfect standard, but with humanity's fallen nature.
• Internal Consent to Righteousness: When a person recognizes that their actions are contrary to what they desire to do (which is good), they implicitly agree with the Law's condemnation of their actions. This internal assent validates the Law's moral authority and righteousness.
• Human Inability: The verse underscores humanity's inherent weakness and inability to perfectly keep God's commands in their own strength, even when they desire to. This struggle reveals the depth of sin's power.

Linguistic Insights

The key phrase, "I consent unto the law that [it is] good," uses the Greek word symphēmi (συνφημι), which means "to speak with," "to agree with," or "to assent to." It signifies an internal acknowledgment and agreement with the Law's inherent goodness and righteousness. It's not a grudging admission but an internal affirmation that the Law's demands are just, even if one cannot perfectly fulfill them.

Related Scriptures

• This verse builds on the idea expressed in Romans 7:12, which declares, "Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good."
• The struggle described here highlights the Law's role in revealing sin, as stated in Romans 3:20: "by the law is the knowledge of sin."
• This internal battle between what one wants to do and what one actually does foreshadows the solution found in Romans 8:1, where there is "no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus."
• The conflict between the flesh and the Spirit is also a central theme in Galatians 5:17, "For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh."

Practical Application

Romans 7:16 offers comfort and understanding for anyone who experiences internal conflict between their desire to do right and their struggle with sin. It teaches that:

• The Problem is Not God's Law: Our struggles are not a reflection of a flawed divine standard, but of our own fallen nature.
• Self-Awareness is Key: Recognizing our inability to perfectly obey in our own strength is the first step towards seeking divine help.
• Points to Grace: This verse beautifully sets the stage for the overwhelming need for God's grace and the power of the Holy Spirit to empower believers to live righteously, which is fully expounded upon in Romans 8. It confirms that salvation and sanctification are not by human effort but by God's provision.