Romans 7:19

Romans 7:19 (KJV) encapsulates a profound and often relatable struggle within the human experience, particularly for those striving to live righteously. The Apostle Paul candidly expresses the paradox of his will: "For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do." This verse speaks to the persistent internal conflict between one's desires for good and the reality of succumbing to sin, a challenge faced by many in their spiritual journey.

Context

This verse is part of a larger, deeply introspective section in Romans Chapter 7 (verses 14-25), where Paul explores the intricate relationship between the Law, sin, and the believer. He clarifies that the Law itself is good and holy, but it reveals sin and, in fact, highlights humanity's inherent inability to perfectly obey it. Paul uses his own experience to illustrate this tension, describing himself as "carnal, sold under sin" (Romans 7:14). His struggle is not with a lack of understanding or desire for righteousness, but with an inherent power of sin that resides within, leading to actions contrary to his deepest intentions and moral convictions.

Key Themes

• Inner Conflict: The verse vividly portrays the ongoing battle within a person who desires to do what is right but finds themselves doing what they know is wrong. This is often understood as the spiritual struggle between the regenerated spirit and the lingering sinful nature, frequently termed the "flesh."
• Human Inability: It underscores the truth that mere willpower, self-discipline, or adherence to a moral code (like the Mosaic Law) is insufficient to overcome the pervasive power of sin. Humanity, left to its own devices, cannot consistently live up to its own highest ideals or God's perfect standard.
• The Pervasiveness of Sin: Paul attributes this failure not to his conscious will, but to "sin that dwelleth in me" (Romans 7:17). This highlights sin as a powerful, indwelling force that corrupts even good intentions and influences behavior.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV uses "would" which translates the Greek word thelō (θέλω), meaning "to will, to desire, to intend." The contrast is stark between this internal desire or intention and the external action, expressed by poiéō (ποιέω) for "do" (in the sense of performing an act) and prássō (πράσσω) for "practice" or "do" (in the sense of habitual action). Paul's confession emphasizes that his desire or intention is for good, but his actual performance or practice often deviates towards evil. This distinction between a pure intent and a flawed execution is central to understanding the internal wrestling match described.

Practical Application

Romans 7:19 offers immense comfort and understanding to believers who experience similar internal struggles against temptation and sin. It validates the reality of the ongoing spiritual battle and reminds us that even the Apostle Paul, a giant of the faith, wrestled with his sinful nature. This passage does not leave us without hope, however. It serves as a crucial bridge to the solution found in Romans Chapter 8, where Paul declares freedom from condemnation for those in Christ Jesus and empowerment by the Holy Spirit to overcome the flesh. Understanding this verse fosters humility, encourages a deeper dependence on God's grace, and points us to the liberating power of the Holy Spirit to empower us to live according to our regenerate desires, rather than being enslaved by old sinful patterns.