Romans 7:14-25
CONNELL MARK STEVEN (CONNELLMS@dlu.edu)
Fri, 25 Oct 1996 23:57:30 -0500 (CDT)
I know that we are getting away from the greek on this passage and more into an
interpretation, but could it be that Paul is describing life for those outside
of Christ? It appears the context is set in Rom. 6:1 and that this is a
continuation of an answer to Paul's question of continuing in sin so that grace
may abound. This cannot be describing the experience of a christian as
christians are no longer a "slave to the sinful nature" (Rom.6:6, 7:4, 6:14).
Is not the direct context for this passage found in 7:5, OTE GAR NMEV EV TN
SARKI, "FOR WHEN WE WERE IN THE FLESH"? I find it difficult to believe that one
who is "in Christ Jesus"(8:1) would view sin with the hopeless attitude found in
the final verse of the passage (v7:24). It seems that only when one is a slave
to sin would this be the attitude. Those in Christ acknowledge their sin
(1 John 1:8-9) and have hope because of Christ. Chapter 6 sets up the argument
that one is dead to the sinful nature and is no longer mastered by sin (6:14).
Chapter 7 gives the hopelessness found in continuing to attempt to be
justified by law (7:24). Chapter 8 contrasts that with the hopefulness that is
found in being "in Christ."