Thoughts on the Epistle to the Romans (125) - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2026

We know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin. For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practise; but what I hate, that I do.
Romans 7:14.15

Thoughts on the Epistle to the Romans (125)
In verse 12 Paul had drawn the conclusion that the God-given law is holy and "the commandment holy and just and good". He now summarises this truth, known by Christians generally, in the words, "the law is spiritual".

Then the apostle again uses the form of the first person to speak of practical experiences. In contrast to vv. 7-13 these are now expressed in the present tense. They are the experiences of someone who hates evil and loves and wishes to do what is good. This cannot be said of the unconverted. On the other hand, neither are these the normal experiences of Christians who have grasped salvation in all its scope. They are experiences known by God's children whose conscience places them under the law. Their many, varied feelings are here presented as the personal experiences of an individual.

Such disappointments as are described here commonly arise soon after conversion. The joy over forgiveness recedes into the background as one senses that, despite conversion, we are still in the flesh. Our deeds are determined by our sinful nature; we have been, as it were, sold as slaves to sin.

We do not approve of what we do; indeed, we hate it. But we do not find the strength to do what is good, although we want to.

(to be continued next Sunday)

Today's reading: Exodus 12:1-16 · Luke 5:12-16