Thoughts on the Epistle to the Romans (130) - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2026

O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 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.
Romans 7:24.25

Thoughts on the Epistle to the Romans (130)
Until now the "man" in this chapter has been looking at himself or at the law. But he cannot find the strength for a life that pleases God in himself, nor can the law provide it. Finally he feels totally powerless in face of sin and sees himself condemned by the law: "O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?"

Then, however, he starts to look for help, for rescue outside of himself. His glance immediately turns to God and to Christ. He no longer considers what he himself is for God, but what God is for him through Christ. Then he can thank God! Liberation has taken place long since - in the death of Jesus Christ.

A believer needs merely to grasp the fact in faith that he died with Christ as far as sin and the law are concerned. This elementary lesson and its liberating effects will be dealt with later in chapter 8.

The final sentence of chapter 7 shows that the two natures remain unchanged in us, even if the person in question has been freed from his mise­rable condition. With his mind , i.e. with the "inner man", he serves the law of God. It is not only his delight to do God's will, he also finds the power to serve. The flesh, however, the old nature, is incorrigible. And whenever the flesh becomes active, it leads to sin.

(to be continued next Sunday)

Today's reading: Exodus 30:1-16 · Luke 12:35-48