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1. Our Failure in Overcoming the Power of Sin – v. 24a
   
   
1. In this verse Paul laments his repeated failure and frailty in the face of sin.
2. Throughout this chapter, Paul laments the powerful struggle that occurs with the flesh.
3. Some argue about to whom this sections refers – but it is clear that the person described herein is an individual with great spiritual sensitivities – a characteristic of someone who has been quickened by God.
4. The more mature a believer is in Christ, the more sensitive they become to their sinfulness because they gain an increased understanding of God’s perfect righteousness.
5. It is the immature legalist that tends to live under the delusion that he is able to measure up to the righteous standards of God.
6. Consequently, he declares: "O wretched man that I am!"
1. This is not some feigned expression of self-deprecation – it is an honest appraisal based on His awareness of the perfect standard of righteousness demanded by God.
2. The conditions of his wretchedness are given to us:
1. He is in bondage to sin – cp.v. 14
2. He is totally devoid of any genuine self-righteousness – cp.v. 18
3. He is characterized by sinful indulgence – cpv. 21
3. He clearly perceived his sinfulness in direct proportion to his discovery of the holiness of God and His law – cp. Psalm 130:1-5
   
   
2. Our Frustration with the Presence of Sin – v. 24b
   
   
1. Paul then continues his lament by asking a question: "Who will set me free from the body of this death?"
2. "Set … free" (literally "rescue") – carries the idea of a soldier rushing to the aid of a wounded comrade fallen on the battlefield.
3. "from the body of this death" – refers to the current limitation that he knows in constantly being overwhelmed by sin and the failure to keep the law of God – cp. vv. 9-13.
4. He understood that as long as He is his body, he would struggle with the flesh (or sin principle) – and he longs to be disencumbered by such a lurid and lecherous condition - cp. Romans 8:23; 2 Corinthians 5:4
5. Tradition says that an ancient tribe near Tarsus tied the corpse of a murder victim to its murderer, allowing its spreading decay to slowly infect and execute the murderer—perhaps that is the image Paul has in mind.
6. In great frustration he asks the question that all quickened sinners know: "Who [and when] will rescue me from the body of this death?"
   
   

1. Our Future Deliverance Is Assured
   
   
1. In immediate response to his quest, Paul affirms that there is no question that our future deliverance is certain: "Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!"
2. Our hope of deliverance is something that remains future – the ultimate victory "when death is swallowed up in victory." – cp. 1 Corinthians 15:54
3. Here in Romans 7, we see that this assurance is provided by two important features:
1. It is assured on the basis of its origin – "Thanks be to God …"
2. It is assured on the basis of the work of Christ – "… through Jesus Christ our Lord."
4. This rescue is something still future in that we continue to struggle with the flesh – cp. "will deliver" of v. 24.
5. This addresses the issue of the element of our sanctification that has yet to be realized:
1. Positional Sanctification – we have already been delivered from the penalty of sin – Romans 8:1
2. Progressive Sanctification - we are currently being delivered from the power of sin – Romans 6:12-14
3. Perfect Sanctification - We will someday be delivered from the presence of sin itself – 1 John 3:2
6. It is in this final stage – also called glorification – that Paul’s rescue is cited.
   
   
2. Our Faithful Determination Is Admonished
   
   
1. Paul follows up on this assurance by indicating that his purpose is to remain faithful through the struggle.
2. He says "so then, on the one hand I myself with my mind am serving the law of God, but on the other, with my flesh the law of sin."
3. He acknowledges that it is going to be hard – and that he will be constantly tormented by the presence of sin.

1. The Foretaste of Victory over Sin
   
   
1. Paul’s reference to victory over sin remains a future, assured hope here in Romans 7.
2. However, in 1 Corinthians 15 there is a present tense reference to the victory that we possess through the Lord Jesus Christ: "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." – cp. Romans 8:1-3
3. What we cannot do for ourselves – or ever could – Christ Jesus has done for us – He lived without sin, triumphing over sin and death and now lives to free sinners from the dominion of sin – cp. Hebrews 2:14-15; Galatians 5:1
4. This freedom comes solely from the work of Christ – cp. 2 Corinthians 5:14-17.
   
   
2. The Feasibility of Victory over Sin
   
   
1. This work of the Spirit is certain to prevail – cp. Philippians 1:6
2. Thus, the Spirit of God wages war against the flesh – Galatians 5:16-18, 24
3. It is a hopeless task unless we are in Christ Jesus, who won the victory for us and indwelled by the Holy Spirit – cp. Romans 8:9
4. This is the only hope we have of glory – Christ in us delivering us safely – cp. Colossians 1:27
5. The Holy Spirit serves as our "earnest" or down-payment of our ultimate inheritance – cp. Ephesians 1:13-14.

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