Book of Romans - Chapter 7 - Verse 20

When the Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 7:20, "Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me," he was expressing the internal struggle that many Christians face between their desire to do what is right and the temptation to sin. Paul acknowledges that even when he strives to do good, he still finds himself succumbing to sin. In this verse, he is highlighting the distinction between his true self, which desires to follow God's will, and the sinful nature that resides within him due to the fall of humanity.

This passage serves as a reminder that as believers, we are engaged in a spiritual battle against the forces of evil that seek to lead us astray. It is a recognition of the ongoing struggle between our fleshly desires and our commitment to living a holy and righteous life. By acknowledging the presence of sin within us, we are reminded of our constant need for God's grace and forgiveness. Through prayer, repentance, and reliance on the Holy Spirit, we can continue to grow in our faith and overcome the power of sin in our lives.

When examining the theological interpretation of Romans 7:20, it is important to understand the context in which the verse is situated. In this passage, the apostle Paul is discussing the internal struggle between the desires of the flesh and the desires of the spirit. The phrase "it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me" highlights the idea that as believers, we are often torn between our sinful nature and our desire to live a righteous life. This verse is often used to illustrate the concept of indwelling sin, which refers to the lingering presence of sin in the life of a Christian even after they have been redeemed by Christ.

Word studies of this verse can shed further light on its meaning. For example, the Greek word used for "dwell" in this passage is "oikeo," which implies a permanent residence. This suggests that sin has taken up residence within the believer, causing ongoing struggles and temptations. By delving into the original language, we can gain a deeper understanding of the power of sin in the life of a Christian and the constant need for reliance on God's grace and strength to overcome it.