NOTES for Rom 7:18-25

Who is not ready to endorse these words of the apostle? It is rare to meet a person who acts for the sake of evil itself. Our actions can more readily be described by the rule, “We meant well, but things turned out as usual.” The universality of the law identified by Paul offers no comfort; when observing oneself, one risks falling into despair. And what does Paul do? He writes, “I thank my God through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Once again, the way out is given to us only through the perfect man Jesus, in whom both mind and flesh serve God’s law.

In addition to everything this text tells us directly, after reading it we can no longer justify our inaction or lack of faith by weakness and “Paul’s law.” For the apostle Paul is like this too; here he writes about himself personally. The man who became the apostle to the Gentiles, a teacher, a spiritual shepherd, and an example to imitate is afflicted by the same ailments as we are. Remembering this, one can manage to do a great deal even without becoming an apostle to the Gentiles.