NOTES for Rom 7:13-25
Who would not agree with these words of the apostle? It is rare to meet someone who acts for the sake of evil as such. Our actions are more readily described by the rule, “We meant well, but it turned out as it always does.” The universality of the law formulated by Paul offers no comfort; observing oneself, one risks falling into despair. And what does Paul do? He writes, “Thanks be to 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.
Besides everything this text tells us directly, after reading it we can no longer excuse our inaction or lack of faith by appealing to weakness and “Paul's law.” For the apostle Paul is like this too; here he is writing about himself personally. The man who became the apostle to the Gentiles, a teacher, a spiritual shepherd, and an example to follow is afflicted by the same infirmities as we are. Remembering this, we can accomplish a great deal even without becoming apostles to the Gentiles.