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NASB | Romans 7:19 For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Romans 7:19 For the good that I want to do, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want. |
Subject: Paul's evil practices Pre or PostJesus |
Bible Note: Tim: How do you factor in the mind/flesh distinction that Paul makes in Romans 7. Also, what about the fact that Paul is using the present tense in Romans 7:15 ff.? It is not characteristic of Paul to describe his unregenerate state using the present tense in his other epistles. Also, regarding Romans 6, Paul declares that the Christian has been set free from sin. However, at the same time he tells believers not to let sin reign in their mortal bodies. There is that Pauline paradox we love so much! If it is possible for a believer to let sin reign, it would seem logical that a struggle between the "inner man" and "the flesh" would not be foreign to the Christian at all. Lastly, what do you make of Pauls statement that "But if I do the very thing I do not want to do, I agree with the Law, confessing that the Law is good. So now, no longer am I the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me"? (Romans 7:16-17) He is distinguishing between himself and his indwelling sin. How do you factor that in? Does not his desire to please God and his love for the law point to the fact that he indeed is a believer at this point? Your ever-friendly, but frequently dissenting brother, --Joe! |