Proper 9: Epistle, Romans 7:14-25a                                 

Romans 7:14-25a 

Romans 7 is a wrestling match. And it’s not with two competitors, just one. Well, perhaps two within one. Paul points out three times in this short piece that first, “I am carnal, sold under sin” (v. 14). Then a bit later, “For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells” (v.18). Then Paul caps the section by exclaiming, “O wretched man that I am” (v.24).

First off, no one speaks or writes like this anymore. ALL our time is spent in social structures making the case for how blameless we are and how we “deserve a break today,” to cite the media tag that began our narcissistic slide 50 or so years ago. Those of ripe ages will remember. If you don’t, ask mom and dad, or grandparents.

Second, no one, none of us realize how really bad we are. And we are. To the core. Read Jeremiah 17:9. And if you have time read all of Jeremiah because there you will find the sure course of men and women who not only don’t realize the depth of their sin, but when hearing of it deny it in the strongest terms. We’re just the same.

Yes, Paul wrestles mightily in the seventh of Romans. But the winner isn’t Paul in the end. Paul’s enemy is pinned in the end by Another. There is one and only one Champion in the battle with sin. And we are His trophy. God be praised!