Romans 7:14-25 - by Don Neuendorf
"We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin... Who will rescue me from this body of death?"
People often debate "difficult" parts of Scripture. They might find it hard to believe miracles, or hard to understand concepts like the Trinity. I have spent years trying to help people see the truth and trustworthiness of God's Word. But in these verses there are two words that even I have trouble with. "We know..."
I beg to differ with the apostle. He is being very gracious here, but it seems like a polite fiction to me. Even among his audience, the Roman Christians, I strongly suspect that his words were not *strictly* true.
"We" know? On the contrary, we, that is most believers, seem quite ready to view the law as very earth-bound and conditional - not spiritual. And we are even more ready to disagree with his next phrase, that we ourselves are unspiritual.
"How can the law be spiritual when it's all about our earthly behavior? On the other hand, how can I be called unspiritual? Sure, I do sinful things. Sure, I have some earthly lusts and desires. But I have these soaring spiritual feelings! I FEEL close to God!"
Paul understands reality - but we often do not. He says that he (and by implication that includes us) is a slave to sin. We are so accustomed to our chains that we scarcely notice them. In fact, we are prone to perceive the responsibilities of freedom as a heavier chain than the comforting familiarity of sin's shackles.
And here is a critical truth. Until we recognize that we are slaves to sin, we will never be free. Christ's death can break the prison bars, but we will not walk out of the cell.
"We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual." Oh Lord, let this be true of us - that we too would know that your law is spiritual, eternal, perfect - and that we would know that we are unspiritual, slaves to sin, and in need of your mercy. And then Lord, let us find your mercy. Amen.