In Romans 7 the Apostle Paul writes of the frustration he had as a Christian. He found that this frustration was due to the ongoing conflict between the “Spirit of life in Christ Jesus” and its righteous nature within the believer’s spirit (cf. Romans 6-8), and the still ever-present “Sin (nature) in the flesh” (Rom 8:3b), which seems to overwhelm the believer’s good and righteous intentions.

Concerning the conflict between the old and new natures in the believer, Paul writes:

“For the desires of the (Sinful) flesh are opposed to the [Holy] Spirit, and the [desires of the] Spirit are opposed to the flesh (the godless human nature); for these are antagonistic to each other [continually withstanding and in conflict with each other], so that you are not free but are prevented from doing what you desire to do.” (Galatians 5:17 (AMP)

Paul’s writes here of his own personal experience in realizing a Sin nature dwelled IN his flesh.

“However, it is no longer I who do the (sinful) deed, but the SIN [as the fallen nature] which is at home IN me (my flesh) and has possession of me.

²² For I endorse and delight in the Law of God in my soul’s mind [according to my new nature]. ²³ But I discern IN my bodily members [IN the sensitive appetites and wills of the flesh] a different law (rule of action) at war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner to the law of sin that dwells IN my bodily organs [in the sensitive appetites and wills of the flesh]. (Romans 7:19, 22-23 (AMP, adapted)

It has been erroneously taught by some that we need not experience this continual strife between the old nature and the new. They say: ‘Just get out of the 7th of Romans into the 8th.’ They may say ‘Oh, Romans 7 is about Paul before he was saved.’ Neither comment is valid. Paul wrote Romans 7 and Romans 8 at the very same sitting; and the original text goes right on from 7 to 8 without interruption. Romans 7 presents the dilemma all believers face, while Chapter 8 concludes and answers the dilemma of Romans 7… by realizing and living by the truth and power of “the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus.”

“the law (the automatic regulating power) of the Spirit of life [which is] in Christ Jesus [the law of our new being] has freed me from the law (prompting effort) of Sin and of death. (Romans 8:2 (AMP, adapted)

Paul in Romans 8:1 continues Romans 7, declaring first a new paradigm for believers. “There is therefore NOW No Condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus” (Rom. 8:1). This is because we are in Christ and seen by the Father as righteous (cf. 2Cor 5:21). The “therefore’ in Rom 8:1 refers to what he wrote just a few sentences before; referring to “Sin IN my members” (7:22) in the present tense. Paul freely acknowledged the present operation of “the Law of Sin” in his members… but in Rom 8:1 he is essentially saying ‘God doesn’t get disappointed with you when you fail… forget about it… you are seen in Christ’s righteousness.’ Paul continues in Romans 8 with the answer; to adopt a new mindset, set upon union with Christ’s the Spirit of life (cf. Rom 8:2, 5-6) as the power source for living.

How then shall believers get victory over the frustration of the apparent Romans 7 dilemma and… it is to get into the liberty and victory of the “Spirit of life” seen in Romans 8?

Paul realized both Romans 7 & 8 at the same time, and so do we. While we are free from Sin’s condemnation by grace, the Sin-nature nevertheless continues to tempt us, prompting us. But in Romans 8 Paul declares that by the power of Christ’s “Spirit of life” (8:2) within us, we are equipped to “mortify (put to death) the deeds of the body” (Rom. 8:13).

Thus Paul says we have the choice that follows in (Rom 8:13 (AMP)

“IF you live according to [the dictates of] the flesh, you will surely die (you’ve separated from the Spirit).

But IF through the power of the [Holy] Spirit you are [habitually] putting to death (turn from) the [evil] deeds prompted by the body, you shall [really and genuinely] live...”

Paul tells us of the power of the Spirit of the Lord is able to overcome and live righteously through us; so long as we abide in union with Him, trusting Him to be the righteous over-coming life in us.

“…Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16)