Romans 7:17
Verse
Context
Sermons
Jack Hayford
John Nelson Darby
Charles Ewing Brown 
H.J. Vine
Norman GrubbSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Now then it is no more I - It is not that I which constitutes reason and conscience, but sin-corrupt and sensual inclinations, that dwelleth in me - that has the entire domination over my reason, darkening my understanding, and perverting my judgment; for which there is condemnation in the law, but no cure. So we find here that there is a principle in the unregenerate man stronger than reason itself; a principle which is, properly speaking, not of the essence of the soul, but acts in it, as its lord, or as a tyrant. This is inbred and indwelling sin - the seed of the serpent; by which the whole soul is darkened, confused, perverted, and excited to rebellion against God.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Now then it is no more I--my renewed self. that do it--"that work it." but sin which dwelleth in me--that principle of sin that still has its abode in me. To explain this and the following statements, as many do (even BENGEL and THOLUCK), of the sins of unrenewed men against their better convictions, is to do painful violence to the apostle's language, and to affirm of the unregenerate what is untrue. That coexistence and mutual hostility of "flesh" and "spirit" in the same renewed man, which is so clearly taught in Rom 8:4, &c., and in Gal 5:16, &c., is the true and only key to the language of this and the following verses. (It is hardly necessary to say that the apostle means not to disown the blame of yielding to his corruptions, by saying, "it is not he that does it, but sin that dwelleth in him." Early heretics thus abused his language; but the whole strain of the passage shows that his sole object in thus expressing himself was to bring more vividly before his readers the conflict of two opposite principles, and how entirely, as a new man--honoring from his inmost soul the law of God--he condemned and renounced his corrupt nature, with its affections and lusts, its stirrings and its outgoings, root and branch).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Now then, it is no more I that do it,.... This is another inference, deduced from what is before said, that since he did not approve, but hated what he did, and willed the contrary, it was not he as spiritual, as born again, as a new man, a new creature, that did it; see Jo1 3:9. He says, But sin that dwelleth in me; the old man, the carnal I, the evil present with him, the law in his members; which not only existed in him, and wrought in him, and that at times very strongly, but dwelt in him, had its abode in him, as it has in all regenerate persons, and will have, as long as they are in the body.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
7:17 I am not the one doing wrong: Paul is not evading responsibility for his sin (see also 7:20). Rather, he is saying that because he genuinely wants to do what the law commands, some other factor must be causing him to do just the opposite. That factor is sin living in me. Paul experiences a divide between his will and his actions.
Romans 7:17
Struggling with Sin
16And if I do what I do not want to do, I admit that the law is good.17In that case, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Walking in the Light
By Jack Hayford4.5K50:46PSA 86:11MAT 18:20ACT 2:42ROM 7:171JN 1:7In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a funny incident involving a little boy named Kyle. The speaker emphasizes that children often do funny things without realizing it, which adds to the humor. The speaker then transitions to discussing the importance of having a circle of believers who can support and build each other up in their faith. They highlight the need for individuals to make a decision to actively seek out this kind of fellowship and unity. The speaker also references biblical examples, such as David and Jesus' teachings, to emphasize the significance of being connected to others in the faith.
The Old man." "The New Man," "I"
By John Nelson Darby0Responsibility in SinIdentity in ChristROM 6:6ROM 7:17GAL 2:20EPH 4:22John Nelson Darby emphasizes the distinction between the old man and the new man in Christ, asserting that while the old man represents our sinful nature, we are responsible for our actions through the power of Christ. He critiques the notion that one can excuse sinful behavior by attributing it solely to the old man, insisting that we must recognize our personal responsibility in the presence of sin. Darby argues that the flesh, which opposes the Spirit, is a current reality that must be acknowledged, and that true freedom in Christ involves actively mortifying the deeds of the body. He clarifies that while the old man is considered past in a theological sense, the struggle with the flesh remains a present challenge for believers. Ultimately, he calls for a deeper understanding of our identity in Christ and the ongoing battle against sin.
Sin as Evil Disposition
By Charles Ewing Brown0GEN 6:5PSA 51:5ECC 7:29MAT 15:19ROM 3:10ROM 5:12ROM 7:17ROM 7:24EPH 2:3EPH 2:12Charles Ewing Brown preaches about the hindrances to social progress, using Plato's ideal state as an illustration of how human desires and sinful tendencies can corrupt even the noblest intentions. He emphasizes the inborn perversity of human nature as a challenge that has troubled dreamers of human welfare for centuries, pointing out that while science can pave the way for a utopian society, it cannot change the hearts of evil men who seek power for selfish gain. Brown urges listeners to consider the doctrine of inherited sin, exploring the concept of indwelling sin and the impact of Adam's fall on humanity's nature and propensity towards evil.
The Liberty of Grace
By H.J. Vine0ROM 5:21ROM 6:14ROM 7:17ROM 8:21TI 1:13H.J. Vine preaches on the liberating power of God's grace, emphasizing that through grace we are justified, saved, and set free from the dominion of sin. He highlights the transformation that occurs when we shift from being under the law to being under grace, experiencing freedom from self and the ability to serve God in joy and peace. Paul's personal testimony is used to illustrate how grace enables believers to overcome the struggle with sin, leading to a life of holiness and service to Christ.
The Sole Pupose of Creation
By Norman Grubb0ROM 7:17ROM 8:9ROM 8:181CO 8:62CO 5:21GAL 2:20COL 1:26JAS 1:141JN 1:9Norman Grubb preaches about the revelation that God is the foundation of all truth, emphasizing that the universe and all its inhabitants are dependent forms of God. He explains that suffering and evil in the world serve a love-purpose and are necessary for us to experience the glory that follows. Grubb delves into the purpose of manifesting God's invisible self through His sons, highlighting the divine-human brotherhood and the eternal destiny of believers to reveal God's nature in His universe.
What This Pentecostal Blessing Is Which People Are Rejecting, and How It May Be Obtained
By Aaron Hills0DEU 30:6MAL 3:3ACT 15:8ROM 6:6ROM 7:17ROM 8:2HEB 12:141PE 1:15Aaron Hills preaches on the importance of sanctification and holiness, emphasizing the need to surrender fully to God for a joyous and hopeful assurance of salvation. The sermon delves into the concept of the 'old man' as described in Romans, highlighting the various names given to this indwelling sin and the destructive influence it has on individuals. The preacher urges believers to understand the significance of being holy like God, as commanded in 1 Peter, and the necessity of seeking sanctification to experience true joy and victory in the Christian life.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Now then it is no more I - It is not that I which constitutes reason and conscience, but sin-corrupt and sensual inclinations, that dwelleth in me - that has the entire domination over my reason, darkening my understanding, and perverting my judgment; for which there is condemnation in the law, but no cure. So we find here that there is a principle in the unregenerate man stronger than reason itself; a principle which is, properly speaking, not of the essence of the soul, but acts in it, as its lord, or as a tyrant. This is inbred and indwelling sin - the seed of the serpent; by which the whole soul is darkened, confused, perverted, and excited to rebellion against God.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Now then it is no more I--my renewed self. that do it--"that work it." but sin which dwelleth in me--that principle of sin that still has its abode in me. To explain this and the following statements, as many do (even BENGEL and THOLUCK), of the sins of unrenewed men against their better convictions, is to do painful violence to the apostle's language, and to affirm of the unregenerate what is untrue. That coexistence and mutual hostility of "flesh" and "spirit" in the same renewed man, which is so clearly taught in Rom 8:4, &c., and in Gal 5:16, &c., is the true and only key to the language of this and the following verses. (It is hardly necessary to say that the apostle means not to disown the blame of yielding to his corruptions, by saying, "it is not he that does it, but sin that dwelleth in him." Early heretics thus abused his language; but the whole strain of the passage shows that his sole object in thus expressing himself was to bring more vividly before his readers the conflict of two opposite principles, and how entirely, as a new man--honoring from his inmost soul the law of God--he condemned and renounced his corrupt nature, with its affections and lusts, its stirrings and its outgoings, root and branch).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Now then, it is no more I that do it,.... This is another inference, deduced from what is before said, that since he did not approve, but hated what he did, and willed the contrary, it was not he as spiritual, as born again, as a new man, a new creature, that did it; see Jo1 3:9. He says, But sin that dwelleth in me; the old man, the carnal I, the evil present with him, the law in his members; which not only existed in him, and wrought in him, and that at times very strongly, but dwelt in him, had its abode in him, as it has in all regenerate persons, and will have, as long as they are in the body.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
7:17 I am not the one doing wrong: Paul is not evading responsibility for his sin (see also 7:20). Rather, he is saying that because he genuinely wants to do what the law commands, some other factor must be causing him to do just the opposite. That factor is sin living in me. Paul experiences a divide between his will and his actions.