Romans 7:25

“I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.”

Context:This verse is found at the end of Romans 7, where the apostle Paul describes the struggle between the law of God and the law of sin within himself. In this verse, Paul expresses gratitude to God for the solution to this conflict, which is through Jesus Christ our Lord.

The verse begins with Paul’s statement of gratitude: “I thank God.” This shows his acknowledgment of God’s goodness and provision in his life. Paul recognizes that without God’s intervention, he would be unable to overcome the struggle he describes in the earlier verses of Romans 7.

Paul then identifies Jesus Christ as the means through which he is able to find victory over sin. He says, “through Jesus Christ our Lord.” It is essential to note that Paul does not rely on his own strength or efforts to overcome sin but acknowledges that it is through the person and work of Jesus Christ that he is able to experience deliverance.

The verse goes on to highlight the distinction between the mind and the flesh. Paul states, “So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh, the law of sin.” Here, Paul is emphasizing the inner conflict that exists within himself. He recognizes that in his mind, he desires to serve God’s law and live in accordance with His will. However, he also acknowledges the reality that his flesh is still prone to sin and subject to the law of sin.

This verse underscores the ongoing struggle between the spirit and the flesh that believers experience. While our renewed minds desire to follow God’s law, our flesh is weak and easily enticed by sin. Paul does not use this struggle as an excuse for sinful behaviour but rather highlights the need for reliance on Jesus Christ to overcome the power of sin.