Romans 7:22
For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:
Romans 7:22 (KJV)
Context
In Romans 7, the apostle Paul describes the intense struggle between the law of God and the sin nature within him. He portrays the tension between his desire to do what is right and his inability to fully overcome sin on his own. Verse 22 comes in the middle of this honest confession, revealing that even in the midst of conflict, Paul’s renewed heart genuinely delights in God’s law.
Meaning
Paul’s declaration, “I delight in the law of God,” expresses the innermost desire of a believer in Christ. The law refers to God’s commandments and instructions given in the Old Testament. Paul’s delight is not a superficial or outward compliance but a genuine, heartfelt joy in God’s commandments. The Greek word translated “delight” carries the sense of co-delight or taking pleasure together with, indicating a deep-seated agreement and joy. This is not a natural human response to law, but a supernatural work of grace within the believer.
The phrase “after the inward man” refers to the spiritual nature or the innermost being of a person. It is the regenerated and renewed part of a believer that is in tune with God’s Spirit. This inward man is different from the “flesh” or the sinful nature that Paul refers to throughout Romans 7. While the flesh desires sin, the inward man desires to obey and please God. This inner delight is a mark of the new birth and evidence of the Spirit’s work.
Paul’s delight in the law of God reveals a transformed heart and mind. As a believer, he recognises the significance of God’s law as a standard of righteousness and holiness. This delight is not based on legalistic adherence but is a result of his new nature in Christ. The believer’s delight is not in the law as a means of justification, but as a reflection of God’s character and a guide for holy living.
Biblical connections
This verse is a companion to the psalmist’s declarations of delight in God’s statutes, such as Psalm 119:77, where the psalmist says, “for thy law is my delight.” The connection is direct: the psalmist’s love for the law prefigures the New Testament believer’s inner delight in God’s moral will. The unregenerate person may fear the law or use it for self-righteousness, but the believer delights in it from the heart. This delight is also a source of stability and peace, as the one who loves God’s law has great peace and nothing causes him to stumble (Psalm 119:165).
Application
As believers today, we can draw several lessons from Romans 7:22:
Recognising the importance of God’s Word: Just as Paul found delight in God’s law, we should value and cherish the Scriptures. Through the Bible, we gain insight into God’s character, His will, and how we should live as His children.
Striving for obedience: While we may still struggle with sin, we should have an inward desire to follow God’s commandments. This desire comes from the work of the Holy Spirit within us, transforming us into the image of Christ.
Cultivating a love for God’s law: Rather than seeing God’s commandments as burdensome rules, we should approach them with joy and gratitude. Delighting in God’s law helps us align our lives with His purposes and experience the abundant life He offers.
True obedience flows from a heart that delights in God’s commands, not from mere external duty. This inner joy in God’s law is a vital aspect of Christian experience, distinguishing the regenerate from the unregenerate.
Reflection
Consider your own heart: do you find genuine delight in God’s law, or do you view it as a burden? The inward man, renewed by the Spirit, rejoices in God’s commandments because they reflect His holy character. This delight is a gift of God’s grace and a fruit of the Spirit’s indwelling presence. As you grow in Christ, let your heart increasingly echo Paul’s words, finding joy in the law of God after the inward man.
