Sermon Tone Analysis

Fighting with self

Have you ever had a fight or argument with yourself?

Some of the most painful fights are within, with ourselves for we are our own worst critic

What kind of battles can we face inside?

Relational

Financial

Emotional

Spiritual

Different views

Prior to availability of Holy Spirit to all

Paul’s pre-conversion story

The believers struggle within today

In our passage today you will see that Paul is not speaking in past tense but in present tense.

For:

We have died to sin (6:2)

We have acknowledged dead to law (7:4)

We have been raised to walk in the newness of life (Rom6:4)

But yet, there is a battle within, so I will lean towards the battle within, the struggle is still real today, but a better solution today.

One more thought, maybe a summary if you needed to put this section into one simple statement, and a biblical statement at that.

As simply Christians we need to look to the word more than just one summary verse, so lets look at context then break down the passage to glean from it.

General observations, first impressions of this passage?

What does Paul admit to, or know (v.14)?

That he is of the flesh, that he is sinful sold under the bondage to sin.

Why does Paul agree with the law (vv.15-16)?

The he is doing what he does not want to do, that the law makes him aware of his sin and sinful nature.

What does Paul know (vv.17-18)?

He knows that sin dwells within him

Nothing good dwells in him, as in the flesh.

There is a willingness (in spirit) to do good but not in the flesh.

What does Paul want to do, and what does Paul do (v.19-20);

Why?

Paul wants to do good, but practices evil.

Why?

Because of the sin which dwells in him.

What is the principle that Paul finds (v.21)?

Evil is present in me, the one who wants to do good.

What is the war going on within Paul (vv.22-23)?

War of body, war of mind

Why?

Because of the law of God in him.

Not a very good feeling section of scripture is it?

Now that we have looked at the questions what do you see as the point, theme, of this passage?

This passage with the present Christian in mind may be true, the struggle, the battle between flesh and spirit, good and evil, does not change our place positionally for we are in Christ Jesus, but it may not always be practical in our life and experiences.

The Battle within today

Going back just for a minute to cover something mentioned a few minutes ago, this time with the scripture to back it.

The battle today is present tense, no longer is Paul speaking past tense.

for in the past

We have died to sin (6:2)

We have died to the Law (7:4)

We have been raised (6:4)

As you can see, all of these are past tense.

Now when it comes to the practical, the application of walking in the newness of life, well, it may not be so easy at times.

We want to do what is right, but the world wants us to love it (1Jn2:15-17)

Paul knows that the spiritual law cannot help a carnal man, and we all suffer from the carnality.

Carnality speaks of the Greek word “sarkikos” meaning “characterized by the flesh” and that comes down to a person who can and should do differently but does not.

Paul admits his struggle he knows the law is spiritual but it, in and by it self does not have an answer to overcome the flesh.

Paul knows was sold under sin, like someone arrest and thrown in jail.

The law is only good if the person is innocent, but Paul knew, and admitted his guilt.

Luther said “That is the proof of the spiritual and wise man.

He knows that he is carnal, and he is displeased with himself; indeed, he hates himself and praises the law of God, which he recognizes because he is spiritual.

But the proof of a foolish, carnal man is this.

that he regards himself as spiritual and is pleased with himself.”

Paul has a sense of helplessness, powerlessness.

He wants to do what is right.

The problem is not lack of desire, and it isn’t knowledge either.

He wants to do what is right.

He knows what to do that is right.

His problem is lack of power.

He lacks power because the law gives no power.

The law tells us “here are the rules and you better keep them.”

But the law does not give us the power to keep them.

Look back at (v.17) does Paul shy aware from his acknowledging the problem or taking responsibility for it?

Paul knows he sins, and he knows the root of the sin (carnal nature).

He acts against the nature of the new man, the born again man in Jesus Christ.

As a Christian we must own up to our sin, and also know that the impulse, desire to sin does not come from who we are in Christ Jesus.

Wuest said: “To be saved from sin, a man must at the same time own it and disown it; it is this practical paradox which is reflected in this verse A true saint may say it in a moment of passion, but a sinner had better not make it a principle.”

The Battle between two selves

Anyone who has tried to do good is aware of this struggle.

We never know how hard it is to stop sinning until we try.

Have you ever struggled with sin?

Or stopping a particular sin?

C.S. Lewis said: “no man knows how bad he is until he has tried to be good.”

Paul understands the battle, the real self is the one who delights in the law of God, wants to do what is right.

The New man, the real man has a challenge to live like God has made him, not let the flesh, the carnal self have control.

The struggle is real, we maybe dead to sin, but sin is not dead and wants to draw you back, it draws on the carnal self.

The problem is that we often try to handle it on or own power, our own strength, and that is the wrong power.

Here are some reminders before we conclude this message for today.

Now, I know I left out two verses out from today, we will get to them as we go into chapter-8.

We need to remember

God did not give us a weak Spirit (2Tim1:7)

It is God’s power that works in us and through us to give us victory (1Sam17:47)

More to follow on that in chapter-8

This passage deals with the conflict within, between the flesh and the spirit, the carnal and the spirit.

(Gal5:17)

We do not have the power, but we have the One who has all power to walk in victory over the draw of sin and death!

(Mt28:18; 1Cor15:57)

and then

Contemplate today are there areas that I am struggling with that I am relying on my own power and not God’s?

Am I willing to surrender to God’s power?

(Prayer)