THE INWARD BATTLE OF ROMANS SEVEN Two Natures As this text will develop, there are two distinct natures resident in the believer: the "old man" and the "new man." Like Jacob and Esau before they were born, they reside in the same domain, and struggle with each other (Gen 25:22). Both are very real, with very real characteristics.
Some might ask if doing what is hated applies to words and deeds. There is certainly a sense in which we can say or do things we actually hate. But that is not the sense of our text. There is a critical difference, however, when we say or do things that we ourselves loath, and when unwanted lusts and thoughts invade our minds. We must confess ill spoken words and contrary deeds as sin, and procure forgiveness for them. God is "ready to forgive" (Psa 86:5) these faults, and to "cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). We DID them, and we must be forgiven of them. In such a case, sin found expression in our members, and thus transgression was committed.
However, this is not the situation in the text before us. Unwanted lusts and thoughts are not credited to us as sin, and are not to be confessed as sin. This is the whole point of this text. Paul will establish with unusual strength that such expressions do not belong to us. If we do not respond to them by entertaining and fulfilling them, they are not credited to us as personal transgression. This will now be developed more fully.
The New King James Version renders the word "do" as "practice." This is based on the use of the word in the Greek. However, "practice," as used in ordinary speech, does not reflect the intent of this verse. As ordinarily comprehended, the word "practice" speaks of voluntary and willing expressions. Indeed, this word is often used in Scripture to denote this type of action--a willing and preferable word or deed (Matt 21:24; John 4:34; 1 Cor 9:23; 2 Cor 11:12). But that is NOT the meaning of the word in this passage.
Each nature has a distinct personality, mind, and will. Each is ruled by a different master, and motivated by different principles, or laws. Both are powerful, and aggressively seek their own way. One is good, and one is evil. One is from Christ, one is from Adam. One is earth-centered, the other is oriented for heaven. The devil works in one, and the Holy Spirit in the other. Both of these are resident in our bodies, and will compete with each other as long as we remain in the body.
The phrases "what I hate, that I DO," and "I DO what I will not to do," refer to the DOING, or expressions, of the "old man." They are internal, not external, acts. Paul refers the word "I" because they occur within him. They are part of his total makeup, but are NOT part of his essential person. They are foreign to his identity in Christ, and contrary to His new heart and spirit. They challenge him like Goliath, and taunt him like Sennacherib. Yet, they are not really him! They do not come from the new creation in Christ Jesus (2 Cor 5:17).
In conclusion, the words "what I hate, that I do," and "I do what I will not to do," do NOT refer to words or deeds. That is apparent because sinful words and deeds are never overlooked by God. They must be confessed and forgiven. Of the first expression it is written, "Now then IT IS NO MORE I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me" (7:17). The second expression is followed by, "Now if I do that I would not, IT IS NO MORE I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me" (7:20). Such statements cannot be applied to idle or sinful words and deeds.
PRAYER POINT: Father, I thank You through Jesus for deliverance from the condemning law, which would not allow the presence of unwanted thoughts.