Romans 7:17

17 But I need something more! For if I know the law but still can't keep it, and if the power of sin within me keeps sabotaging my best intentions, I obviously need help!

Romans 7:17 Meaning and Commentary

Romans 7:17

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 ( 1 John 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.

Romans 7:17 In-Context

15 What I don't understand about myself is that I decide one way, but then I act another, doing things I absolutely despise.
16 So if I can't be trusted to figure out what is best for myself and then do it, it becomes obvious that God's command is necessary.
17 But I need something more! For if I know the law but still can't keep it, and if the power of sin within me keeps sabotaging my best intentions, I obviously need help!
18 I realize that I don't have what it takes. I can will it, but I can't do it.
19 I decide to do good, but I don't really do it; I decide not to do bad, but then I do it anyway.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.