Did Paul sin regularly?

[Pilgrimshope]

It's interesting. In Romans 7:7 he said "...I had not known sin, but by the law..." so I wonder if it's just better to not know the law and therefore not have consciousness of sins?

well the thing is the law was to start teaching man the difference in sin and righteousness . Because they had good and evil in them but had no discernment between the two it leads them here with no law

“And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And it repented the Lord that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.”
‭‭Genesis‬ ‭6:5-6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

the law came after the promise of the gospel was given to Abraham. In order to start teaching wicked man to know what sin is . If we nt know what sin is we can never repent of it

but I agree in Christ now , it’s better not to learn about sin because we already know we were sinners. To fill ourselves up with more knowledge of sin will provoke more sin to come out of us and our more of a self effort to not sin even though it’s inside of us

“For when we were in the flesh, ( before conversion through baptism ) the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭7:5‬ ‭KJV‬‬

it works like a constant poking of a stick we have corrupt knowledge in us a desire that’s sinful do to say simply don’t sin d then explain in detail sins , is like dangling a steak in front of a starving man that knowledge of evil in us wants To get out and rule us. It’s part of our nature so it’s a constant provocation and call to live as is contrary to our heart


But now we have this to fill us up apart from the law which has to exact opposite effect we have the knowledge of righteousness now without the law . So just like the law taught coveting and produced those sinful fruits by provoking them the gospel does the same but it calls us to our original purpose and state of righteousness giving us the knowledge of God and not sin

“But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭3:21-23‬ ‭KJV‬‬

the law produces fruits of death meant to bring all the world to its knees knowing they were condemned in order to prepare us to receive the message of Christ who came to save us from our sins

not sure that makes sense but one testament administers death because it creates constant temptation to the knowledge of evil in us and the other creates the fruits of righteousness giving us the truth of Gods Will for us which is why we were originally created to be like God in our morality and actions

God doesn’t struggle with sin d doesn’t need the law to explain good
And evil to him and so now in Christ when we receive the spirit we also no longer need to be taught of sin but we need to grow up on the spiritual milk of the gospel and then grow stronger when we’re able to eat the meat and potatoes of the gospel

 

[TheIndianGirl]

I just think that Paul was talking about the weight of sin. He may have been more under the attack of the devil (I would not be surprised about this), so he may had to deal with temptation of various sorts. However, I do believe he tried his best to not sin.

Paul also had a very hard life:
"Whatever anyone else dares to boast about—I am speaking as a fool—I also dare to boast about. 22Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they Abraham’s descendants? So am I. 23Are they servants of Christ? (I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I am more. I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. 24Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. 25Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, 26I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. 27I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. 28Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. 29Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn?" - 2 Corinthians 11

(Anyone know what verse 29 means?)

Paul kind of takes some joy in suffering. The title for the above Scripture is "Paul Boasts About His Sufferings." He might have received some joy in battling sin, maybe.

 

[Artios1]

That's great and I mostly agree with everything you said.
Do you see direct revelation from God as different or the same thing as inspiration of the Holy Spirit?

Interesting that you ask….I looked into that with the same thinking…

I am sure I have that file somewhere, but it’s long anyhow…. I will just give the highlights of my conclusion.

Knowing that God is spirit and can only communicate with what He is.... which Adam lost when he messed up. So, consequently throughout the Old Testament the spirit was upon those conditionally, and anything written up until the time of Malachi, was via spirit on a conditional basis.
After Pentecost, when it was made available to have spirit within unconditionally. Everything from the gospels through Revelation were written with spirit within, unconditionally.

In other words, spirit needs to communicate with spirit….

When revelation is given, it is given in the vocabulary known to the person…. which is why we have such a wide variation of writings…..many writers, one Author.



Getting right to the point.... this is how I view the three scripture

given by inspiration of God (2Ti 3:16)

moved by the Holy Ghost (2Pe 1:21)

by the revelation of Jesus Christ. (Gal 1:12)

Using the mathematical axiom of “things equal to themselves are equal to each other” fits with all three of the scripture we see referencing the inspired Word of God....I know it's simple, but it works for me.

Given by inspiration = to be moved by the Holy Spirit = by revelation of Jesus Christ.



2Ti 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, (God Breathed) and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

2Pe 1:20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy (foretold or forthtold) of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
v21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

Gal 1:11 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.
v12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.

 

[Blik]

he is explaining human nature stemming from the first commandment bekng broken

remember they ate “ the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil ?”

Paul is explaining how that became a law inside of man he’s speaking of all mankind and the issue that Christ deals with the fruit they consummed caused this law that is inside every person

“I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭7:21‬ ‭KJV‬‬

That’s what the knowledge of good and evil became inside of Adam and eves descendants all mankind. That’s why it was forbidden before they did that God called them “ very good “ and then commanded them not to partake of the fruit of “ good and evils knowledge “ ot caused a conlicted heart inside of us

both good and evil now dwelt in
Man and they had no knowledge of what sin was they had evil in them and no way to discern it because God didn’t design man to know both good and evil

Paul is not saying he’s a continuing sinner as an apostle he’s using himself to show what the issue inside of man is and later how that issue is solved in chapter 8

That issue is solved through our repentance. When we turn from our sin to Christ for forgiveness we are forgiven and wiped clean.

 

[Pilgrimshope]

That issue is solved through our repentance. When we turn from our sin to Christ for forgiveness we are forgiven and wiped clean.

the issue is solved as paul explains sister wouldnt you agree ?

“Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭6:3-4‬ ‭

“Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭6:6-7‬ ‭

“Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth? ( we died in baptism ) Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ;

that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭7:1, 4‬ ‭KJV‬‬

what is it that produces fruit ???? Not this fruit

“For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭7:5‬ ‭KJV‬‬

but this fruit is what we want

“When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.

But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.

He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.

But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭13:19-23‬ ‭KJV‬‬

the amount of fruit isn’t what determines anything regarding salvstion but the right fruits is what matters we can’t live by the fruits of death but can by the fruits of The gospel

that’s why I have quoted this to you so much dear sister blick in our discussions God made this division it’s not something I invented

“The law and the prophets were until John: ( the baptizer)

since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭16:16‬ ‭KJV‬‬

we died to the law in Christ and belong to the word of the kingdom now the promised new covenant that is about repentance and remission of sins . The gospel of the kingdom or “ the word of Christ “ That produces the fruits of the spirit rather than those of death.

 

[Blik]

the issue is solved as paul explains sister wouldnt you agree ?

“Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭6:3-4‬ ‭

“Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭6:6-7‬ ‭

“Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth? ( we died in baptism ) Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ;

that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭7:1, 4‬ ‭KJV‬‬

what is it that produces fruit ???? Not this fruit

“For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭7:5‬ ‭KJV‬‬

but this fruit is what we want

“When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.

But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.

He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.

But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭13:19-23‬ ‭KJV‬‬

the amount of fruit isn’t what determines anything regarding salvstion but the right fruits is what matters we can’t live by the fruits of death but can by the fruits of The gospel

that’s why I have quoted this to you so much dear sister blick in our discussions God made this division it’s not something I invented

“The law and the prophets were until John: ( the baptizer)

since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭16:16‬ ‭KJV‬‬

we died to the law in Christ and belong to the word of the kingdom now the promised new covenant that is about repentance and remission of sins . The gospel of the kingdom or “ the word of Christ “ That produces the fruits of the spirit rather than those of death.

The bottom line remains: repentance.

 

[Evmur]

Romans 7 is about Paul under the law but not saved Roman 8 is the christian experience.

Paul's teaching is not to allow sin to have dominion over us, have done with sin. We cannot continue in sin as christians. We will not attain to perfection until we attain to glory.

 

[Pilgrimshope]

The bottom line remains: repentance.

right repentance so we need to accept the right word

“I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭5:32‬ ‭KJV‬

if you examine the gospel you’ll find it’s subject matter is about repentance and remission of sins , how to Love God and one another his way

the first thing is to see repentance for what it is And how God sees it we learn it in the gospel what it really is and how God looks at us when we repent like for instance the parable of the prodigal son

who did everything wrong but when he had reached rock bottom he remembered the love of his father for him and in his despair he decides to go home and confess his sins in repentance Hopin his father will give him a job as a servant still after all he’s done wrong

but instead as he start coming toward home before he gets there his father Runs to him and throws his arme
Around him and kisses him . As he’s trying to explain how he’s no good his father is busy dressing him in fine robes , putting the family ring back on his finger. Commanding his servants to slaughter the fattened calf so they could celebrate his sons return home

all the father cared about was his son cam home he had not held his wrongs against him he had wasted all his inheritance now was being welcomed right back in

all because he remembered the truth of his fathers love and provision and made the choice to go home

he wasn’t perfect but he remembered the love of his father and recognized it was his own fault that he was eating slop and working with swine when he had a home and lovong father

he remembered the truth and that led him to repentance


“In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.”
‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭2:25-26‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.”
‭‭John‬ ‭18:37‬ ‭KJV‬‬


That’s the call to repentance

 

[2ndTimothyGroup]

I laughed out loud when I saw that 33% believe that Paul was a consistent and persistent sinner. Perhaps I shouldn't have, but it just cracked me up.

 

[Chester]

In Romans 7:13-25, Paul seems to admit that he struggles with uncontrollable, willful, sinning.

In order to give Paul some grace, let me preface this: Peter, in 2 Peter 3:16, said of Paul that he writes things that can be hard to understand. Paul in 1 Cor. 9:22 said he becomes what he needs to become to all people in order to more effectively preach the gospel to them in relatable ways.

Now the scripture I want to bring to the front and center of attention is Romans 7:13-25. Paul says that he sins willingly. Now consider these possibilities:

1. If Paul is just trying to relate to his audience by building a straw man of himself then he isn’t speaking truthfully which would mean he’s lying.

2. If this is one of those situations where Paul is difficult to understand, we must seek an alternative interpretation than the very clear plain text of Romans 7:13-25, making it mean something else.

3. Paul did not mince words. He admitted to struggling with sin because he’s human with struggles like all other humans are. Paul explained his theology on how his flesh sins uncontrollably and willingly while his spirit never sins and is perfected in Christ.


Romans 7:13-25 KJV
13Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful.
14For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. 15For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. 16If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. 17Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 18For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. 19For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. 20Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
21I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. 22For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: 23But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. 24O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? 25I 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.

Paul was just like you and I and in Romans 7 admits clearly that he stuggles with the daily battle with sin. But you add the words uncontrollable and willful which is not true at all. Verse 25 very clearly shows that though Paul had the flesh and struggled like we do, he had made the choice with his mind to serve God. That is his will and thus his sinning was not uncontrollable.

 

[Chester]

It is sad that so many are not honest as Paul was.
He understood the flesh is weak and as long we have to live in this weak flesh we will sin from time to time.
Paul also understood that when we confess, God does forgive.

Yes, we need honesty. Yes, our flesh is weak. Yes, when we confess, God forgives!

But, for me! I refuse to give in to sin and just state that I "will sin from time to time". I believe that God has given us all that is necessary to live above sin.

I John 2:1 - "these things have I written unto you that ye sin not . . . but if any man does sin, we have an advocate . . . "

 

[Chester]

I doubt he sinned "uncontrollably and willfully on a regular basis." But yes, I'm sure he sinned regularly. When you consider sin begins in the mind, everyone of us has sinful thoughts every day. Fortunately, as we are strengthened by the Spirit of Christ, we act on these thoughts less and less..

You make a broad brush stroke when you say everyone of us has sinful thoughts every day.

I am not arguing that fact that sin begins in the mind and that we wrestle at this level. But I believe that we have been "given the mind of Christ" and have the resources for victory.

I think it is much better to approach the issue from the standpoint of victory than to admit defeat by stating that we sin regularly and have sinful thoughts every day.

 

[jb]

In Romans 7:13-25, Paul seems to admit that he struggles with uncontrollable, willful, sinning.

In order to give Paul some grace, let me preface this: Peter, in 2 Peter 3:16, said of Paul that he writes things that can be hard to understand. Paul in 1 Cor. 9:22 said he becomes what he needs to become to all people in order to more effectively preach the gospel to them in relatable ways.

Now the scripture I want to bring to the front and center of attention is Romans 7:13-25. Paul says that he sins willingly. Now consider these possibilities:

1. If Paul is just trying to relate to his audience by building a straw man of himself then he isn’t speaking truthfully which would mean he’s lying.

2. If this is one of those situations where Paul is difficult to understand, we must seek an alternative interpretation than the very clear plain text of Romans 7:13-25, making it mean something else.

3. Paul did not mince words. He admitted to struggling with sin because he’s human with struggles like all other humans are. Paul explained his theology on how his flesh sins uncontrollably and willingly while his spirit never sins and is perfected in Christ.


Romans 7:13-25 KJV
13Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful.
14For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. 15For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. 16If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. 17Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 18For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. 19For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. 20Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
21I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. 22For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: 23But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. 24O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? 25I 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.

Rom 7v13-24, Paul's PRE-conversion experience!

Rom 7v25-8v2 with 1Cor 9v27, Paul's POST-conversion experience!

 

[Runningman]

I laughed out loud when I saw that 33% believe that Paul was a consistent and persistent sinner. Perhaps I shouldn't have, but it just cracked me up.

I'm one of those people who voted yes there. I must admit I laughed too! I would rather believe that Paul was not a regular sinner, but I am forced into that conclusion due to his numerous confessions. The main determining scripture being Romans 7. I believe Paul was really saying he struggled with fleshly sin.

 

[Evmur]

I laughed out loud when I saw that 33% believe that Paul was a consistent and persistent sinner. Perhaps I shouldn't have, but it just cracked me up.

I did not know whether to laugh or cry. Christians really believe Paul was caught in some sin which overpowered him.

 

[Runningman]

Paul was just like you and I and in Romans 7 admits clearly that he stuggles with the daily battle with sin. But you add the words uncontrollable and willful which is not true at all. Verse 25 very clearly shows that though Paul had the flesh and struggled like we do, he had made the choice with his mind to serve God. That is his will and thus his sinning was not uncontrollable.

Thanks, perhaps willful was not a good word but I think uncontrollable is appropriate. From what I can see in Romans 7, correct me if I am wrong, but that sin runs rampant in Paul's body acting independently of Paul's free will and sinning upon its own cognizance and volition?

 

[Runningman]

I did not know whether to laugh or cry. Christians really believe Paul was caught in some sin which overpowered him.

Paul said he struggled with sin in Romans 7. I figured it would be safer to just assume he was telling the truth because the alternative is he lied, which I don't believe he did. Which one do you say he did?

 

[Evmur]

Paul said he struggled with sin in Romans 7. I figured it would be safer to just assume he was telling the truth because the alternative is he lied, which I don't believe he did. Which one do you say he did?

Paul was telling about his days as Saul, he begins chapter 7 "to those who know the law ..." he is a man under conviction of the law but as yet unsaved.

To believe otherwise is to believe that as apostle Paul was "slave to sin" do you believe this? yes or no?

"wretched man that I am [cries he] who shall deliver me from this body of death?" ... thanks be to God through Jesus Christ"

So he was delivered from the description he had given in Ro.7

"Now therefore there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus for the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set me free from the law of sin and death" Ro.8.

 

[Gideon300]

In Romans 7:13-25, Paul seems to admit that he struggles with uncontrollable, willful, sinning.

In order to give Paul some grace, let me preface this: Peter, in 2 Peter 3:16, said of Paul that he writes things that can be hard to understand. Paul in 1 Cor. 9:22 said he becomes what he needs to become to all people in order to more effectively preach the gospel to them in relatable ways.

Now the scripture I want to bring to the front and center of attention is Romans 7:13-25. Paul says that he sins willingly. Now consider these possibilities:

1. If Paul is just trying to relate to his audience by building a straw man of himself then he isn’t speaking truthfully which would mean he’s lying.

2. If this is one of those situations where Paul is difficult to understand, we must seek an alternative interpretation than the very clear plain text of Romans 7:13-25, making it mean something else.

3. Paul did not mince words. He admitted to struggling with sin because he’s human with struggles like all other humans are. Paul explained his theology on how his flesh sins uncontrollably and willingly while his spirit never sins and is perfected in Christ.


Romans 7:13-25 KJV
13Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful.
14For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. 15For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. 16If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. 17Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 18For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. 19For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. 20Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
21I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. 22For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: 23But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. 24O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? 25I 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.

You miss the point of Paul's message. Roman's 7 is the Christian's dilemma. Those who look only at the law for guidance put an impossible burden on themselves. The last verse of Romans 7 should be the first verse of Romans 8. If we stay in Romans 7, we will remain wretched Christians. And there are way too many in that category. When Christians realise that real victory is in Christ, the pressure comes off us and we rely on Christ alone.

The problem is that most Christians refuse to accept defeat. They insist on trying to change the unchangeable, fix the irreparable and cure the incurable. If only we agreed with God that nothing good dwells in us and never will, we would have some hope. But even that is not enough. We have to go from "Wretched man" to "Thanks be to God through Christ".

I know the difference. I know from the comments and posts here than many are still trying to be something that is already theirs, if they only knew it. It's as dumb as someone begging on a street corner when they have millions in the bank. The enemy here is pride. People don't want to admit that they are helpless, desperate, poor and needy. They are too full of self to leave room for Christ. We need to lose the old life in order to gain true, spiritual life that is the reason Jesus came.

It is impossible for two objects to occupy the same space. And likewise spiritually. Either you are in control or Lord Jesus is in control. The sooner we give up self will, the sooner we will gain God's will. I know where self has lead me. Up the creek without a paddle. God's will is better than anything I can even imagine. That's what I choose daily.

It does not mean a life of comfort and ease. The war never stops. But I know whom I believe and I know that He has never let me down.

 

[Runningman]

Paul was telling about his days as Saul, he begins chapter 7 "to those who know the law ..." he is a man under conviction of the law but as yet unsaved.

That's unlikely and unclear. Paul is good about using the correct word tense. Paul speaks about his struggle with sin in the present tense in Romans 7. Unfortunately there's no good reason to interpret it as past tense from his Saul days.

To believe otherwise is to believe that as apostle Paul was "slave to sin" do you believe this? yes or no?

Rather than say yes or no, let's let Paul represent himself.

Romans 7:14
14For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.

"wretched man that I am [cries he] who shall deliver me from this body of death?" ... thanks be to God through Jesus Christ"

So he was delivered from the description he had given in Ro.7

"Now therefore there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus for the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set me free from the law of sin and death" Ro.8.

Paul is saying that his flesh does what he does not want it to do even though in his spirit he wants to do with is right.