Book of Romans - Chapter 7 - Verse 17

When the apostle Paul wrote the verse "Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me," he was expressing a profound theological concept about the nature of sin and human nature. In this verse, Paul is acknowledging the struggle that all believers face between their desire to do what is right and the sin that still resides within them. He is recognizing that even though he may strive to live according to God's will, he is still prone to sin because of the fallen nature of humanity. This verse highlights the ongoing battle that Christians face in their daily lives, as they seek to overcome the sinful tendencies that are inherent in their human nature. It serves as a reminder that even the most devout followers of Christ are not immune to temptation and sin, and that they must rely on the grace of God to overcome their sinful nature.

The theological interpretation of this verse from Romans 7:20 highlights the theological concept of the indwelling of sin in humanity. The Apostle Paul, in this passage, is discussing the struggle between the sinful nature of man and the new nature received through faith in Christ. By saying "it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me," Paul is emphasizing the idea that, as believers, we are no longer identified by our sins, but rather by our new identity in Christ. This verse also reveals the ongoing battle against sin that believers face in their daily lives. The word "dwell" in this context implies a sense of permanence, indicating that sin has taken residence within our human nature. This profound theological truth underscores the necessity for believers to continually rely on the power of the Holy Spirit to overcome the sinful inclinations that dwell within.