Romans 7:15 Explained (KJV): The Inner Conflict of the Regenerated Man
Introduction
Romans 7:15 is one of the most quoted—and most misunderstood—verses in the New Testament. Some use it to excuse sin. Others deny it applies to believers at all. But when read contextually and in harmony with the rest of Scripture, the King James Bible presents a clear, honest picture of the believer’s struggle with indwelling sin—and God’s provision for victory.
Romans 7:15 (KJV) — The Confession of Conflict
“For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.”
Paul is not confused about right and wrong. He is describing a conflict between desire and performance—a tension every honest believer recognizes.
The Will Is Present, But the Flesh Is Weak
Romans 7:18–19 (KJV)
“For 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.”
“For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.”
Paul clarifies that the problem is not the will, but the flesh. Desire for righteousness exists—but power does not reside in the flesh.
Failure Confirms the Law Is Good
Romans 7:16 (KJV)
“If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.”
Rather than rejecting God’s law, Paul’s struggle actually confirms its goodness.
The Source of the Conflict Identified
Romans 7:17 (KJV)
“Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.”
This is not excuse-making—it is spiritual diagnosis.
1 John 1:8 (KJV)
“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.”
Scripture consistently acknowledges indwelling sin, even in believers.
The War Within
Romans 7:22–23 (KJV)
“For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:”
“But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind…”
This aligns directly with:
Galatians 5:17 (KJV)
“For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh…”
Two natures. One battlefield.
This Truth Is Not New
Ecclesiastes 7:20 (KJV)
“For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.”
Psalm 119:113 (KJV)
“I hate vain thoughts: but thy law do I love.”
Love for God’s law can exist alongside real struggle.
The Cry for Deliverance
Romans 7:24 (KJV)
“O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?”
This is not the cry of an unregenerate man seeking salvation—but of a redeemed man longing for freedom from indwelling sin.
The Answer: Jesus Christ
Romans 7:25 (KJV)
“I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
And the resolution continues immediately:
Romans 8:1–2 (KJV)
“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus…”
“For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.”
Conclusion
Romans 7 does not teach defeat—it teaches dependence.
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Romans 6: sin’s dominion broken
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Romans 7: sin’s presence revealed
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Romans 8: sin’s power overcome by the Spirit
This is not theology for excuse-making.
It is theology for honest sanctification.