Christians are (Also) Vulnerable

Is it possible to read Romans 7:15-23 without becoming restless?

Paul writes about himself (note how many times the word “I” appears) and he does this in the present tense. Therefore one cannot but wonder: Is Paul really speaking about himself? Is he really referring to what happens in his own life now that he has become a Christian? Is it possible that the great Apostle of the Spirit can say, “For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I do” (7:19 RSV)? Is this the same person who declares in 8:1, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (RSV)?

You will probably agree with me that becoming a Christian does not stamp out all sin and temptation from a person’s life. Christians can sin. Christians do sin.

It is regrettable that the notion exists (amongst some Christians) that unbelievers are the people who sin while Christians do not sin.

It is necessary that we as Christians acknowledge our own ability to sin. We must never underestimate the power of sin. In other words: we have to face the reality of our own vulnerability.

Maybe this is one of the reasons why Paul chose to write this passage so intensely personal: when I discover that the great Apostle of the Spirit can be so honest and open about his own vulnerability to sin, it will help me to admit my own vulnerability.

To think about (or discuss): Do you try to overcome sin by self-determination or do you confess with Paul that there is only one way out of sin – through Jesus Christ our Lord (verse 25)?