Romans 7:16-22 (KJV)

16. If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.
17. Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
18. 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.
19. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.
20. Now if I do that I would not, it is nor more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
21. I fin then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.
22. For I delight in the law of God after the inward man.

The Christian life is sometimes portrayed as relief from all pain and struggle (i.e. "come to Jesus and find real peace and happiness"), and if we are not careful in presenting the gospel. We might give the impression to some that the Christian life is a bed of roses. Our text tells us that in reality the believer faces a great battle, which is described like this:
In my heart I desire to do the will of God, but I find it difficult to carry out my desires.
"I do that which I desire not" (v.16), "what I hate I do" (v.17), "the will is present with me, but how to perform that which is good I find not" (v.18), "The good that I would I do not" (v.19), "I find then a law, that when I would do good, evil is present with me" (v.21).

1. Is this really the experience of Christians?
   There are three possible interpretations of this text regarding the battle we face.
   1. Some say Paul describes in this text his life as an unregenerate person.
      It is difficult for some to admit that the Christian life is by nature a struggle. However, I believe it is impossible for Paul to be describing an unbeliever here.
      1. Unregenerate people don't delight in the law of God (v.22).
      2. Unregenerate people don't have a sense of their sinfulness (v.20). "no man begins to be good till he sees himself to be bad" Thomas Brooks.
   2. Some say Paul describes his life as a regenerate, but not yet converted man.
      This is the position of the brilliant Dr. D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, the surgeon of the Queen's Court in England who became pastor of Westminster Chapel in London. However, this interpretation, too, has problems, not the least of which "after a man comes to understanding of resting in Christ does he not struggle?"
   3. The classic interpretation is that Paul describes the normal Christian life.
      The Christian life is a fight. It is a battle. Our desires change, and we transform.
      "When a Christian sins, he sins against the general purpose of his soul" Brooks.
2. What is it that the Christian fights against?
   
   1. Indwelling sin -- "If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us" (I John 1:8). This indwelling sin keeps us dependent upon God's grace.
      1. The believer in no way excuses his sin. He realizes both his inability to be holy and his responsibility to be holy, condemning himself and justifying God.
      2. Every believer is assured of deliverance through Christ, but not while living.
      3. Though the believer is plagued with sin, his sin can never condemn him.
   2. Incessant self-righteousness -- "Clearly no one is justified before God by the law, because, 'The righteous will live by faith.' The law is not based on faith." (Galatians 3:11-12). We fight returning to the law in order to obtain our acceptance. I think this is what Paul is saying. "I struggle constantly to keep from going back to the law for justification but no matter how I try, I keep doing it. I know the right thing to do is to rest in Christ alone apart from the law, but time and time again, I go back into that old way of thinking" Tim Taylor
      In the battles you face as a Christian may you find your victory in Christ.