Romans 7:15 – “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.”

Extended Explanation

Paul expresses deep frustration in this verse. He describes a personal struggle—he wants to do what is right, but instead, he finds himself doing the very things he hates. This inner conflict shows the reality of sin’s power, even for someone who desires to obey God.

This verse highlights the tension between knowing what is right and actually living it out. Paul isn’t saying that he doesn’t understand his actions in an intellectual sense. Instead, he means that he is often confused by his own behavior—his sinful actions contradict his desires to obey God.

This struggle is familiar to all believers. Even after coming to faith in Christ, Christians still wrestle with sin. They have a new heart that wants to follow God, but their old sinful nature still tries to pull them in the opposite direction. Paul’s honesty here is refreshing—it reminds us that even the greatest followers of Jesus experience this battle.

Historical Context

Paul was writing to believers in Rome, many of whom had Jewish backgrounds and had been raised under the Mosaic Law. They had spent their lives believing that obedience to the law was the key to righteousness. However, Paul had been explaining that the law, while good, could not change the human heart.

This verse reflects Paul’s personal experience as well. Before he met Christ, Paul was a Pharisee who was devoted to keeping the law (Philippians 3:5-6). However, after he encountered Jesus, he realized that no matter how hard he tried, he could never be righteous on his own. This inner struggle between wanting to do right and failing to do so became painfully clear.

Paul’s words also apply to Gentile believers. Many of them had come from pagan backgrounds, where sin was a normal way of life. Now that they had been saved, they wanted to live for God, but they still felt the pull of their old sinful habits. This struggle was not unique to Paul—it is the battle every believer faces.

Theological Implications

This verse teaches several important truths about sin, human nature, and the Christian life:

1. Sin is still present, even in believers. Becoming a Christian doesn’t mean the battle with sin is over—it means the battle has begun.
2. Desiring to do good is not enough. Knowing what is right and wanting to do it doesn’t automatically give someone the strength to carry it out.
3. Human effort alone cannot defeat sin. Even Paul, an apostle of Jesus, struggled with sin. This shows that no one can overcome sin by willpower alone.
4. The Christian life is a fight against the flesh. Paul describes this struggle in more detail in Galatians 5:17—believers have the Holy Spirit living in them, but their sinful nature still fights against God’s ways.

This verse is an honest admission that living a godly life is not easy. But it also sets the stage for Paul’s ultimate conclusion: victory over sin is only possible through Jesus Christ (Romans 7:24-25).

Literary Analysis

Paul’s wording in this verse is deeply personal and emotional:

• “I do not understand what I do.” This is an expression of frustration. He recognizes that his actions do not align with his true desires.
• “For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.” This repetition highlights the inner conflict. He wants to do good, but sin is at work in him.

Paul is using himself as an example, but he is also speaking on behalf of all believers. His words capture the universal human experience of struggling with sin. The structure of the verse—stating the positive desire first, then the failure to achieve it—emphasizes the painful reality of this battle.

Biblical Cross-References

• Psalm 51:3-4 – “For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight.” (David’s confession of his struggle with sin.)
• Galatians 5:17 – “For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.” (The battle between the flesh and the Spirit.)
• Romans 8:13 – “For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.” (The Spirit gives power to overcome sin.)
• James 1:14-15 – “But each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.” (Sin starts in the heart before it becomes an action.)

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

Every Christian experiences the struggle Paul describes in this verse. Believers know what is right and want to obey God, but they still find themselves falling into sin. This can be discouraging, but Paul’s honesty reminds us that this battle is normal.

This verse also teaches that spiritual growth is a process. Just because Christians struggle with sin doesn’t mean they are failures—it means they are in the fight. The fact that they feel the struggle is actually a sign that God is at work in them.

Instead of relying on willpower, Christians are called to rely on the Holy Spirit. The key to victory over sin is not trying harder, but surrendering more fully to God’s power.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen in the fact that He does not abandon His children in their struggle with sin. Instead, He provides strength, forgiveness, and transformation through His Spirit.

This verse also shows that God understands human weakness. He does not expect people to be perfect on their own. Instead, He calls them to depend on Him.

Even though Paul felt this struggle deeply, he never doubted God’s love. He knew that the battle with sin was temporary and that, ultimately, Jesus would bring complete victory.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is the only answer to the problem Paul describes.

• Jesus gives freedom from sin. While believers still struggle, they are no longer slaves to sin (Romans 6:6-7).
• Jesus provides grace and forgiveness. Even when Christians fail, they are covered by His righteousness (1 John 1:9).
• Jesus strengthens believers through the Holy Spirit. Victory over sin comes not through self-effort, but through His power (Romans 8:2-4).

Paul’s words in this verse point to the need for Jesus. He is not just a helper—He is the only solution to the sin problem.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Have you ever felt the struggle that Paul describes in this verse? How did you deal with it?
2. Why do you think it’s so hard to always do what we know is right?
3. How does this verse help you understand the reality of sin, even in a believer’s life?
4. In what ways have you tried to overcome sin on your own? What was the result?
5. How can relying on Jesus and the Holy Spirit help you in your battle against sin?

This verse is a powerful reminder that the Christian life is a daily battle, but it also gives hope. The struggle is real, but so is the victory in Jesus Christ.