²⁴ Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? (Romans 7:25 ESV)

I read an interesting commentary on the whole of Romans 7:14-25, where Paul is lamenting his sinful state. It posits three different views of this passage. One about Paul describing the unbeliever, one the new believe and one the mature believer. I, personally, believe that he was describing the last. Mainly because only the mature believer would lament an ongoing sin the way Paul is in this passage.

Of course, the answer to Paul’s final question about who will deliver him from this body of death is clearly Christ. But we may lament in the same way over sins that seem to be difficult to rid ourselves of.

Scripture tells us we have power over sin, but too often we give in to the enemy and the world around us. Those things continually put temptations in our path and unless we are diligent in the Word and in prayer we can find ourselves weak when the temptation comes.

This scripture may also harken back to Paul talking about the thorn he carried that God told him “My grace is sufficient for you” instead of removing the thorn. Again it is unclear if this was some sin or a physical malady of some sort. Regardless this gives us a clear view of Paul’s continued struggles which are much like our own.

It is due to these struggles that we must give way to Christ and huddle under His wing. We must trust and know that He will deliver us in His way and His time.