Grace Bible Church
Pastor Teacher
Robert R. McLaughlin
Tree of Life
Weekly Review
Dispensations of the Mosaic Law.
The Dilemma of Romans 7.
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The main problem is how to deal with the Old Sin Nature against the new nature and how they relate to the Doctrine of Flaws. For remember, one of the reasons why we all have a battle going on within us is because of two spiritual principles:
a. Enduement = outside influence of the OPHS
b. Enablement = inner power and influence OPHS
The Old Testament believers did not have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, the filling of the Holy Spirit, sealing ministry, gifts of the Spirit nor the baptism of the Spirit. They had a different ministry with the Spirit than we do. We have the enablement of the Spirit with all the five ministries of the Spirit; Indwelling, filling, sealing, gifts, and the baptism of the Spirit. Nevertheless, both of us, OT and NT saints, face an inward battle
So, The Doctrine of Flaws. Point 1. Definition. Distinction must be made between genetic and environmental handicaps and flaws. Genetic flaws are the weaknesses with which we are born with because of the old sin nature in the cell structure of the body, PSA 51:5; 58:3. Environmental flaws are those which we acquire because of where we live and the surroundings that we face.
Point 2. Biblical distinctions between inherent and environmental flaws. Inherent flaws are taught in Rom 7:15 25.
For example, in ROM 7:15, the apostle Paul says: For that which I am doing, I do not understand; or “I do not know what I am doing.”
Most reputable scholars say that this was written by the apostle Paul 28 years after he was born again. What is the difference between impulsive behavior and deliberate behavior? Impulsive behavior is usually reacts without thinking first, whereas deliberate behavior is thinking before you act upon your thoughts.
ROM 7:15, For that which I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate.
In other words, at this time Paul was no longer self-righteous and legalistic as he was as a Pharisee. Self-righteous legalistic believers are always talking about how good they should act in front of others. They forget, MAT 6:1, Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your father who is in Heaven.
ROM 7:15, for that which I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to, but I am doing the very thing that I hate.
One major problem here is that the are too many “I”;s here. that which “I” am doing, “I” do not understand; “I” am not practicing what “I” would like to, but “I” am doing the very thing that “I” hate.
Now, we all have a legitimate desire to please the Lord, and this desire even increases as we increase our intake of doctrine. So, Paul is saying I really want to advance spiritually and to please God by reaching maturity, however, there’s a problem. These good intentions are hindered by the overtime work of the OSN with its trends toward evil and good. The OSN can control the believer in many ways. The point is that the OSN can make us think we are good enough without a crash diet of doctrine or PMA of BD. And if you don’t take in doctrine consistently, you will be under the control of the OSN. Therefore back in ROM 7:16 Paul writes, “But if I keep doing the very things which I do not desire to do [I know they are wrong to do], I agree with the Law [or the doctrine] that it is good.”
Doctrine is important because it helps you to recognize both inherent and environmental flaws. Paul is saying “If I keep on doing what I do not want to do then I realize that the law is good because it does reveal my helplessness. You see that was the purpose of the law and the commandments, to reveal our helplessness. This is why the Lord offered the congregation of Israel the opportunity at anytime to choose him and repent from their negative volition toward His word. This was mercy rejoicing against judgment, JAM 2:13…….ALWAYS!
So, Paul says this in effect; “Now if I do [habitually] what is contrary to my desire, [that means I did something that I didn’t want to and it was wrong] I acknowledge and agree that the Law is good (morally excellent) and that I take sides with it.”
Therefore, what was his conclusion? ROM 7:17, So now, no longer am I the one doing it, but sin [OSN] which indwells me [living in me].”
The old sin nature is the source of temptation, but also the source of inherent flaws from birth. It is no longer I who do the deed, but [the sin nature principle] which is at home in me and has possession of me. Sin or the OSN lives in a person [inherent flaws] long before a person’s volition develops acquired flaws. Since it takes volition to convert temptation into sin, this verse must refer to inherent sin and flaws.
ROM 7:17, So now, no longer am I the one doing it, but sin or the sin nature which dwells in me.
Paul is saying that because he has received the Lord Jesus Christ, that he is no longer the one alive but Christ is living in him. And therefore when he sins, it is no longer him, the new man or the new creature but the old man which is within. So Paul says it is no longer I who do the deed, but the sin [principle] which is at home in me and has possession of me.
Now if God’s people could only realize this, they would become free from bondage and slavery to their OSN. They wouldn’t be blaming others like the congregation of Israel did as they blamed Moses, Aaron, Miriam, Joshua, Caleb and finally the Lord Jesus Christ. Instead, they would be using their failures as an opportunity to appeal to the mercy of God.
Now, look at it, because very few individuals teach on it the way you have been taught. Familiarity is a major problem when it comes to interpretation and forces some of us to quote others to give our opinion credibility. Sometimes, this is needed, many times it is not…..that is if you trust in the communicator of the Word of God. This is why a lot of God’s people never grow spiritually because they are not open to “New refreshing doctrines” or they do not “listen to what the Spirit is saying to the church.
This means that unless people realize that there are other students of the word of God that have found certain mysteries of the word being revealed, they will miss out on new revelations. Remember what the prophet Daniel said concerning the “last days”?
DAN 12:1-4, “Now at that time Michael, the great prince who stands guard over the sons of your people, will arise. And there will be a time of distress such as never occurred since there was a nation until that time; and at that time your people, everyone who is found written in the book, will be rescued. And many of those who sleep in the dust of the ground will awake, these to everlasting life, but the others to disgrace and everlasting contempt. And those who have insight will shine brightly like the brightness of the expanse of heaven, and those who lead the many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever. But as for you, Daniel, conceal these words and seal up the book until the end of time; many will go back and forth, and knowledge will increase.”
Part of that knowledge that will increase is found in some new revelations God the Holy Spirit has decided to reveal such as what is found in ROM 7 compared to few other passages.
For example, look at ROM 7:16-20, But if I do the very thing I do not wish to do, I agree with the Law, confessing that it is good. So now, no longer am I the one doing it, but sin which indwells me. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the wishing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not. For the good that I wish, I do not do; but I practice the very evil that I do not wish. But if I am doing the very thing I do not wish, I am no longer the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me.
1JO 3:9, No one who is born of God practices sin, because His seed abides in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
1PE 1:23, for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and abiding word of God.
So with all these verses involved as well with Isa 6:6, we must conclude that because the nature of God cannot sin, and Christ, the very nature of God is in him, Paul has learned to separate the two natures, the nature of God within him against that cannot sin and the OSN that indwells within him that produces sin nature control. Paul has learned to separate the two natures; Have you? Most believers have not! And that is why self-righteousness and legalism and guilt and condemnation exists in the lives of most believers today.
What made Paul such a great apostle is the fact that he realized that his sins had been paid for and that he had been totally forgiven. He not only wrote but believed in PHI 3.
PHI 3:4-14, even though I myself might be having confidence even in the flesh. If anyone of the same category [Judaizers] assumes to put confidence in the flesh, I far more: circumcised the eighth day, [born] out from the race of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews [an outstanding Hebrew]; with reference to the Law, a Pharisee; with reference to zeal, constantly persecuting the church; with reference to the self-righteousness which is found in the Law, having become blameless. But whatever quality of things were gains to me, those things [gains] I have concluded as an expert as loss for the sake of Christ. Not only this but more than this, I conclude as an expert all things [Paul’s pre-salvation human celebrityship and achievement] to be loss because of the surpassing greatness of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, whom I have forfeited all things, also, I keep on concluding as an expert them to be piles of dung in order that I may win for Christ, and that I may be found in Him, not having my own righteousness derived from the source of the Law, but that [righteousness] which is acquired by means of faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from the source of the God at the point of faith, that I may come to know Him, and the power of [behind] His resurrection and the participation of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; if, in some way, I may attain to the resurrection away from the dead ones. Not that I have already obtained it [the resurrection life], or have already reached the objective, but I continue pressing on that I may attain that [or overtake that, or gain that, arrive at the objective] on account of which I was overtaken by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I evaluate myself as not yet having attained the objective [the ultimate objective in time, living in resurrection life]; but one thing I concentrate upon: constantly forgetting the things that lie behind and pursuing vigorously to what lies ahead, I keep on pressing on toward the objective for the purpose of the reward belonging to the upward call of God [Father], by means of Christ Jesus.
Paul discovered the true meaning of JOH 8:31-32. He was truly free.
Look at ROM 7:18, “For I know that nothing good lives in me [inherent or genetic flaws], that is, in my flesh [sinful nature], for I have the desire to do what is good, but the doing of the good is not [I do not have the will to carry it out].
The inherent sin nature in some cases are stronger than the believer’s will or for that matter “YOUR” will! Now how can understanding ROM 7:18 actually be a benefit and blessing to the believer? Well before any believer can appreciate the divine solutions to the indwelling problems of the OSN and the magnificent grace of God, the believer must be brought to the end of himself. You must realize how helpless and hopeless you are without Christ and also how the Lord has solved the sin problem as well as the entire sin nature! Not only has sin been forgiven but the effects of our sin as well. The effects of sin are guilt and condemnation, and therefore there is no place for any guilt and condemnation in the life of the believer.
PSA 32:5, You have forgiven the guilt of my sin;
And although there are times when sin or the OSN prevails against us and we fail our personal sins are still forgiven.
PSA 65:3, Iniquities prevail against me; but as for our transgressions You do forgive them.
And how much sin does God forgive?
PSA 85:2, You did forgive the iniquity of Your people; You did cover “all” their sin.
Think of it, the Lord has not covered some of your sin, but all of your sin. And also as a part of God’s plan to free us we also have the promise that God does not deal with us according to our sins.
PSA 103:10, He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
ROM 7:19, “For the good that I desire to do I do not do. But I practice the very evil that I do not desire to do,”
This refers to flaws which are inherent but also acquired under certain circumstances. Any pressure that frustrates you or causes you to react with bitterness, hatred, implacability, revenge, or self pity brings out your inherent flaws. So here is an emphasis on the inherent flaws.
So in ROM 7:18, For I know that nothing good dwells within me, that is, in my flesh [where his OSN resides]. I can will what is right, but I cannot perform it. [Or he has the intention and urge to do what is right, but no power to carry it out].
Why?
ROM 7:19-20, For I fail to practice the good deeds I desire to do, but the evil deeds that I do not desire to do are what I am [ever] doing. but if I am doing the very thing I do not wish or desire to do, I am no longer the one doing it [it’s not my new nature that’s involved but my old OSN this is an inherent tendency, it is impulsive, found in all mankind] but sin living in me does it.”
You see, the apostle Paul leaned to separate his two natures, the old one and the new. Paul recognized and believed 2CO 5:17, Therefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.
The old things that are passed away = life in the adamic nature with its resultant death. The new nature that has come = life in the PPOG with the believer walking in newness of life, ROM 6.
GAL 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and delivered Himself up for me.”
Let’s break this verse down. “I have been crucified with Christ” when He died on the Cross He died as a substitute for me. “It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me;” = it’s not my OSN that is alive any longer, it is my new nature. “and the life which I now live in the flesh” that is in Paul’s human nature, he lives by means of faith or the doctrine in the Son of God,” because as 1JO 3:2 says, “We know that, when He appears, we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him just as He is.” We shall live as He did in His new nature.
Paul recognized in GAL 2:20 that “the Lord Jesus Christ loved him and delivered Himself up for him for him,
in 1JO 3:16 We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
So, in ROM 7:20-21, “If I do what I do not desire to do, it is no longer I doing it [it is not myself that acts], but the sin [fixed and operating in my body and soul]. I find then the principle that evil is present in me, the one who wishes to do good.
This does not appear to be temptation from the old sin nature so much as the existence of inherent flaws. In other words, even when we are trying our best the evil of the inherent flaws are still there. This is why everyone of us have the potential to become a member of the congregation of Israel.
This is a positive believer who now sees an inherent flaw which comes from any circumstance. Doctrine has provided him with standards which now teach him.
ROM 7:23, “But I see a different principle at work in the members of my body [genetic, inherent weakness and flaw] making war against the doctrine in my mind,”
Trying to put me in bondage and fear and worry or arrogance. And making me a prisoner by means of the law [principle] of inherent sin which is in my body or members.” In the sensitive appetites and wills of the flesh, Paul discovered a different law (rule of action) at war against the law of his mind and making him a prisoner to the law of sin that dwells in his bodily organs [in the sensitive appetites and wills of the flesh].
As you grow in the knowledge of doctrine, there can arise a tremendous conflict in the soul, not from the temptation of the old sin nature, but from the evil, inherent weakness which is there. You become a prisoner when impulsive behavior takes the place of deliberate behavior.
ROM 7:24-25, “Oh miserable person that I am! Who will rescue me from the body of this spiritual death? Thanks be to God or the corrected translation but grace belongs to God because of Jesus Christ our Lord!”
God in his grace knows we have inherent flaws, environmental flaws, in addition to sins we accumulate. So then, on the one hand I myself with my mind am serving the law of God; but on the other hand, with my flesh I am a slave to the principle of inherent sin.” And then never forget the principle that there is no chapter break in the original language and therefore Rom 8:1 says There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
The old sin nature is not only the source of temptation, but it is the source of the genetic flaws with which we are born. And we all have an old sin nature and we all fail! Therefore, do not think more highly of yourself then what you ought to think and do not become guilty and condemned if you have failed like a member of the congregation of Israel
Pick up the doctrine of mercy and learn the principles which we have noted!
JAM 2:13, For judgment {will be} merciless to one who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment.
So mercy is one of the main reasons why the Lord was patient and compassionate toward the Exodus congregation.
HEB 4:16, Let us therefore draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need.
We receive mercy for our past mistakes and grace for our spiritual strength and integrity under pressure
2JO 1:3, Grace, mercy {and} peace will be with us, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love. Amen.