William Burkitt's Expository Notes

Romans 7:16

Note, 1. How readily the apostle consented to the equity and holiness of God's law; he did love the law of God, which made holiness his duty: I consent, says he, to the law, that it is good; he assented to it in his judgment, he complied with it in his will, he clave to it in his inward affections. So far as. person is regenerate, his heart doth correspond with God's law: But may not. unregenerate person consent in his judgments approve, yet not in their hearts like and love the law of God: At the same time, that they commend it with their mouths, they cast it behind their backs.

Note, 2. How the apostle disclaims though not disowns, the evil done by him; It is no more I, but sin that dwelleth in me. As if he had said, "My corrupt affections sometimes overpower me against the approbation of my judgment, the inclination of my will: But it is not I, (according to my better part, from which. am denominated,) but sin dwelleth in me."

Learn hence, That if we disclaim the evil done by us, as being contrary to us, contrary to the habitual frame and disposition of our hearts, contrary to the deliberate purpose and settled resolution of our wills, Almighty God will not charge our failings upon us to our condemnation, but mercifully distinguish between the weakness of the flesh, and the willingness of the spirit; between us, and sin that dwelleth in us. Sin will remain and dwell, but it must not reign and rule: 'Tis. busy inmate in. gracious heart, but 'tis. lordly master, yea, an imperious tyrant in. sinner's heart. Happy he that can in truth and sincerity say, It is not I, but sin that dwelleth in me.

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William Burkitt's Expository Notes

Romans 7:16

Old Testament

New Testament