Not I, But Christ Who Lives in Me

The fact is, I know it's nothing good living in me—living, that is, in my own spiritual self—for though I want to do what is good is intimate, the performance is not; with the result being that instead of doing the good things I want to do, I carry out the simple things I do not want (Romans 7:18-19). Despite failure, Paul chooses to identify with his new life. He acknowledges and affirms his union with what himself cleaves to the good. "Not I, but sin" of Romans 7:20 "it is no longer I that do it, but sin that dwells within me" must be read alongside "not I but Christ" of Galatians 2:20. "I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless, I live; yet not I but Christ lives in me." Some who say such things seek to excuse themselves from responsibility for their inner sinfulness or their sinful actions. But not Paul. Paul—like others who have come to life in Christ through the ages—does not excuse or accuse. He accepts the full measure of guilt. He is now concerned with how to enter into the new life to its fullest. –Dallas Willard

One of the things I love about the Apostle Paul’s teachings is the transparency with which he delivers them. This passage in Romans 7, where he admits instead of doing the good things I want to do, I wind up doing the things I do not want to do is so personally relatable. I dare say we’ve all been there; knowing what the Christlike response would be but allowing the flesh to offer up a harsh reply. These are occasions to be reminded of the high calling we bear as ‘children of God’ and ‘followers of Christ’ while at the same time being comforted in our God’s grace and mercy, in forgiving and cleansing us from all unrighteousness as we own and confess our shortcomings before Him. Glory be to God when we walk “in Christ” and get it right! Glory be to God when we fall short in our sinfulness, confess it, experience His forgiveness and grow from the experience.