Paul when writing from Rome reveals the internal struggles he had to contend with. Specifically in Romans 7:16-18 he states that we are born with a legacy inherited from Adam that we can do nothing right, believers retain the capacity to sin (Gal 5:17). They are also gifted with a new capacity from God: the ability to do right (1 John 3:9). These two capacities are at war within the believer.

When Paul says “sin that dwells in me” he uses a Greek expression that suggests “sets up house in me”. Paul is not talking about conflict with evil in the world but conflict with evil from within. Because Paul failed to do only good, he could not completely fulfill the requirements of God’s holy law. The law of Sinai demands absolute perfection, and we find James supporting Paul’s writings.

James 2:10 refers to the Law of Sinai, also known as the Mosaic Law, which is the set of laws given by God to the Israelites through Moses on Mount Sinai. This law includes the Ten Commandments and various other moral, ceremonial, and civil laws found in the first five books of the Bible, known as the Torah or Pentateuch.

Here's the verse for context:

> "For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it."

This verse emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the Law of Sinai. It suggests that breaking even one part of the law is equivalent to breaking the entire law. This underscores the idea that the law is a unified whole and that perfect adherence is required.

The Law of Sinai was given to guide the Israelites in their relationship with God and with each other. It covered the various aspects of life, including worship, ethics, and social justice. However, the New Testament teaches that no one can perfectly keep the law, highlighting the need for grace and salvation through Jesus Christ.

Romans 7:18-25 is a powerful passage that delves into the struggle between the sinful nature and the desire to do good. Here's the passage for context:

> "For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. > > So, I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin."

This passage highlights the internal conflict that believers face. The "renewal" aspect comes into play as believers strive to overcome their sinful nature and align themselves more closely with God's will. Here are some key points on how renewal is reflected in this passage:

1. Acknowledgment of Sin: Paul acknowledges the presence of sin within him and the struggle to do what is right. This self-awareness is the first step towards renewal.
2. Desire for Good: Despite the struggle, there is a genuine desire to do good and follow God's law. This desire is a sign of the new self that is being renewed.
3. Dependence on God: Paul recognizes that he cannot overcome sin on his own and expresses gratitude for deliverance through Jesus Christ. This dependence on God's grace is crucial for renewal.
4. Ongoing Battle: The passage illustrates that renewal is an ongoing process. The struggle between the flesh and the spirit is continuous, but with God's help, believers can grow and transform.
5. Victory in Christ: Ultimately, the passage points to the victory that believers have in Christ. Through Him, they can experience renewal and transformation.

Renewal, in this context, is about recognizing the struggle, relying on God's grace, and continually striving to align one's life with His will. It's a journey of growth and transformation, marked by both challenges and victories.

How can we deal with the struggle?

Dealing with the struggle between our desires and our actions, as described in Romans 7:18-25, can be challenging. Here are some strategies that might help:

1. Acknowledge the Struggle: Recognize that the struggle is a natural part of the human experience. Accepting this can help you approach it with patience and compassion.
2. Seek Divine Help: Lean on your faith and seek God's guidance through prayer, meditation, and reading scripture. Trust in His strength to help you overcome your weaknesses.
3. Stay Connected to a Supportive Community: Surround yourself with people who share your values and can offer encouragement, accountability, and support. Being part of a faith community can provide a strong support system.
4. Practice Self-Reflection: Regularly examine your thoughts, actions, and motivations. Reflect on what triggers your struggles and how you can address them.
5. Develop Healthy Habits: Replace negative behaviors with positive ones. Engage in activities that promote spiritual growth, such as prayer, worship, and acts of service.
6. Set Realistic Goals: Break down your goals into manageable steps. Celebrate small victories along the way and be patient with yourself.
7. Forgive Yourself: Understand that everyone makes mistakes. When you fall short, forgive yourself and seek God's forgiveness. Use setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow.
8. Stay Persistent: The journey of renewal is ongoing. Stay committed to your goals, even when progress seems slow. Remember that transformation takes time and effort.
9. Focus on God's Grace: Remember that God's grace is sufficient for you. Trust in His love and mercy to guide you through your struggles.
10. Seek Professional Help if Needed: If the struggle feels overwhelming, consider seeking help from a Christian counselor or therapist who can provide additional support and strategies.

By incorporating these strategies into your life, you can navigate the struggle with greater resilience and faith. Remember, you're not alone in this journey, and each step forward is a step toward renewal and growth. Stay strong and be blessed.