Delight in the Law of God

Paul delighted in the law of God (Romans 7:22), which is the same as delighting in holiness, righteousness, and goodness. Romans 7:12. He did not delight in doing unrighteousness when it came to paying taxes and tariffs, nor in cheating someone. He never de­frauded anyone in his ministry. 2 Corinthians 7:2. He made no de­mands for his own person. The things you delight in become part of your nature. The ungodly delight in living according to their lusts. Paul delighted in denying his lusts. He exhorted the Corinthians “. . . to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted.” 1 Corinthians 10:6. This was also his attitude of mind.

Paul lived and served God zealously in this state of mind. In his zeal to do the good he discovered that he was taken captive by that “other law in his members.” Romans 7:23. The first law was the law of God in which he delighted, and which made him become good. Romans 7:22. The other law was in his members and took him cap­tive. Therefore he cried out, “O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?” Romans 7:24.

In the midst of all this fervor and zeal for doing the good, Paul discovered that he was a wretched man. What did this wretchedness consist of? Was it laziness or a desire to draw back or seek vainglory? Not at all! Paul was free from the power of the flesh through the body of Christ and served God in the newness of the Spirit. He possessed an inner man which delighted in the law of God. This “wretchedness” was the result of a constantly increasing walk in the light where he was able to see more of his own “I.” It was a manifestation of that “other law” which will not cease working as long as sanctification continues. Therefore Paul gave thanks—since there was no other way—that he served the law of God with his mind, but the law of sin with his flesh. Romans 7:25.

Paul served the law of sin—that other law in his members—with his flesh, but not the law of sin and death. Romans 8:2. That is the law that compels people to sin, leading to death. He was set free from it by the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus. Although a person is tempted by the law of sin and death, it can be conquered. He does not become aware of the law of sin in his members until after a deed has been committed. Then it can be put to death by the Spirit, but it can­not be avoided. The fact that it is possible to serve the law of God and the law of sin simultaneously has been hard to understand ever since it was written. 2 Peter 3:16. Many people skip the whole question, but for the poor in spirit these are precious jewels.

In these times the light of the gospel is shining brightly in our midst and grace rests abundantly over us to enter into a conscious life, hidden with Christ in God. We are not defending a certain teaching or a wind of doctrine, but a life in each individual which consists of the virtues of Christ.