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Study 08 of 19

“O Wretched Man That I Am!”

Romans 7 exposes the inability of self-effort to conquer indwelling sin.

Hands-free narration of this study — good for the car.

Synopsis

In chapter 8, Sequeira examines “o wretched man that i am!” within the larger question of Christ’s humanity and the everlasting gospel. The desire to obey God conflicts with the law of sin operating in fallen humanity. Knowledge and resolve cannot by themselves overcome indwelling sin’s power. No. The believer still faces fallen weakness until the redemption of the body. The need is for a Deliverer, not merely another technique of self-improvement. The study invites the reader to test the author’s argument with Scripture and apply it without losing either Christ’s sinlessness or the priority of grace.

Key points

  • The desire to obey God conflicts with the law of sin operating in fallen humanity.
  • Knowledge and resolve cannot by themselves overcome indwelling sin’s power.
  • No. The believer still faces fallen weakness until the redemption of the body.
  • The need is for a Deliverer, not merely another technique of self-improvement.
  • Jesus Christ our Lord, whose saving work and Spirit bring deliverance.
  • It redirects hope from self-sufficiency to Christ without excusing sin.

Key texts

  • Romans 7:14–25
  • Romans 8:1–2
  • Philippians 3:20–21

Chapter reading

Chapter 8 · Read this chapter

    Put it into practice

    • Read chapter 8 before answering and compare the argument with Romans 7:14–25.
    • Write your own explanation before revealing the model answer.
    • Discuss one practical implication with your study group and pray for a Christ-centered response.
    1. Comprehension

      1. What conflict does Romans 7 describe?

    2. Doctrinal Clarity

      2. Why is knowing the good not sufficient to accomplish it?

    3. Contrast

      3. Does conversion immediately remove the believer’s fallen nature?

    4. Comprehension

      4. What does the cry “Who will deliver me?” reveal?

    5. Doctrinal Clarity

      5. Who is the answer to the cry of Romans 7?

    6. Application

      6. How can this chapter encourage someone discouraged by repeated failure?

    7. Scripture

      7. Read Romans 7:14–25. What does this passage contribute to the chapter’s teaching on “o wretched man that i am!”? Cite a specific phrase and explain its context.

    8. Scripture

      8. Read Romans 8:1–2. What does this passage contribute to the chapter’s teaching on “o wretched man that i am!”? Cite a specific phrase and explain its context.

    9. Scripture

      9. Read Philippians 3:20–21. What does this passage contribute to the chapter’s teaching on “o wretched man that i am!”? Cite a specific phrase and explain its context.

    10. Application

      10. How would you explain this truth to a discouraged church member: The desire to obey God conflicts with the law of sin operating in fallen humanity.?

    11. Application

      11. What mistaken conclusion should you avoid when applying this chapter’s teaching: Jesus Christ our Lord, whose saving work and Spirit bring deliverance.?

    12. Application

      12. Name one change in your prayer, Bible study, or ministry that follows from this principle: It redirects hope from self-sufficiency to Christ without excusing sin.