Romans 7
Definition
Romans 7 describes the subjective experience of the believer who “wills but does not do” — a state of “without strength”. According to Watchman Nee in The Life That Wins (b8), this is not the normal Christian state, but an imperfect experience. Romans 6 is the objective truth (the believer is crucified with Christ), while Romans 7 is the human experience of failure.
Usage per author
Watchman Nee / Witness Lee
“Romans 6 is the objective truth, whereas Romans 7 is the subjective experience. Romans 6 is fact, while Romans 7 is experience. Many Christians today know Romans 6 quite well. […] Yet our experience is often like that in Romans 7.” (The Life That Wins, p. 41)
“What is meant by being ‘without strength’? It is what is spoken of in Rom.7: ‘to will is present with me, but to do that which is good is not. For the good which I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I practise’ (vv.18b-19). In other words, the total thrust of Rom.7 indicates that I am without strength, I cannot do it.” (The Life That Wins, p. 28)
“The history of many a Christian is marked by a cycle of resolutions and broken promises.” (The Life That Wins, p. 28)
Interpretation: Nee uses Romans 7 as contrasting background for Romans 8. The law of sin and death (Rom. 7) is overcome by the law of the Spirit of life (Rom. 8:2).