Comparing what Paul says in Romans 7 on COVETOUSNESS
with what he says elsewhere on COVETOUSNESS

“I would not have known what it was to covet if the law had not said, “Do not covet.”   But sin, seizing the opportunity afforded by the commandment, produced in me every kind of covetous desire.” {Romans 7: 7 & 8 NIV}

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“I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous…with such an one no not to eat.” {1 Corinthians 5:9-11}

So, according to the belief that Paul in Romans 7 is describing his christian experience, Paul is telling the Corinthian believers that they shouldn’t even eat with a brother who is covetous, while he himself is having “every kind of covetous desire.” For me, I can only see two options: Paul was either a huge hypocrite, or the belief that Romans 7 describes Paul’s christian experience is incorrect. I don’t know about you, but I’m forced to believe the second of those two options.

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“I have coveted no man’s silver, or gold, or apparel.”  {Acts 20:33}

So, if Paul the apostle had “coveted no man’s silver, or gold, or apparel,” who was doing all that coveting in Romans 7?

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“The covetous shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” {1 Corinthians 6:9, 10 & Ephesians 5:5}

#1–The Paul of Romans 7 was coveting.
#2–The covetous shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
#1 + #2 = The Paul of Romans 7 shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

Comparing what Paul says about being SPIRITUAL

“The law is spiritual; but I AM UNSPIRITUAL.”  {Romans 7:14 NIV}
“If a man be overtaken…YE WHICH ARE SPIRITUAL, restore such an one.”  {Galatians 6:1}

I can’t understand how anyone could possibly believe that while there were “spiritual” people in the church of Galatia, Paul the great apostle was “unspiritual.”

Comparing what Paul says about SIN being the MASTER

“I am sold into slavery, with SIN as MY MASTER.” {Romans 7:14 NLT}
“SIN is NO LONGER YOUR MASTER.” {Romans 6:14 NLT}
“Now you are free from SIN, YOUR OLD MASTER.” {Romans 6:18 NLT}

Again, I just can’t see how someone could believe that sin was no longer the master of the Roman christians, but sin was still the master of the great apostle Paul.

Comparing what Paul says about being “slaves to sin”

“I AM unspiritual, sold as A SLAVE TO SIN.” {Romans 7:14 NIV}
“YOU USED TO BE SLAVES TO SIN.” {Romans 6:17 NIV}
“IN THE PAST YOU WERE SLAVE TO SIN.” {Romans 6:20 NCV}

This is just the last point repeated–only stated in a different manner. And just reinforces what I said after the last point.

Comparing what Paul says about DOING EVIL

“The evil which I would not, that I do.” {Romans 7:19}
“Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil.” {Romans 2:9}

#1–The Paul of Romans 7 was doing evil.
#2–Tribulation and anguish upon every man that does evil.
#1 + #2 = Tribulation and anguish upon the Paul of Romans 7