1. As the believer's life is a constant conflict, those who do not struggle against sin, and endeavour to subdue it, are not true Christians, vs. 14—25.
2. The person here described hates sin, v. 15 ; acknowledges and de- lights in the spirituality of the divine law, vs. 16, 22 ; he considers his corruption a dreadful burden, from which he earnestly desires to be deli- vered, V. 24. These are exercises of genuine piety, and should be applied as tests of character.
3. It is an evidence of an unrenewed heart to express or feel opposition to the law of God as though it were too strict ; or to be disposed to throw off the blame of our want of conformity to the divine will from ourselves upon thalaw as unreasonable. The renewed man condemns himself, and justifies God, even while he confesses and mourns his inability to con- form to the divine requisitions, vs. 14 — 25.
4. The strength and extent of the corruption of our nature are seen from its influence over the best of men, and from its retaining more or less of its power, under all circumstances, to the end of life, v. 25.
5. This corruption, although its power is acknowledged, so far from being regarded as an excuse or palliation for our individual ofiences, is recognised as the greatest aggravation of our guilt. To say, with the feelings of the apostle, " I am carnal," is to utter the strongest language of self-condemnation and self-abhorrence, vs. 14 — 25.
6. Although the believer is never perfectly sanctified in this life, his aim and efforts are ever onward ; and the experience of the power of in- dwelling sin, teaches him the value of heaven, and prepares him for the enjoyment of it, vs. 14 — 25.