I don't think you understand what Paul said a few short verses prior in 7:15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.
16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.
17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.
19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.
20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.
22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:
23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.
24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?
25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.
8 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
Please note all the above is written in a current active tense. Paul isn't talking about his previous life as a Pharisee. Paul is talking about our dual nature and the all out war against our soul for separation from God and destruction. Paul isn't confessing to practicing on going sin in verse 15.
So what is Paul saying in verses 17-21? Is he saying he isn't a Christian because sin dwells in him? No. He's merely admitting he has a problem manifesting in his flesh. He says clearly it's not him. How can this be? Is it the body that has been made righteous? It isn't the body that is born again (John 3). It's the person (soul) that's born again. We have our body that follows pleasure until we depart from it upon its actual demise. The soul never dies. Yes I understand the problem that creates for those who don't understand death. They only relate death to the body.
Neither Paul nor I are granting permission to practice or even commit sin as a Christian. Do we or Paul? Read the passage.
In verse 25 Paul says he serves both God and sin. Now that's a real eye opener especially for those who focus on the deeds of the flesh. Granted what is in the heart manifest in the flesh. For me I find it much easier to not sin the more I disassociate and cloister (seclude or shut up in) from the world. I believe God meant us to be social creatures. I must interact with the world to supply my needs. If I eat I need toilet paper or leaves. I am also required to wear clothes by civil law. Clothes are very nice when it's cold, too.
In verse 8:1 is Paul now talking about both Christians and unregenerate people? Why would he do that? Paul is writing to Christians. It must be obvious that Paul is saying some Christians don't follow the Holy Spirit. It should also be obvious that those who aren't must be following something else. The law tries to regulate the flesh. The law failed miserably at this. The law didn't affect the soul and failed (verse 8:3). Is the law fulfilled in our flesh? Never! The body isn't subject to the law (verses 6-8).
I could say much more, but this post is to long already. I think I've said enough to stir mind in the right direction.
