Who is the 'I' speaking in Romans 7:14?
The 'I' in Romans 7:14 is Paul, speaking of himself in his pre-saved condition as a carnal, fleshly man sold under Adam and under the curse. He is the religious Jew who knew the law was spiritual but was still carnal.
Les explains that in Romans 7:14 Paul says, 'I am carnal,' referring to his pre-saved condition. The law is spiritual, written by the finger of God, supernaturally presented to Israel, holy and God-given. But Paul describes himself as fleshly, sold under old Adam, under the curse, because when Adam sinned he plunged the whole human race under the curse and separated from their Creator. The 'I' is therefore the religious Jew, or solitarsis, who was no different, religious as he was. The law shows what old Adam is really made of, compounds his sinfulness, and reveals everything he does was sinful and contrary to the will of a holy God.
For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.
More Questions
What did Paul mean by "I am carnal" in Romans 7:14?
In Romans 7:14, Paul's statement "I am carnal" describes his pre-saved condition: fleshly, sold under old Adam, under the curse and result of the fall.
What does Les say Paul is doing in Romans 7:14?
In Romans 7, beginning around verse 14, Paul is reconstructing how he had to deal with the old Adam after he met Christ on the road to Damascus.