Audio commentary on this verse

Note 5 at Rom. 7:23: The Greek word translated "law" three times in this verse is "nomos" meaning "a force or influence impelling to action" (Vines). So, these verses are not speaking of the "old self" or "sin nature" directly but rather of its influence.

In verse 22, this same Greek word was used to refer to the law of God. In that instance it is clear that this is speaking of the influence of God through His precepts and not the divine person Himself. Likewise, in verse 23, the influence of the "old man" is what is being spoken of.

As explained in note 8 at Romans 6:6, page 778, the "old self" is dead and gone, but it left behind a body. Attitudes and emotions, which still influence us until we renew our minds, are the body of the old man. We are not dealing directly with the "old sin nature" but with its influence that is still being exerted through our unregenerate flesh. So, the Christian life is a renewal of our minds to who we have become in Christ, not a hatred for who we are in our "old self."