John Calvin Commentary Romans 7:25

"I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then I of myself with the mind, indeed, serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin." — Romans 7:25 (ASV)

I thank God; etc. He then immediately added this thanksgiving, so that no one would think that in his complaint he rebelliously grumbled against God; for we know how easy it is, even in legitimate grief, to transition to discontent and impatience. Although Paul then lamented his situation and sighed for his departure, he nevertheless confesses that he submitted to the good pleasure of God; for it is not fitting for the saints, while examining their own shortcomings, to forget what they have already received from God.

But what is sufficient to restrain impatience and encourage submission is this: the thought that they have been received under God's protection, so that they may never perish, and that they have already been favored with the first-fruits of the Spirit, which make their hope of the eternal inheritance certain. Although they do not yet enjoy the promised glory of heaven, at the same time, being content with the measure they have obtained, they are never without reasons for joy.

So I myself, etc. A short epilogue, in which he teaches us that the faithful never reach the goal of righteousness as long as they live in the flesh, but are running their course until they put off the body. He again gives the name of mind, not to the rational part of the soul which philosophers praise, but to that which is illuminated by the Spirit of God, so that it understands and wills correctly: for mention is made not of the understanding alone, but connected with it is the earnest desire of the heart. However, by the exception he makes, he confesses that he was devoted to God in such a way that, while still living on earth, he was defiled with many corruptions. This is a suitable passage to disprove the most harmful doctrine of the Purists, (Catharorum), which some disruptive individuals attempt to revive even today.