Scripture References: Romans 7:7-25 (Main) Romans 1:16; Romans 3:20-21; Romans 6; John 15
Intro: Continuing our series in Romans, we arrive at the complex territory of chapter 7. After establishing justification by faith (Rom 1-4) and the reign of grace (Rom 5-6), Paul now addresses the role and function of the Law, particularly in relation to sin and the believer's experience.
Key Points:
- The Law is Good, Not Sin (v. 7-12):
- Paul defends the Law: Is the Law sin? "By no means!"
- It Exposes Sin: The Law's primary positive function is to reveal sin. Without it, we wouldn't recognize things like coveting as sin. This exposure highlights our need for God's grace.
- It Paradoxically Provokes Sin: The commandment provides an opportunity ("seizing an opportunity") for indwelling sin to awaken and exert its power, ultimately leading to death.
- Conclusion: The Law itself reflects God's holy, righteous, and good character. The fault lies with sin operating within humanity, not with the Law itself.
- The Internal Struggle Under Law (v. 13-24):
- Paul describes a profound inner conflict: the mind delights in God's Law and wants to do good, but the "flesh" (indwelling sin nature) wages war, leading to doing the very evil one hates.
- This depicts the experience of trying to achieve righteousness through Law-keeping apart from the Spirit's empowerment. It highlights the Law's inability to change the heart or provide power over sin. (This state contrasts with the freedom described in Romans 6).
- This internal division leads to the cry of despair: "Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?" (v. 24).
- Deliverance Through Christ, Not Law (v. 25):
- The answer isn't trying harder under the Law, but gratitude and reliance on Jesus Christ: "Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!"
- True righteousness and fruitfulness come not through striving to keep rules, but through a relationship – abiding in Christ, the Vine (John 15), empowered by His Spirit.
- The Law for Believers Now:
- Freed from the Law as a means of justification or a source of condemnation, believers can now view it differently.
- It's no longer primarily a spotlight on shame, but can be seen as a description of the righteousness Christ fulfilled and the character the Spirit is producing in us. We can look at its commands without fear, asking God to work that goodness into our hearts by His grace.
Conclusion: Romans 7 powerfully illustrates that while the Law is good and reveals God's standard, it cannot save or sanctify us. Relying on Law-keeping leads to internal conflict and failure. True freedom, righteousness, and the ability to please God come only through faith in Jesus Christ and the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit as we abide in Him.
Call to Action: Recognize the futility of trying to earn righteousness through self-effort or rule-keeping. Shift your reliance fully onto Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit. Abide in Him (John 15). View God's commands not as a burden leading to failure, but as a guide empowered by His grace working within you.
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