Romans 7
Today's Passage: Romans 7
Paul provides some really good reminders for believers in this chapter. For clarification, the Law Paul is talking about are the laws of the Old Testament.
First, Christians are not under the Old Testament Law – you also have died to the law through the body of Christ (v. 4). Jesus did not come to abolish the Law, instead He fulfilled the Law. So now, believers are not under the Law but instead, believers are in Christ.
Second, Paul reminds us that the Law was for our benefit. We can be aware of our sin and our need for a Savior – yet if it had not been for the law, I would not have known sin (v. 7). The Law shows our sinfulness, without it we would not see our need for Jesus. It was a gracious act of God to provide the Law.
Third, the Law does not make us guilty, our sin does – it was sin, producing death in me through what is good (v. 13). Some could say, “If there is no law then we cannot be found guilty because we did not know what was right or wrong.” But Paul is very clear – For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right but not the ability to carry it out (v. 18). We are guilty even without the Law.
Fourth, believers are at war – but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind (v. 23). As believers, we have the desire for holiness, but our sinful nature has a desire for sin. Every day is a fight to live for Jesus. To fight the war, (1) trust in Jesus and (2) rely on the Holy Spirit. Left to ourselves we will fall into sin, but through the power of the Holy Spirit we have the ability to turn from sinful desires.
Written By: Brice Stockton
Paul provides some really good reminders for believers in this chapter. For clarification, the Law Paul is talking about are the laws of the Old Testament.
First, Christians are not under the Old Testament Law – you also have died to the law through the body of Christ (v. 4). Jesus did not come to abolish the Law, instead He fulfilled the Law. So now, believers are not under the Law but instead, believers are in Christ.
Second, Paul reminds us that the Law was for our benefit. We can be aware of our sin and our need for a Savior – yet if it had not been for the law, I would not have known sin (v. 7). The Law shows our sinfulness, without it we would not see our need for Jesus. It was a gracious act of God to provide the Law.
Third, the Law does not make us guilty, our sin does – it was sin, producing death in me through what is good (v. 13). Some could say, “If there is no law then we cannot be found guilty because we did not know what was right or wrong.” But Paul is very clear – For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right but not the ability to carry it out (v. 18). We are guilty even without the Law.
Fourth, believers are at war – but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind (v. 23). As believers, we have the desire for holiness, but our sinful nature has a desire for sin. Every day is a fight to live for Jesus. To fight the war, (1) trust in Jesus and (2) rely on the Holy Spirit. Left to ourselves we will fall into sin, but through the power of the Holy Spirit we have the ability to turn from sinful desires.
Written By: Brice Stockton
1 Comment
Great message!about Christ fulfilling the Law. So wonderful that we can just believe in Him. Christ was the ultimate sacrifice!