In Romans 7, Paul draws a vivid picture of the human struggle with sin, using marriage to illustrate our relationship with the law. It's a gripping exploration of what it means to be bound and ultimately freed.
The Reading: Romans 7
World English Bible1 Or don’t you know, brothers (for I speak to men who know the law), that the law has dominion over a man for as long as he lives?
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2 For the woman that has a husband is bound by law to the husband while he lives, but if the husband dies, she is discharged from the law of the husband.
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3 So then if, while the husband lives, she is joined to another man, she would be called an adulteress. But if the husband dies, she is free from the law, so that she is no adulteress, though she is joined to another man.
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4 Therefore, my brothers, you also were made dead to the law through the body of Christ, that you would be joined to another, to him who was raised from the dead, that we might produce fruit to God.
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5 For when we were in the flesh, the sinful passions which were through the law, worked in our members to bring out fruit to death.
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6 But now we have been discharged from the law, having died to that in which we were held; so that we serve in newness of the spirit, and not in oldness of the letter.
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7 What shall we say then? Is the law sin? May it never be! However, I wouldn’t have known sin, except through the law. For I wouldn’t have known coveting, unless the law had said, “You shall not covet.”
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8 But sin, finding occasion through the commandment, produced in me all kinds of coveting. For apart from the law, sin is dead.
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9 I was alive apart from the law once, but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died.
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10 The commandment, which was for life, this I found to be for death;
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11 for sin, finding occasion through the commandment, deceived me, and through it killed me.
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12 Therefore the law indeed is holy, and the commandment holy, and righteous, and good.
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13 Did then that which is good become death to me? May it never be! But sin, that it might be shown to be sin, was producing death in me through that which is good; that through the commandment sin might become exceedingly sinful.
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14 For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am fleshly, sold under sin.
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15 For I don’t know what I am doing. For I don’t practice what I desire to do; but what I hate, that I do.
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16 But if what I don’t desire, that I do, I consent to the law that it is good.
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17 So now it is no more I that do it, but sin which dwells in me.
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18 For I know that in me, that is, in my flesh, dwells no good thing. For desire is present with me, but I don’t find it doing that which is good.
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19 For the good which I desire, I don’t do; but the evil which I don’t desire, that I practice.
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20 But if what I don’t desire, that I do, it is no more I that do it, but sin which dwells in me.
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21 I find then the law, that, to me, while I desire to do good, evil is present.
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22 For I delight in God’s law after the inward man,
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23 but I see a different law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity under the law of sin which is in my members.
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24 What a wretched man I am! Who will deliver me out of the body of this death?
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25 I thank God through Jesus Christ, our Lord! So then with the mind, I myself serve God’s law, but with the flesh, the sin’s law.
What This Chapter Is Really Saying
The Law and Our Lives
Paul opens by making a bold statement: the law controls us as long as we live, much like a wife is bound to her husband. But when the husband dies, she is free to marry again, signifying that we too have died to the law through Christ. This allows us to form a new relationship focused on bringing forth good fruit rather than sin.
The Role of Sin and the Law
Paul dives deeper into the role of the law in our lives. He argues that the law itself isn't sinful; rather, it helps us understand what sin is. For example, if the law says, 'You shall not covet,' it reveals our tendency to covet. Yet, ironically, knowing the law can also awaken our sinful desires.
The Internal Battle
Here's where it gets personal: Paul describes a common struggle where he wants to do good but often ends up doing what he hates. It's a psychological tug-of-war. Despite his inner desires to follow God's law, the sin living within him causes him to falter. This battle between his spirit and his flesh paints a relatable picture of human nature.
The Conclusion
Paul concludes this chapter with a heartfelt cry: "Who will rescue me?" Thankfully, he answers his own question by thanking God for Jesus Christ. While our minds may strive to serve God's law, our flesh remains weak, and this struggle is real for everyone.
Why It Matters
The Nature of Sin
Romans 7 reminds us that acknowledging our struggles is essential. The law reveals our shortcomings but also points us toward a solution in Christ.
The Freedom in Christ
When we die to the law through Christ, we are not only freed from its condemnation but also empowered to live a new life. Embracing this freedom means recognizing our battles with sin without being crushed by them.
Finding Community
Understanding these struggles is vital in our faith journey. Connecting with others who share similar battles can provide support and encouragement. If you're looking for a church community to navigate these discussions, you can find a church near you with Sancta.
Living with Tension
Lastly, it's crucial to remember that the tension between our desires and actions is part of the human experience. We all face challenges, and being honest about these struggles can lead to growth.
Coming Up Next: Romans 8
As we move into Romans 8, prepare for a transformative message about living in the Spirit and the freedom from condemnation that comes through Christ. This next part of the journey will remind us of the hope we have despite our struggles.