Romans 7:1-13 Not a Mistake or Weakness, But Sin

Here, Paul answers those who would ask, "Since we're not under the law, then it's okay to sin, right?"

He uses an example of a married couple where the husband dies.  The law of Moses permitted the wife to remarry in that case.  She couldn't do it otherwise.  "Death broke the marriage relationship and set her free [from that provision of the law]."

In the same way, we died to the law when we trusted Christ and were united with Him.  We died to the law, just as we died to the flesh ... In Christ, we arose from the dead and now are married (united) to Christ to live a new kind of life," my commentary continued.

"To be dead to the law does not mean that we lead lawless lives.  It simply means that the motivation  and dynamic of our lives does not come from the law; it comes from God's grace through our union with Christ."

He also discusses the ministry of the law.  It reveals sin.  But it also arouses sin," the way a magnet draws steel," my commentary said.  "Something in human nature wants to rebel whenever a law is given ... Believers who try to live by rules and regulations discover that their legalistic system only arouses more sin and creates more problems."

The law also kills - "It cannot give life:  it can only show the sinner that he is guilty and condemned... The law shows the sinfulness of sin ... We excuse our sins with words like mistakes or weaknesses, but God condemns our sins and tries to get us to see that they are exceedingly sinful."

"Paul's argument here is tremendous:  The law is not sinful -- it is holy, just, and good; but the law reveals sin, arouses sin, and then uses sin to slay us ... See how sinful sin is when it can use something good like the law to produce such tragic results ... The problem is with our sinful nature."

Father, thank You again for reminding me of the terrible sinfulness of any sin I commit.  Don't let me minimize it by using words like mistake or weakness.  It is an affront to You.

Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford