Romans 7 | Dead to the Law?

Check out Romans Chapter Seven with our first-ever guest, Chris Lautsbaugh.

In Romans 7, Paul addresses a mixed audience of Jews and Gentiles. The Jews are well-versed in the law, while the Gentiles are not. Paul alternates between addressing each group's concerns, creating a common baseline for understanding the new way of life in Christ. He emphasizes that all are sinners and that righteousness comes through faith in God, not the law. This chapter challenges both groups to move beyond their old ways of thinking and embrace a new life of righteousness and sanctification.

Paul delves into the relationship between sin and the law. He argues that while the law reveals sin, it is not a means of achieving holiness. Instead, believers must die to the law as a way of seeking righteousness. This message likely frustrated his Jewish audience but provided clarity for the Gentiles, emphasizing that grace doesn't permit continued sinning. Paul describes this process as dying to both sin and the law, highlighting the new righteousness believers are called to live out.

In the second half of Romans 7, Paul shares his personal struggle with sin, illustrating the human condition's inner conflict. He describes the tug-of-war between his desire to do good and the reality of sin within him. This candid confession resonates with many believers, showing that even a seasoned apostle like Paul battles with sin. Paul's honesty about his ongoing struggle underscores the depth of human depravity and the continuous need for God's grace.

Despite acknowledging his wretched state, Paul offers hope by pointing to Jesus Christ as the deliverer from this body of death. He contrasts his service to God's law with his flesh's service to sin, demonstrating that sanctification is an ongoing process. Paul's ultimate message is that while we wrestle with sin, we are transformed by Jesus, who empowers us to live according to God's will. This powerful truth remains relevant for believers today.

To apply Paul's teachings in Romans 7, believers are encouraged to examine their lives for sinful behaviors and repent. Additionally, it's crucial to recognize and cease trying to earn God's favor through good deeds. Instead, good works should be a response to God's grace, not an attempt to achieve righteousness. Understanding this helps Christians live authentically, motivated by gratitude and love for what God has already done. Join us tomorrow for Romans 8, where we'll explore how to live out this new righteousness.

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