Romans Chapter Seven (part 1 of 2)
7:5 "For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were
by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit
unto death."
When we were unconverted, sin, which is known by the law, was
done by our flesh which brings us under the condemnation of the
broken law.
7:6 "But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein
we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in
the oldness of the letter."
Now we delivered from the bondage of the law (the law cannot
save, only condemn),being spiritually dead in that bondage (wages
of sin is death); that NOW being converted we should serve in the
(HOLY) Spirit, and not in outward appearance only (whited sepulchar).
7:7 "What shall we say then? is the law sin? God forbid.Nay, I had
not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the
law had said, Thou shalt not covet."
Shall we say the law is wrong? God forbid!!
I would not have known I was sinning and lost and condemned if it
was not for the law: I would not have known I was lusting if I did
not know the law that says, thou shalt not covet.
7:8 "But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all
manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin was
dead."
Sin (transgression of the law), now that the law is known, revealed
all manner of evil in me. Before I knew the law, I did not know sin.
7:9 "For I was alive without the law once: but when the
commandment came, sin revived, and I died."
I did not know I was under condemnation (death sentence) without
a knowledge of the depth of the law: but when I found out about the
depth of the law, that it reaches to the intents of the heart, then I
became guilty and saw myself spiritually dead (the law slayed me).
7:10 "And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to
be unto death."
And the commandments which are Holy and just, and given for our
good, I found to cause my spiritual death (under the condemnation
of the bronken law).
Poor Saul, he is really confused. He was brought under condemnation
by the law of God and knows not how to get out from under the
death sentence. He, like most other Pharisees, prided themselves in
keeping the law, so it was quite a shock to him to find himself a law
breaker. The Holy Spirit began to convince him of his sins after he
participated in the stoning of Stephen.
7:11 "For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me,
and by it slew me."
For breaking the commandments that I then had knowledge of, I
came under condemnation. I knew I was walking after the flesh.
7:12 "Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and
just, and good."
I see the law is good.
7:13 "Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid.
But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which
is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding
sinful."
Was the good law causing me to die? God forbid!!! The
commandments showed me I was under condemnation and then I
could see the great evil of breaking the commandments.
7:14 "For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold
under sin."
We know the Ten Commandments are of God, but I am unholy, and
cannot help but sin. I am a slave to sin and cannot help myself. I
cannot stop sinning. I have no good fruit in my life. I manifest the
works of the flesh for I am carnal, of the flesh.
7:15 "For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not;
but what I hate, that do I."
Really, I cannot do good even though I really want to. I want to quit
stealing, but I cannot. I want to love my neighbor, but I cannot. I
hate taking the Lord's name in vain, but I do it.
Paul was not converted, but he was learning of his need of a Saviour. Where are we today? Do we find ourselves in this situation, not being able to quit sinning? Not knowing how to walk in the Spirit? There is a solution to the problem. Paul will reveal the solution as we continue listening to his testimony.
In His love and grace, Richard