From Law to Grace: The Power of Christ
Summary
In Romans 7:5-6, Paul presents a profound theological insight into the nature of sin and the law. These verses are pivotal, serving as a foundation for understanding the rest of the chapter and even into chapter 8. Paul contrasts the state of being "in the flesh" with being "in the spirit," highlighting the necessity of dying to the law to be united with Christ. This union with Christ is essential for producing fruit unto God, as opposed to the fruit unto death that results from being under the law.
The term "in the flesh" is crucial here. It refers not to the physical body or the sensuous part of our nature but to the unregenerate state of humanity, where sin reigns and the law holds sway. This state is characterized by the "motions of sins," which are inflamed by the law. The law, rather than curbing sin, actually exacerbates it, revealing the depth of human depravity and the futility of trying to achieve righteousness through human effort.
Paul's argument underscores the impotence of the law in bringing about sanctification. The law's role is to expose sin, not to save from it. This realization points to the absolute necessity of Christ's redemptive work. Only through Christ can we be delivered from the dominion of sin and the law, entering into a new life in the spirit. This transformation is not merely a change in behavior but a fundamental shift in our spiritual state, from death to life.
The implications of this teaching are profound. It challenges the notion that moral teaching or human effort can achieve salvation. Instead, it points to the need for a radical transformation that only Christ can provide. This understanding should lead us to a deeper appreciation of the grace of God and the power of the gospel to bring true freedom and life.
Key Takeaways:
- Understanding "In the Flesh": Being "in the flesh" refers to the unregenerate state where sin dominates and the law condemns. It is not merely about physical desires but a spiritual condition of separation from God. This state is contrasted with being "in the spirit," where one is under grace and united with Christ. [10:14]
- The Role of the Law: The law, while holy, cannot save. Instead, it reveals and even inflames sin, showing our need for a savior. This understanding dismantles any reliance on moral or legalistic efforts for salvation, pointing us to Christ as the only solution. [31:05]
- The Power of Sin: Sin is a powerful force that enslaves humanity, rendering us incapable of pleasing God on our own. This power is so great that even the law cannot overcome it, highlighting the necessity of divine intervention through Christ. [41:26]
- The Necessity of Christ's Work: The inability of the law to save underscores the absolute necessity of Christ's redemptive work. Only through His death and resurrection can we be delivered from the power of sin and enter into new life in the spirit. [48:34]
- Transformation Through the Spirit: True transformation comes not from external adherence to the law but from an internal change brought about by the Holy Spirit. This new life in the spirit enables us to bear fruit unto God, living in freedom and grace. [49:58]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:11] - Introduction to Romans 7:5-6
- [00:35] - Negative and Positive Aspects
- [01:10] - Explanation of Marriage to Christ
- [02:05] - Importance of Verses 5 and 6
- [03:13] - Understanding the Apostle's Argument
- [04:09] - The Doctrine of the Law
- [05:18] - Meaning of "In the Flesh"
- [06:39] - Different Uses of "Flesh"
- [09:12] - The Common Use of "Flesh"
- [10:14] - Opposite of Life in the Spirit
- [12:07] - Being Born Again
- [13:07] - Unregenerate State
- [17:25] - Dual Meaning of "In the Flesh"
- [20:42] - Universal Truth of Humanity's Condition
- [23:40] - The Motions of Sins
- [30:32] - The Law's Role in Sin
- [41:26] - The Power of Sin
- [48:34] - Necessity of Christ's Work
- [49:58] - Transformation Through the Spirit
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Romans 7:5-6
- Galatians 5:16-17
- John 3:6
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Observation Questions:
1. In Romans 7:5-6, what does Paul mean by the term "in the flesh," and how does it contrast with being "in the spirit"? [10:14]
2. According to the sermon, how does the law influence the "motions of sins" in our lives? [31:05]
3. What is the significance of being "delivered from the law" as mentioned in Romans 7:6, and how does this relate to serving in "newness of spirit"? [00:35]
4. How does the sermon describe the role of Christ's redemptive work in overcoming the power of sin and the law? [48:34]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the sermon explain the relationship between the law and sin, and why is the law unable to bring about sanctification? [41:26]
2. What does it mean to be "unregenerate," and how does this state affect one's relationship with God according to the sermon? [13:07]
3. The sermon mentions that the law was never meant to save but to reveal sin. How does this understanding change the way we view moral and legalistic efforts for salvation? [47:01]
4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that true transformation is achieved through the Holy Spirit rather than adherence to the law? [49:58]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you might be relying on moral or legalistic efforts rather than on Christ's redemptive work? How can you shift your focus to rely more on grace? [42:17]
2. The sermon highlights the power of sin and its ability to enslave. Can you identify a specific sin that has been difficult for you to overcome? What steps can you take to seek freedom through Christ? [41:26]
3. How can you cultivate a deeper appreciation for the grace of God in your daily life? Consider specific practices or habits that might help you focus on living in the spirit. [48:34]
4. Think about a time when you felt the law or rules were inflaming rather than curbing sin in your life. How did you respond, and what might you do differently now with the understanding of grace? [31:05]
5. The sermon emphasizes the necessity of Christ's work for true transformation. How can you actively invite the Holy Spirit to bring about this transformation in your life? [49:58]
6. Identify one area in your life where you feel "in the flesh" rather than "in the spirit." What practical steps can you take this week to move towards living in the spirit? [10:14]
7. How can you support others in your community who might be struggling with the same issues of sin and reliance on the law? What role can you play in pointing them towards the freedom found in Christ? [48:34]
Devotional
Day 1: The Spiritual Condition of Being "In the Flesh"
In Romans 7:5-6, Paul describes the state of being "in the flesh" as an unregenerate condition where sin dominates and the law condemns. This is not merely about physical desires but a deeper spiritual separation from God. In this state, the law, instead of curbing sin, actually inflames it, revealing the depth of human depravity. The law exposes our inability to achieve righteousness through human effort, underscoring the necessity of dying to the law to be united with Christ. This union with Christ is essential for producing fruit unto God, as opposed to the fruit unto death that results from being under the law. [10:14]
"For while we were living in the flesh, our sinful passions, aroused by the law, were at work in our members to bear fruit for death." (Romans 7:5, ESV)
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you feel dominated by sin, and how can you invite God to transform these areas through His Spirit today?
Day 2: The Law's Role in Revealing Sin
The law, while holy, cannot save us. Instead, it reveals and even inflames sin, showing our need for a savior. This understanding dismantles any reliance on moral or legalistic efforts for salvation, pointing us to Christ as the only solution. The law's role is to expose sin, not to save from it. This realization points to the absolute necessity of Christ's redemptive work. Only through Christ can we be delivered from the dominion of sin and the law, entering into a new life in the spirit. [31:05]
"Why then the law? It was added because of transgressions, until the offspring should come to whom the promise had been made, and it was put in place through angels by an intermediary." (Galatians 3:19, ESV)
Reflection: How have you relied on your own efforts to achieve righteousness, and what steps can you take to rely more on Christ's work instead?
Day 3: The Enslaving Power of Sin
Sin is a powerful force that enslaves humanity, rendering us incapable of pleasing God on our own. This power is so great that even the law cannot overcome it, highlighting the necessity of divine intervention through Christ. The law exposes the depth of our sinfulness and our need for a savior. Only through Christ can we be delivered from the power of sin and enter into new life in the spirit. This transformation is not merely a change in behavior but a fundamental shift in our spiritual state, from death to life. [41:26]
"For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold under sin." (Romans 7:14, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel enslaved by sin, and how can you seek God's help to break free from it today?
Day 4: The Necessity of Christ's Redemptive Work
The inability of the law to save underscores the absolute necessity of Christ's redemptive work. Only through His death and resurrection can we be delivered from the power of sin and enter into new life in the spirit. This transformation is not merely a change in behavior but a fundamental shift in our spiritual state, from death to life. The implications of this teaching are profound, challenging the notion that moral teaching or human effort can achieve salvation. Instead, it points to the need for a radical transformation that only Christ can provide. [48:34]
"For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh." (Romans 8:3, ESV)
Reflection: How can you deepen your appreciation for Christ's work in your life, and what steps can you take to live more fully in the freedom He provides?
Day 5: Transformation Through the Spirit
True transformation comes not from external adherence to the law but from an internal change brought about by the Holy Spirit. This new life in the spirit enables us to bear fruit unto God, living in freedom and grace. The transformation is not merely a change in behavior but a fundamental shift in our spiritual state, from death to life. This understanding should lead us to a deeper appreciation of the grace of God and the power of the gospel to bring true freedom and life. [49:58]
"But now we are released from the law, having died to that which held us captive, so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit and not in the old way of the written code." (Romans 7:6, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need the Holy Spirit's transformation, and how can you invite Him to work in that area today?
Quotes
The term "in the flesh" is crucial here. It refers not to the physical body or the sensuous part of our nature but to the unregenerate state of humanity, where sin reigns and the law holds sway. This state is characterized by the "motions of sins," which are inflamed by the law. [00:10:14]
The law, rather than curbing sin, actually exacerbates it, revealing the depth of human depravity and the futility of trying to achieve righteousness through human effort. Paul contrasts the state of being "in the flesh" with being "in the spirit," highlighting the necessity of dying to the law to be united with Christ. [00:41:26]
Paul's argument underscores the impotence of the law in bringing about sanctification. The law's role is to expose sin, not to save from it. This realization points to the absolute necessity of Christ's redemptive work. Only through Christ can we be delivered from the dominion of sin and the law, entering into a new life in the spirit. [00:48:34]
True transformation comes not from external adherence to the law but from an internal change brought about by the Holy Spirit. This new life in the spirit enables us to bear fruit unto God, living in freedom and grace. The implications of this teaching are profound. [00:49:58]
The Apostle is clearly teaching that as long as you are doing this sort of thing, you are still behaving as if you were still carnal people. The moment we are converted, we don't suddenly see everything clearly and perfectly. We are no longer in the flesh; we are already in the spirit. [00:16:25]
The best moral man in the world tonight who is not a Christian is in the flesh. Now, if you want a verse that really puts this distinction quite perfectly, you will find it in the epistle to the Ephesians in the second chapter and in the third verse. [00:22:40]
The law entered that the offense might abound. It was given to define sin, to bring it out in its real nature, and to show the need of a savior. The Jews and the Pharisees in particular had gone completely wrong about that. The law was never intended by God as a way of Salvation. [00:47:34]
The power of sin in the unregenerated man is so strong that the law of God can't deliver him. It does the opposite, says Paul. It produces, it aggravates the passions and the motions and the lusts. It makes them work in the members more than before. [00:41:26]
The Apostle is using the terms interchangeably, and therefore this is obviously, I say, the basic definition. Bearing that in mind, the other resolves itself quite simply. He says you're babes, and your bibs because in this matter, you're still thinking as you used to think. [00:17:25]
The Motions of sins are inflamed by the law. The very law that prohibits them encourages us to do them because we're impure to start with. So morality teaching can even be a positive danger. By teaching these children about sex and by warning them against the consequences of certain actions, what you're really doing is to introduce them to the whole subject. [00:45:34]
The law, while holy, cannot save. Instead, it reveals and even inflames sin, showing our need for a savior. This understanding dismantles any reliance on moral or legalistic efforts for salvation, pointing us to Christ as the only solution. [00:31:05]
The inability of the law to save underscores the absolute necessity of Christ's redemptive work. Only through His death and resurrection can we be delivered from the power of sin and enter into new life in the spirit. [00:48:34]
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