Understanding the Law and Our Struggle with Sin
Summary
In our study of Romans 7:7-25, we delve into the profound complexities of the Christian life, particularly focusing on the role of the law and the ongoing struggle with sin. Paul addresses the misconception that the law is sinful or irrelevant now that we are under grace. Instead, he clarifies that the law is holy, righteous, and good, serving crucial purposes in our spiritual journey. Firstly, the law defines sin for us, revealing what is right and wrong according to God's standards, not human opinion. It acts as a mirror, reflecting God's character and showing us our shortcomings. Secondly, the law stirs up sin within us, not because it is flawed, but because our sinful nature seizes the opportunity to rebel against it. This stirring is not to condemn us but to reveal our need for a Savior. Lastly, the law exposes the depth of our sin, showing us that our transgressions are more pervasive than we might realize. This exposure is not meant to leave us in despair but to drive us to Christ, who offers redemption and transformation.
Paul also candidly shares his personal struggle with sin, illustrating the tension between the old self and the new self in Christ. This struggle is a normal part of the Christian life, a sign of spiritual health rather than failure. The presence of this internal battle indicates the work of the Holy Spirit within us, prompting us to fight against sin and pursue righteousness. Paul emphasizes that while we may falter, our identity in Christ remains secure. Our failures should lead us to repentance and a renewed commitment to follow Christ, who is our ultimate deliverer from sin.
Key Takeaways:
- The law serves as a divine guide, defining sin and righteousness according to God's standards, not human opinion. It reflects God's character and reveals our need for His grace. Understanding the law helps us see the path of life versus the path of death. [13:17]
- Sin is stirred up by the law, not because the law is flawed, but because our sinful nature rebels against it. This rebellion highlights our inherent desire to be our own rulers, underscoring the need for God's authority in our lives. [25:02]
- The law exposes the depth of our sin, revealing that our transgressions are more pervasive than we realize. This exposure is not to condemn us but to drive us to Christ, who offers redemption and transformation. [35:50]
- The Christian life is marked by an ongoing struggle between the old self and the new self. This internal battle is a sign of spiritual health, indicating the work of the Holy Spirit within us. Our failures should lead us to repentance and a renewed commitment to follow Christ. [49:18]
- Our ultimate deliverance from sin comes through Jesus Christ. While we strive to obey the law, our hope and salvation rest in Christ alone. In our struggles, we are called to flee to Christ, trust in Him, and renew our obedience to His will. [52:42]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:28] - Introduction to Romans Study
[03:53] - Reading Romans 7:7-25
[05:51] - Purpose of the Law
[08:32] - Paul's Honest Struggle
[11:06] - The Law's Role in Defining Sin
[13:17] - Human Standards vs. God's Law
[14:42] - The Danger of Following the Heart
[16:03] - Consensus and Morality
[17:32] - God's Law Reflects His Character
[18:38] - Loving God's Law
[20:12] - Example of Coveting
[22:01] - Sin's Deeper Pervasiveness
[23:24] - The Law Stirs Up Sin
[25:02] - Sin's Opportunity Through the Law
[27:16] - Sin as Fire, Law as Oxygen
[28:43] - Rebellion Against the Law
[29:13] - The Law Exposes Sin
[33:00] - Paul's Pharisaic Past
[34:26] - Jesus and the Pharisees
[35:50] - The Rich Young Ruler
[37:52] - The Law as a Mirror
[39:20] - The Law in Evangelism
[40:57] - The Struggle with Sin
[44:31] - The Old Self vs. The New Self
[46:23] - Identity in Christ
[47:33] - Be Who You Are in Christ
[49:18] - The Christian Life as a Fight
[50:25] - The Mark of a Christian
[51:20] - The Danger of Complacency
[52:42] - Deliverance Through Christ
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Romans 7:7-25
Observation Questions:
1. According to the sermon, what are the three purposes of the law as described by Paul in Romans 7? [11:06]
2. How does Paul describe his personal struggle with sin in Romans 7, and what does this reveal about the Christian life? [08:32]
3. What analogy does the pastor use to explain how the law stirs up sin, and what is the significance of this analogy? [27:16]
4. How does Paul conclude his discussion on the struggle with sin, and what is his ultimate source of hope? [52:42]
Interpretation Questions:
1. Why does Paul emphasize that the law is holy, righteous, and good, despite its role in stirring up sin? How does this understanding affect a believer's view of God's commandments? [03:53]
2. In what ways does the internal struggle between the old self and the new self serve as a sign of spiritual health, according to the sermon? [49:18]
3. How does the pastor suggest that the law should be used in evangelism, and why is this approach important for understanding the need for Christ? [39:20]
4. What does Paul mean when he says, "It is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me," and how does this statement relate to a believer's identity in Christ? [46:23]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt the tension between your old self and new self. How did you respond, and what might you do differently in the future to align more closely with your identity in Christ? [47:33]
2. The sermon mentions that the law exposes the depth of our sin. How can you use this understanding to deepen your relationship with Christ and rely more on His grace? [35:50]
3. Consider the role of God's law in your daily life. How can you cultivate a love for God's commandments, seeing them as a reflection of His character rather than a burden? [18:38]
4. The pastor discusses the importance of repentance in the Christian life. Identify a specific area of sin in your life where you need to seek repentance and renewal. What steps will you take this week to address it? [50:25]
5. How can you use the understanding of the law's purpose to engage in meaningful conversations with non-believers about their need for a Savior? [40:57]
6. The sermon highlights the importance of not becoming complacent in the fight against sin. What practical measures can you implement to stay vigilant and proactive in your spiritual growth? [51:20]
7. Reflect on the pastor's statement that the struggle with sin is a sign of spiritual health. How can this perspective encourage you in your walk with Christ, especially during times of failure? [49:18]
Devotional
Day 1: The Law as a Divine Guide
The law serves as a divine guide, defining sin and righteousness according to God's standards, not human opinion. It reflects God's character and reveals our need for His grace. Understanding the law helps us see the path of life versus the path of death. The law is not a set of arbitrary rules but a reflection of God's holiness and justice. It provides a clear standard against which we can measure our actions and attitudes. By understanding the law, we gain insight into God's nature and His expectations for us. This understanding is crucial for discerning the difference between the path of life, which leads to spiritual growth and fulfillment, and the path of death, which leads to separation from God. [13:17]
Deuteronomy 30:19-20 (ESV): "I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him, for he is your life and length of days, that you may dwell in the land that the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them."
Reflection: In what ways have you been relying on human standards rather than God's law to define right and wrong in your life? How can you begin to align your understanding with God's standards today?
Day 2: The Rebellion of Sin
Sin is stirred up by the law, not because the law is flawed, but because our sinful nature rebels against it. This rebellion highlights our inherent desire to be our own rulers, underscoring the need for God's authority in our lives. The law, in its perfection, reveals the rebellious nature of our hearts. It is not the law that is at fault, but our inclination to resist and defy it. This rebellion is a testament to our desire for autonomy and control, often leading us away from God's intended path. Recognizing this tendency is the first step in submitting to God's authority and allowing His guidance to shape our lives. [25:02]
Jeremiah 17:9-10 (ESV): "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? 'I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.'"
Reflection: Identify a specific area in your life where you find yourself rebelling against God's authority. What steps can you take to surrender this area to Him and seek His guidance?
Day 3: The Depth of Our Sin
The law exposes the depth of our sin, revealing that our transgressions are more pervasive than we realize. This exposure is not to condemn us but to drive us to Christ, who offers redemption and transformation. The law acts as a mirror, reflecting the true state of our hearts and the extent of our sinfulness. It reveals the areas where we fall short and highlights our need for a Savior. This revelation is not meant to leave us in despair but to point us towards the hope and redemption found in Christ. Through Him, we can experience transformation and renewal, overcoming the power of sin in our lives. [35:50]
Psalm 139:23-24 (ESV): "Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!"
Reflection: As you reflect on your life, what hidden sins or attitudes has God revealed to you? How can you bring these before Christ and seek His redemption and transformation?
Day 4: The Internal Battle
The Christian life is marked by an ongoing struggle between the old self and the new self. This internal battle is a sign of spiritual health, indicating the work of the Holy Spirit within us. Our failures should lead us to repentance and a renewed commitment to follow Christ. The presence of this struggle is not a sign of failure but of growth and transformation. It is evidence of the Holy Spirit's work in our lives, prompting us to fight against sin and pursue righteousness. While we may falter, our identity in Christ remains secure, and our failures should drive us to repentance and a deeper commitment to follow Him. [49:18]
Galatians 5:16-17 (ESV): "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent struggle between your old self and new self. How can you rely on the Holy Spirit to guide you towards righteousness in this area?
Day 5: Deliverance Through Christ
Our ultimate deliverance from sin comes through Jesus Christ. While we strive to obey the law, our hope and salvation rest in Christ alone. In our struggles, we are called to flee to Christ, trust in Him, and renew our obedience to His will. Jesus is our ultimate deliverer, providing the strength and grace we need to overcome sin. While the law guides us, it is through Christ that we find true freedom and salvation. In moments of struggle, we are encouraged to turn to Him, trusting in His power to transform and renew us. Our obedience to His will is a response to His love and grace, leading us to a life of fulfillment and purpose. [52:42]
Colossians 1:13-14 (ESV): "He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to flee to Christ for deliverance? How can you actively trust in His power and renew your obedience to His will today?
Quotes
"Yet if it had not been for the law, I would not have known sin, for I would not have known what it is to covet if the law had not said, you shall not covet. But sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, produced in me all kinds of unrighteousness." [00:03:53] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold under sin. For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want to do, but I do the very thing I hate." [00:04:14] (11 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"The law exposes how deep our sin goes. You want to do something frightening and scary, here's a suggestion for you. Do an extended study on the Ten Commandments." [00:36:23] (11 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"The mark of a Christian is not a sinless life. The mark of a Christian is a repentant life. Falling down and getting back up. You fall down again, and you get back up." [00:50:25] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord. And that's where this passage ends. Is what the law does for you, what the struggle does for you, is it always takes you back to Christ." [00:53:22] (10 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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