Free from LawRomans 7:1-13

Review•Big Idea – the RIGHTEOUSNESS of God•Right to condemn humanity (1:18-3:20)•Right to justify believers (3:21-c5)•Q: Now justified, why shouldn’t we sin? (6)•Q: Okay, so how do we avoid sin & grow in

righteousness? (7-8)

The Law• Israel’s Bible + Constitution• Foundation of religion, gov’t, society, life• = Mosaic Covenant Law (Exodus – Deuteronomy)

• Summarized in 10 Commandments• Provides way to access God’s blessings

The LawDeuteronomy 28:1–3 Now it shall be, if you diligently obey the Lord your God, being careful to do all His commandments which I command you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. All these blessings will come upon you and overtake you if you obey the Lord your God: blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the country…

The LawDeuteronomy 28:15–16 But it shall come about, if you do not obey the Lord your God, to observe to do all His commandments and His statutes with which I charge you today, that all these curses will come upon you and overtake you: cursed shall you be in the city, and cursed shall you be in the country…

Believer’s Relationship to Law• HOW were we set free from the Law? (7:1-4)–A: through death–Problem: the Law is binding till death–Solution: you were united to Christ in

death (6:3)

Believer’s Relationship to Law• WHY did we need to be set free? (7:5-13)

–The Law is good… (7:7,12)• Identifies sin (a spiritual MRI)•Warned about the consequences•Provided access to Abrahamic promises•Unified Israel into a distinct nation•Reveals extent of God’s holiness

Believer’s Relationship to Law• WHY did we need to be set free? (7:5-13)

–The Law is good… (7:7,12)Psalm 19:7,10 The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb.

Believer’s Relationship to Law• WHY did we need to be set free? (7:5-13)

–The Law is good… (7:7,12)–…but is limited by sin-in-me (7:8-11)•sin = our sin nature•the Law inspires sin•the Law is powerless to stop it

Believer’s Relationship to Law• WHY did we need to be set free? (7:5-13)

–The Law is good… (7:7,12)–…but is limited by sin-in-me (7:8-11)

Deuteronomy 5:29 “Oh that they had such a heart in them, that they would fear Me and keep all My commandments always, that it may be well with them and with their sons forever!”

Believer’s Relationship to Law• WHY did we need to be set free? (7:5-13)

–The Law is good… (7:7,12)–…but is limited by sin-in-me (7:8-11)

Galatians 3:21For if a law had been given which was able to impart life, then righteousness would indeed have been based on law.

What it means for us• What’s true of Law is true of all laws

Under LawI approach God through… Lawby relying on… Myselfwhich gives power to… Sinand thus results in… Death

What it means for us• What’s true of Law is true of all laws

Under Law Under GraceI approach God through… Law Graceby relying on… Myself His Spiritwhich gives power to… Sin Righteousnessand thus results in… Death Life

Legalism says “Do!” Grace says “Done!”

Living “under grace”• Believe that God’s infinite love is already

unconditionally yours• Believe that everything you need was

already done for you by Christ• Focus on thankfulness rather than

keeping your list