Romans 7:7-25

CEV:

Rom 7:7  Does this mean that the Law is sinful? Certainly not! But if it had not been for the Law, I would not have known what sin is really like. For example, I would not have known what it means to want something that belongs to someone else, unless the Law had told me not to do that. 

Rom 7:8  It was sin that used this command as a way of making me have all kinds of desires. But without the Law, sin is dead. 

Rom 7:9  Before I knew about the Law, I was alive. But as soon as I heard that command, sin came to life, 

Rom 7:10  and I died. The very command that was supposed to bring life to me, instead brought death. 

Rom 7:11  Sin used this command to trick me, and because of it I died. 

Rom 7:12  Still, the Law and its commands are holy and correct and good. 

Rom 7:13  Am I saying that something good caused my death? Certainly not! It was sin that killed me by using something good. Now we can see how terrible and evil sin really is. 

Rom 7:14  We know that the Law is spiritual. But I am merely a human, and I have been sold as a slave to sin. 

Rom 7:15  In fact, I don't understand why I act the way I do. I don't do what I know is right. I do the things I hate. 

Rom 7:16  Although I don't do what I know is right, I agree that the Law is good. 

Rom 7:17  So I am not the one doing these evil things. The sin that lives in me is what does them.

Rom 7:18  I know that my selfish desires won't let me do anything that is good. Even when I want to do right, I cannot. 

Rom 7:19  Instead of doing what I know is right, I do wrong. 

Rom 7:20  And so, if I don't do what I know is right, I am no longer the one doing these evil things. The sin that lives in me is what does them. 

Rom 7:21  The Law has shown me that something in me keeps me from doing what I know is right. 

Rom 7:22  With my whole heart I agree with the Law of God. 

Rom 7:23  But in every part of me I discover something fighting against my mind, and it makes me a prisoner of sin that controls everything I do. 

Rom 7:24  What a miserable person I am. Who will rescue me from this body that is doomed to die? 

Rom 7:25  Thank God! Jesus Christ will rescue me. So with my mind I serve the Law of God, although my selfish desires make me serve the law of sin. 

Main Points: I recommend reading 8:1-5 as well. It is a mistake to leave it off of this reading in my opinion.  This dissertation illustrates the paradox of relying on law. It just simply does not do what God has done through Jesus….remove the bondage of sin. In chapter eight Paul calls it the law if sin and death just to show what has dominion in law.

4. What does Paul state to be the purpose of the law in verse 7? The law defines sin.

5. What does the law do to each person? (8-12) By defining sin, sin is produced…the knowledge of it as such brings a consciousness of it. In some cases, it brings a desire for it. Ultimately sin comes “alive” in the conscience, which results in death.

6. Therefore is the law sin? Why or why not? No. Paul cites sin as seizing the opportunity to deceive and kill. (11) This is an actionable offence by the person, not the law. Law is knowledge only. Knowledge of the sin, knowledge of the desire of that sin and knowledge of the consequences of that sin.

7. According to verse 13, what kills each person? Sin.

8. Why does Paul “not do what I want but I do the very thing I hate?” (15) – The context is obedience to a system of law. This is the resultant action of someone looking to be found righteous before God by their own doing (works of the law See 3:20). It just doesn’t work.

9. Explain verse 18. How can Paul say that nothing good dwells in him? Is Paul saying that a person cannot choose to good at all? Explain. Paul’s language differentiates between chapter 7/8. In this context “law” – The emphasis is on the human DOING/WORKING the precepts of the law. It is a system ruled by sin and death. Paul will explain why this fails in chapter eight, but most specifically the law deals with the flesh. Nothing eternally positive can be gained with the flesh.

10. Explain what is meant “sin dwells within me.” (17, 20) – Dwell G3611 οἰκέω oikeō oy-key'-o From G3624; to occupy a house that is, reside. Paul is saying that having a cognizant awareness of sin through the law, does not make anyone righteous. Performing the works of the law does not get rid of sin/death.  (see 3:20) – With the law, sin LIVES WITH US!

11. How do verses 24-25 relate to the dilemma of sin and the law? What is Paul crying out for? Law/Sin results in only more law/sin/conviction. So now Paul (we) know about sin and all the terrible issues that come with it. We are helpless when it comes to our solutions to combat sin/death (serving the law of sin). THROUGH JESUS we can serve the Law of God, which is not a system of law at all. Paul has already defined what that “law” is. It is a system based in “grace” (mercy), with a singular requirement – FAITH – evidenced in an obedient life.

Romans 7:1-6

KING JAMES:

Rom 7:1  Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth? 

Rom 7:2  For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband. 

Rom 7:3  So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man. 

Rom 7:4  Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God. 

Rom 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. 

Rom 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. 

Main Points: Paul continues his life/death analogies to describe how it is that law has effectively DIED, freeing the Jew to join (marry) the new system (Jesus). He is essentially killing off the law. Wow.

1.                   How does the illustration in verses 1-3 explain the impact of the law? He is telling the Jew “the law is dead and you need to marry this new way (through Jesus). This needed to happen in the Israelite mind to understand the bond of the law has been severed and so they are free from that covenant. These are extraordinary implications….very strong words.

2.                   What does it mean to be “in the flesh” (5)? Consider a variety of translations (NIV controlled by the sinful nature; NIV 2011 in the realm of the flesh; NLT: controlled by our old nature). “In the flesh” is simply a reference to the condition of some who were practicing the law. Paul’s assertion is that the prohibition that law brings actually stirred up sin (and sinful conduct). This appears to be an outright accusation of immaturity to a degree. I’m not sure that Paul is saying that every one of them is practicing sin….I believe he is addressing specific people/practices.
Flesh: G4561 σάρξ sarx sarx Probably from the base of G4563; flesh (as stripped of the skin), that is, (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit),

3.                   What is “the new way of the Spirit?” What is the old way of the written code? No doubt “written code” is referring to a system of law. The new way (or renewal) of the spirit does not infer the Holy Spirit. The word used is generic as in YOUR spirit…..the one we all have. The last time he mentioned the spirit was 2:29 -he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter  …see the pattern?
Paul is getting ready to spring into his main message : Jesus addresses our spiritual well being….Jesus  helps us conquer sin, become victorious over death, become righteous and justified before God, live eternally!  He uses the word spirit 21 times in chapter eight.

Romans 6:15-23

KING JAMES:

Rom 6:15  What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. 

Rom 6:16  Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? 

Rom 6:17  But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. 

Rom 6:18  Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. 

Rom 6:19  I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness. 

Rom 6:20  For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. 

Rom 6:21  What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. 

Rom 6:22  But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. 

Rom 6:23  For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. 

Main Points: This is an extension of his original rhetorical question in verse one. It serves as a springboard to call Christians out of willfully sinning, but it also serves to differentiate between the fruit (or lack thereof) of a system of grace and a system of law. Grace should bring the recipient to a life manifested by good works (obedience). Law is a system already shown to be ruled by sin/death….not designed to transform the slave to it.

9. What is Paul asking in verse 15? One of many rhetorical questions Paul uses a lead-in to arguments he has heard or argued against. He is still dispelling the system of law as inadequate to perform what God has done through Jesus. Unlike what Jesus brings, the Law might not transform the soul away from sin.

10. Explain verse 16. How do you know what you are a slave to? See word study below. These are fully freewill actions. Where will you stand? Who/what will you yield to? Once we give ourselves to something, we become servitude to it. Sin is the evidence of relying on law. Obedience is evidence of righteousness  (or servitude to God).

11. A. What does slavery to impurity lead to (6:19)?  B. What does slavery to righteousness lead to?  A. Iniquity - ἀνομία anomia an-om-ee'-ah From G459; illegality, that is, violation of law or (generally) wickedness - B. holiness G38 ἁγιασμός hagiasmos hag-ee-as-mos'

From G37; properly purification, that is, (the state) purity

Again, Paul is simply closing the door to any arguments for LAW. This, being a simple outcome-centric analysis. It just makes sense.

12. What does verse 20 mean? What does Paul mean to be “free in regard to righteousness?”  Within the context of serving the law, righteousness was not a consideration, and not perceived as a requirement (a system of works). Free: G1658 - ἐλεύθεροςeleutherosel-yoo'-ther-os Probably from the alternate of G2064; unrestrained (to go at pleasure), that is, (as a citizen) not a slave (whether freeborn or manumitted), or (generally) exempt (from obligation or liability)

Most specifically, the (works of the) law does not necessarily seek righteousness in the sense of being dedicated to it (as something served/strived for)

13. What is the fruit of being slaves to sin? What is the fruit of being slaves of God? Death: G2288 θάνατος thanatos than'-at-osFrom G2348; (properly an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively) -----vs----- Sanctification: G38 ἁγιασμός hagiasmos hag-ee-as-mos' From G37; properly purification, that is, (the state) purity -----and eternal life: (perpetual life)

Note: this is the third time Paul indicates “eternal life” bringing to mind the perpetual benefit to the system of grace.

Additional: Note that Paul completely encompasses the concept of a willful slavery (servitude). We must remove any thoughts of forced slavery before understanding this section.

16) You Yield (Present Yourselves): G3936 παρίστημι, παριστάνω paristēmi paristanō par-is'-tay-mee, par-is-tan'-o From G3488 and G2476; to stand beside, that is, (transitively) to exhibit, proffer, (specifically) recommend, (figuratively) substantiate; or (intransitively) to be at hand (or ready), aid: - assist
(Note Root Words: Narcissus (the flower) and To Stand By)

16) Servant G1401: δοῦλος doulos doo'-los From G1210; a slave (literally or figuratively, involuntarily or voluntarily (1210 – Bind)

18,22) Servant: G1402 δουλόω douloō doo-lo'-o From G1401; to enslave

19) Servant: G1400 δοῦλον doulon doo'-lon Neuter of G1401; subservient:

19) Impurity - G167 ἀκαθαρσίαakatharsia ak-ath-ar-see'-ahFrom G169; impurity
root word – lewd

16, 18, 19, 20) righteousness G1343 δικαιοσύνη dikaiosunē dik-ah-yos-oo'-nay From G1342; equity (of character or act); specifically (Christian) justification

Romans 6:1-14

KING JAMES:

Rom 6:1  What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 

Rom 6:2  God forbid. We who died to sin, how shall we any longer live therein? 

Rom 6:3  Or are ye ignorant that all we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 

Rom 6:4  We were buried therefore with him through baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we also might walk in newness of life. 

Rom 6:5  For if we have become united with him in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection; 

Rom 6:6  knowing this, that our old man was crucified with him, that the body of sin might be done away, that so we should no longer be in bondage to sin; 

Rom 6:7  for he that hath died is justified from sin. 

Rom 6:8  But if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him; 

Rom 6:9  knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death no more hath dominion over him. 

Rom 6:10  For the death that he died, he died unto sin once: but the life that he liveth, he liveth unto God. 

Rom 6:11  Even so reckon ye also yourselves to be dead unto sin, but alive unto God in Christ Jesus. 

Rom 6:12  Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey the lusts thereof: 

Rom 6:13  neither present your members unto sin as instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves unto God, as alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. 

Rom 6:14  For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under law, but under grace. 

Main Points: Paul extends his argument from 3:8. Before we get hung up in the weeds as to how this applies to us, let’s understand Paul’s audience and the first message. This section is yet more argument against relying on the law. We can extrapolate his words and apply them to our lives (being obedient). That however is not his main point. His main point is that their lives should look vastly different than the one that relies on law for justification.

1.    What is Paul’s warning after speaking about “grace reigning through righteousness” in Romans 5:21?  Grace reigning is antithetical to sin’s reign. Most specifically sin’s reign (law) results in death. Paul’s advice here is simply stating that a life lived within a system of grace/faith looks to dispose of sin, its reign and its consequences. The righteousness Paul speaks of is God’s….and imparted to His children who have faith.

2.    According to Paul’s words, what does baptism mean?  An allegory of us dying to something. Paralleled with Jesus rising in a new life. We die to sin in similar fashion. But let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves. The context is still Paul debunking any need to adhere to law….especially when law is reigned by sin/death (chap 8).

3.    What does it mean if we are “united with him in a death like his?”  The contextual meaning is to the Jews. It is a calling to die to the reliance on the law, and look to the system of grace/faith….manifested in the believer’s life through good works (obedience). The secondary audience is the Gentile and any other system of law. Jesus died, releasing him from the bondage of the flesh. He conquered sin while alive and rose a spiritual person that conquered death. Within the context of baptism’s requirements we too rise to conquer as he did.

4.    What does it mean, That the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that  we would no longer be enslaved to sin?” (6)   What is the body of sin? How is it brought to nothing? What does it mean to be enslaved to sin? How are we no longer enslaved to sin? First – The analogy of dying is abstracted figuratively and again is used to refute reliance on the law. Law is ruled by sin (not God) and did nothing for the heart (of many). Paul is calling his brothers to DIE to THAT SYSTEM that only results in death (the body of sin, enslaved to sin). Under that system there is no escape from it (death, sin), because law does not change the heart (10:7-10).  Second – The believer’s life should exhibit faith by obedience through a life well lived in His moral example…thus no longer sinning, no longer enslaved to sin, or its rule. The sinning part of that person is now dead and useless.

5.    Explain what Christ did and how we follow his example (7-11) The death Jesus went through was a separation from sin (by conquering it). His life after His mortal death was to live for God …or as God…or more specifically, spiritually. We likewise are to die to the enslavement of sinful practices and live for God. (See also answer to #4)

6.    How does “sin reign in our mortal bodies?” (12) Within this verse, being obedient to its lusts. It is the acting out of lust fulfilled that Paul is teaching against. This verse is included to illustrate the issue with a system of law. It did not lead to repentance (2:4, 5 the grace of God SHOULD have accomplished this) It is also the inverse of what he teaches in the following verses.

7.    What are we to do with the members of our body? What must we not do, what must we do?  (13) Present ourselves to God, alive (in Christ) doing good (don’t sin).

8.     What does it mean that we are no longer under law but under grace? A conclusory statement. This is the main point and everything else is secondary to this point. We should be transformed to rely on God grace/faith, not on ourselves within a system that is ruled by sin/death.

Additional:

(6)  …that the body of sin might be DESTROYED: G2673 καταργέω katargeō\ kat-arg-eh'-o From G2596 and G691; to be (render) entirely idle (useless)

12) reign – G936 βασιλεύω basileuō bas-il-yoo'-o From G935; to rule (literally or figuratively): - king, reign.

(13) members:G3196 μέλος melos mel'-os Of uncertain affinity; a limb or part of the body

(instruments) G3696 ὅπλον hoplon hop'-lon Probably from the primary word ἕπω hepō(to be busy about); an implement or utensil or tool