READ | SERMON NOTES
Summary l Christ has liberated us to fulfill God’s law which gives true freedom.
We who abide by earthly laws, what is our attitude towards God’s laws? Are we legalists who fear the law and are in bondage to it; antinomians who hate the law and repudiate it, or law-abiding free people who love the law and fulfill it? (John Stott)
Romans 1-6 teaches us why we need to be justified by God; how through Christ we are justified; the precious peace, hope and love that come from being justified; and justification’s sanctifying goal that grows our faith as we die to sin, come alive to God, and remain in Christ. (Romans 6:11) Convicted by the Law but saved by God’s redeeming grace through Christ, the apostle Paul in Romans 7, goes on to explain how we are liberated to obey God’s law.
- Release from the Law (v1-6) – In Christ we are no longer held by the ritualistic demands of the old covenant law, but by the new covenant law where we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live the way of Christ.
- Defence of the Law (v7-13) – But by no means shall we throw away the Law. God’s holy righteous law reveals sin (v7) e.g. Do Not Covet. It provokes sin (v8) e.g., we peek when it says not to look. It is used by sin to condemn us when we disobey. (v10-11) Our sinful nature makes us culpable, not God’s law which purposes only good.
- Inadequacy of the law (14-25) – On our own we cannot do all the good we desire. Neither can God’s sin-revealing law control or save us from sin. The human mind desires to delight in God, but the weak flesh succumbs to sin. However, in our wretchedness (v24) we can cry victoriously to God – I long to be free but who will save me? Then recalling with thanksgiving, praise God who by His mercy and grace has circumvented His law and saved us through His Son!
DISCIPLESHIP LESSONS
Let the Law point us to our need for Jesus who came not to abolish it or the Prophets, but to fulfill them. (Matthew 5:17) It is only in Jesus Christ that we are saved to obey, and enjoy true freedom and peace with God.
- Treat Sin Seriously – Sin is not just the sum of our wrong choices but an indwelling condition to be reckoned with. Romans 7 fundamentally highlights our rebellious defiance of God’s way, which when confessed helps us appreciate the amazing depth of God’s justifying grace. Only then will we humbly depend on God to lead us to eternity with Him in heaven. Do we truly fear the LORD so that we are ruthless with sin? Like a filthy cockroach sin must be destroyed, not flirted with lest we fall.
- Don’t Deal with Sin Wrongly – Guard against legalism, for the law cannot save us from sin. A self-righteous spiritually-arrogant attitude shows no humble reliance on God. It judges others and produces no transformation. Conversely, we must not ignore the law and lapse into indifference, for the Law points to our wretched need for Christ. Acknowledge sin and take responsibility. Don’t be deceived into thinking that sin cannot be dealt with. Body, soul and spirit, we have been ransomed by Jesus into a Living Hope that has freed us from sin’s captivity.
- Stay in the freedom and power of the Holy Spirit – Know that we are not helplessly enslaved to sin, but in Christ have been freed for joyful obedience to bear good Fruit. When we walk by the Spirit God has given us, we no longer gratify fleshly desires. (Galatians 5:1,16,22-23) God’s Spirit liberates within us a tender new heart that follows and keeps His laws. (Ezekiel 36:26-27)
In Christ, God’s grace and the power of His Spirit establishes us with contentment to accomplish good and walk right with God. There is true liberating freedom when we look to Christ who helps us fulfill God’s law.
(Sermon notes by Marjorie Tan)
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
- Looking at Romans 7:1-6, how does Paul present his argument that we are released from a bondage to the law?
- How does Paul defend the law in Romans 7:7-13? In his view, what is the relationship between law and sin? Which is the culprit and why?
- From Romans 7:14-25, how does Paul describe the inner conflict we experience? What are the tensions?
- Why is the law insufficient for our sanctification?
- What have you discovered about your personal attitude toward obeying God’s laws and commandments? Do you tend to be legalistic or indifferent?
- Is verse17 a cop-out? Do you simply put the blame on sin in your life rather than take responsibility to deal with it?
- Reflect on a time when you attempted to overcome sin on your own. What was the result?
- Share a time when you experience the power of the Spirit to enable you to obey God’s commandments.
- If the Spirit of God can free and empower you to obey God’s commandments, how does this truth encourage you? Pray for each other to stay in the freedom and power of the Holy Spirit.
