Romans 7:1-6 – The Two Positions of the Law to Man

1.) THE LAW DOMINATES MAN ONLY AS LONG AS HE LIVES (ROM. 7:1-3)

a.) The Law = A standard of conduct or behavior (Ex. 20:3-17 RSV)
b.) Purpose of the Law – To condemn failure
c.) Signs of living under the Law:

1.) Proud of their record
2.) Always critical of others
3.) Always reluctant to admit any error or fault in their own lives
4.) Subject to times of inner boredom and depression

d.) The place of the Law in this story (Rom. 7:2)

e.) Who is this first husband? (Rom. 7:3)

2.) THE LAW IS DEAD TO BELIEVERS (ROM. 7:4) (Gal. 3:10, 13; Eph. 1:7, 2:13, 15, 16; Col. 1:22; 1 Pet. 2:24, 3:18; 1 Cor. 6:15)

3.) THE LAW IS ALIVE TO THOSE “IN THE FLESH” (ROM. 7:5) (James 4:1-2; Gal. 5:17)

4.) THE LAW IS INACTIVATED BY CONVERSION (ROM. 7:6) (Rom. 8:13-17; 2 Cor. 5:14-15, 17; 1 Jn. 2:1-2)

“I do not work my soul to save; that work my Lord hath done. But I will work like any slave for love of God’s dear son.”

Praise Center Church – Denver, CO