Review 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.

Review Paul illustrates for us our relationship to the law (religious adherence) and our relationship to Jesus Christ. He pictures the law as our old husband (duty) and Jesus as our new husband (freedom)

Overcoming the Struggle ROMANS Overcoming the Struggle ROMANS 7:13-8:5

There is a Problem 13 Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful.  14 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.

There is a Problem There is an ongoing problem - even though I am justified, I still find myself sinning Galatians 5:17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

KEY QUESTION How do I find make my spiritual reality my physical reality?

The Struggle 15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. 20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.

Sin is a Hindrance 15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.

KEY POINT #1 Our yielding to sin keeps us from focusing on our true vocation. Eph 4:1

Sin is a Hindrance 15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. What are the sins that distract you from doing what you know you should?

Sin Declares that Sin is Good 16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. def consent - to permit, approve, or agree; or YIELD

KEY POINT #2 Our yielding to sin establishes that sin is a virtue.

Sin Declares that Sin is Good Judges 16:23 Then the lords of the Philistines gathered them together for to offer a great sacrifice unto Dagon their god, and to rejoice: for they said, Our god hath delivered Samson our enemy into our hand. 24 And when the people saw him, they praised their god: for they said, Our god hath delivered into our hands our enemy, and the destroyer of our country, which slew many of us.

Persuasiveness of Sin Romans 7:17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. Then: You once had a sinful nature and a sinful inclination. Now: You are now co-inhabited by both a spiritual nature and a sinful inclination.

Persuasiveness of Sin 18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. If we live a split identity, it is because we are not making the connection our identity and our life.

The Law of Ongoing Temptation 19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. 20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. 22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: 23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.

The Law of Ongoing Temptation Paul observes these aspects of his life unfolding and then establishes a governing rule within himself. Law of Evil: When I want to follow God, my sin is lurking in my shadow

The Law of Ongoing Temptation This is why he cries out… 24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?

The Law of Ongoing Temptation This is why he cries out… 24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?

The Law of the Spirit 25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin. Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

KEY POINT #3 If we are “under the law of the Spirit” then we are free from sin and free from condemnation (external or personal).

The Law of the Spirit= Free from Sin If I am dead to sin, I don’t need to do things to cover up or hide my messes or weaknesses because God did it all. Col 1:12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

The Law of the Spirit= Free from Sin 2) If I am dead to sin, I don’t need to live in fear that I might mess up. Romans 5:9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.

The Law of the Spirit= Free from Sin 3) If I am dead to sin, I don’t need to hate myself when I do mess up. 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

The Law of the Spirit 3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: 4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.

KEY POINT #4 If we are “under the law of the Spirit” then we are free to live in the power of God’s Spirit for his mission sake

The Law of the Spirit= Free to Follow 1) If I am alive to Christ’s Spirit, that means that I am free to live knowing that I am loved, which makes me live in security and strength. 1 John 4:15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. 16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.

The Law of the Spirit= Free to Follow 2) If I am alive to Christ’s Spirit, I can give my “mind” to who I am called to be and what I am supposed to do. Gal 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

The Law of the Spirit= Free to Follow 2) If I am alive to Christ’s Spirit, I can give my “mind” to who I am called to be and what I am supposed to do. Gal 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

The Law of the Spirit= Free to Follow 3) If I am alive to Christ’s Spirit, that means that I am empowered by my very nature, to live and act like Jesus, which makes me believe that I can achieve anything. 1 Cor 2:1 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Are you trying to defeat sin on you own?