David Thompson 7 th August 2011 Part 7 The Gospel – Released from the Law Romans 7

What about the Law…? Was God having a laugh at our expense? Was the Law God’s first attempt that failed? Can I just ignore Leviticus? Is there a right and wrong way for a Christian to approach the Law?

What do we mean by ‘the Law’? The rules given to God’s people via Moses. The first five books of the Old Testament. All of the Old Testament. (Any moral code)

The Law is Holy Verse 12: “The law is holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous and good.” A revelation of God

Exodus 23:1-9 Hates lying Cares for the poor and vulnerable Upholds justice Loves his enemies Cares for the outsider Values people more than animals

The Law is Holy Verse 12: “The law is holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous and good.” A revelation of God Righteous Good

The Law Reveals Sin Verse 13: “…in order that sin might be recognised as sin.”

The Law is Weak and Powerless Romans 3:20 “No one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin.” ✗ Romans 7:14-25 is NOT a model for the Christian life. ✓ It IS a description of life under the Law.

The Law Leads You to Christ The Old Testament promises Jesus. The Law brings you to the end of yourself. But tells you that there is hope in Jesus. An analogy from marriage. Verse 6: “But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code.”

Conclusion: The Christian and the Law ✓ Do thank God for the law. ✗ Don’t try to live by its external rules. ✓ Do see yourself in Christ and be filled with the Holy Spirit.