Romans Chapter 7

  THE LAW OF GOD 

Introduction

        Paul, "I speak to those who know the Law" (v 1)

        Let's study about - 

                1. The Character of the law

                2. The Captivity of the law

                3. The Cancellation of the law

1. Character of the Law

        a. Holy ( v 12)

            eg. 1 to 4 of 10 commandments speak of the attitude we must have towards a Holy God (Ex 20:1-11)

        b. Just and Good (v 12)

                    Just - Commandments 6 to 10 (Ex 20 :13-17)

                    Good - Commandment 5 (Ex 20 :2)

        c. Spiritual (v14)

            eg. Laws of Sabbath

                  Laws of Festivals

                  Laws of Sacrifices and Worship, etc.

                  (The laws amplify or explain the commandments practically.)

            How then did such a Law bring us into captivity?

2. Captivity of the Law

        This captivity is brought in four stages -

                a. Knowledge and guilt of sin (v 2)

                b. Deception of sin (v 11)

                c. Dominion of sin (vv 8-9, 13-23)

                d. Destruction by sin (vv 10,11)

          What is the solution?

3. Cancellation of the Law

        Cancellation in three stages -

                a. Death (vv 4a, 2) (6:3)     Baptism into His death

                b. Remarriage (vv 4b,3)     Resurrection

                c. Fruit-bearing (vv 4c, 6)   Newness of the Spirit [Pentecost]

        Calvary 

                Resurrection

                        Pentecost

Practical lessons to enjoy a life of liberty through Christ

        a) Acknowledge the captivity and conflict (vv 14-24a)  "O wretched man that I am"

        b) Aspire (ask) God for deliverance (v 24b)

        c) Accept the emancipation in Christ (vv 24,25)