Sermon Notes Romans 7:7-13

I. The Law identifies the divine standard.

a. Sin uses the law as its starting point.

-"taking opportunity" = aphorme = starting point, base of operations

b. Sin uses the law to bring the sinner to ruin.

1. We are self-deceived.

-Phil. 3:4-10

2. We continue to increase sin.

-Acts 26:14

3. We are under the penalty of death.

-Lev. 18:5, Deut. 30:2, 15-16, 19-20.

-Christopher Wright “What is this life? The reply Jesus gives to the rich man who asks such a question is authentically scriptural (cf. Matt. 19:17, Lev. 18:5). In the words of verse 16, life is loving God, walking in his ways and keepinghis commands. In the words of v. 19f., life is loving God, listening to God, and having loyalty to God. Life, in the end, is not found in the law itself, but in the God who gave it; for ultimately, the Lord is your life.”

-Gal. 3:19-22

II. The Law reveals the sinfulness of sin.

a. The law is holy and good.

-Ps. 19:7-11

b. Sin works death through the law.

c. The law exposes the evilness of sin.

-utterly = hyperbole = beyond measure

-Thomas Schriener “Jewish opponents of Paul’s gospel contended that freedom from the law opened the door for sin. Paul turns the tables on them by insisting that it is those who are under the law who are in bondage to sin. The Jews never found freedom under the law, and the promises of salvation have not been fulfilled. Only those who have died with Christ to the law and possess the H.S. have the ability to bear fruit for God.”