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Release from the Law (Galatians 3:15–25) 1Do you not know, brothers (for I am speaking to those who know the law), that the law has authority over a man only as long as he lives? 2For instance, a married woman is bound by law to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is released from the law of marriage. 3So then, if she is joined to another man while her husband is still alive, she is called an adulteress; but if her husband dies, she is free from that law and is not an adulteress if she marries another man. 4Therefore, my brothers, you also died to the law through the body of Christ, that you might belong to another, to Him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit to God. 5For when we lived according to the flesh, the sinful passions aroused by the law were at work in our bodies, bearing fruit for death. 6But now, having died to what 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. God’s Law Is Holy 7What then shall we say? Is the law sin? Certainly not! Indeed, I would not have been mindful of sin if not for the law. For I would not have been aware of coveting if the law had not said, “Do not covet.”a 8But sin, seizing its opportunity through the commandment, produced in me every kind of covetous desire. For apart from the law, sin is dead. 9Once I was alive apart from the law; but when the commandment came, sin sprang to life and I died. 10So I discovered that the very commandment that was meant to bring life actually brought death. 11For sin, seizing its opportunity through the commandment, deceived me and through the commandment put me to death. 12So then, the law is holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous, and good. Struggling with Sin 13Did that which is good, then, become death to me? Certainly not! But in order that sin might be exposed as sin, it produced death in me through what was good, so that through the commandment sin might become utterly sinful. 14We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. 15I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do, I do not do. But what I hate, I do. 16And if I do what I do not want to do, I admit that the law is good. 17In that case, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it. 18I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my flesh; for I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. 19For I do not do the good I want to do. Instead, I keep on doing the evil I do not want to do. 20And if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it. 21So this is the principle I have discovered: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. 22For in my inner being I delight in God’s law. 23But I see another law at work in my body, warring against the law of my mind and holding me captive to the law of sin that dwells within me.b 24What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? 25Thanks be to God, through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, with my mind I serve the law of God, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin. Footnotes: 7 a Exodus 20:17; Deuteronomy 5:21 23 b Literally captive to the law of sin being in my members. Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Romans 7 Summary Law, Holiness, and Sin Verses 1–3 – Bound by Law Paul reminds his listeners that the law rules over a person only while the person is alive. He uses marriage as the illustration: a wife is legally tied to her husband as long as he lives, but if he dies, she is free to belong to another without being called an adulteress. Verses 4–6 – Released to Bear Fruit In the same way, believers “died to the law through the body of Christ” so that they might “belong to Another.” Freed from the old written code, they now serve God in “the new way of the Spirit” and bear fruit that pleases Him. Verses 7–12 – The Law Exposes Sin Paul answers the obvious question: “Is the law sin?” Absolutely not. The law is holy, but it acts like a spotlight, showing sin for what it is. Without the command “Do not covet,” Paul would not have understood coveting as sin. Sin uses the command to stir up wrong desires, and the result is death. Verses 13–20 – The Inner Tug-of-War Knowing the law is good does not stop the conflict. Paul describes the painful experience of wanting to do good yet finding himself doing the opposite. Sin living in him sabotages his best intentions, revealing how deep the problem runs. Verses 21–25 – Cry for Rescue A principle emerges: whenever Paul wants to do right, evil lies close at hand. He delights in God’s law in his inner being, yet a different law wages war in his body. The wretched tension drives him to cry, “Who will rescue me?” His answer: “Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!” The struggle is real, but deliverance is certain in Christ. Romans 7 is a profound exposition of the struggle with sin and the role of the law in amplifying the sinful nature. Here, Paul delves into the intricacies of human nature, explaining how the law, while good, reveals our sinful tendencies, thus underscoring our desperate need for deliverance through Christ. Historical Setting of Romans Paul writes from Corinth (c. AD 56–57) to believers in Rome, a mixed congregation of Jewish and non-Jewish followers of Jesus. Nero is emperor, boasting of Rome’s legal order, while Paul argues that true freedom from condemnation comes only through trust in Christ, not through any human legal system. Understanding the Law in First-Century Jewish Life • “Law” (Greek, nomos) most often refers to the Mosaic Law—Genesis through Deuteronomy with its 613 commands. • For devout Jews it shaped daily rhythms (Sabbath, festivals, food, purity). • Rabbis of Paul’s day debated how far its jurisdiction extended to Gentiles who worshiped Israel’s God (cf. Acts 15). • Paul’s point: the law is like an older covenant supervisor; once Christ comes and people join Him in His death and resurrection, that supervisory role ends (see Galatians 3:24–25). Marriage Analogy Explained Roman civil law, Jewish halakhah, and common social custom all agreed: death ends a marriage bond. Paul taps into that shared understanding to show how death with Christ ends the believer’s former legal liability. • 1 Corinthians 7:39 backs the principle: “A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives; but if her husband dies, she is free to marry whom she wishes.” • The illustration is not about divorce but about death, underscoring the finality of the break with the law’s claims. The Law and Sin: A Closer Look (vv. 7–12) “Sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, produced in me every kind of covetous desire.” (v. 8) • Like a speed-limit sign, the law cannot make anyone stay below 55 mph; it only establishes the standard and issues penalties. • Exodus 20:17 pinpoints coveting—an invisible heart issue—as sin. Paul picks this command because it exposes inner motives, not just outward acts. • Psalm 19:7 calls the law “perfect,” yet it cannot cure the sinful heart—only diagnose it. The Believer’s Inner Struggle (vv. 13–25) • Paul’s honesty encourages readers who feel the same push-and-pull. • “I do not understand my own actions.” (v. 15) The phrase literally means, “I do not grasp, fully approve, or embrace what I’m doing,” capturing frustration. • The “law of my mind” (desire to please God) clashes with “the law of sin” (the old grip of rebellion still echoing in mortal bodies). • Similar tension voiced in Galatians 5:17: “For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh.” Key Doctrinal Connections • Romans 6: Death with Christ frees from sin’s reign; Romans 7: the same death frees from the law’s condemnation; Romans 8: life in the Spirit brings power to overcome. • Colossians 2:14 pictures the legal record nailed to the cross. • Hebrews 10:1–18 shows how Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice perfects those who trust Him, rendering repeated offerings obsolete. Links to the Wider account of Scripture • Genesis 2–3: Humanity’s original choice to disobey leads to death; the law later names and frames that disobedience. • Ezekiel 36:26–27 promises a new heart and Spirit, anticipating the “new way of the Spirit” in Romans 7:6. • Jeremiah 31:31–34 foretells a covenant written on hearts, fulfilled when believers belong to Christ rather than the tablets of stone. Archaeological Insights • Synagogue inscriptions from Rome (e.g., the catacombs of Monteverde) confirm a sizable Jewish presence under the empire, making Paul’s discussion of law highly relevant to Roman congregations. • Tablet fragments of civic marriage contracts reveal the legal expectations Paul leverages in his analogy—death terminates obligations, freeing the surviving spouse. • Corinthian bema (judgment seat) stones illustrate the backdrop for Paul’s courtroom language (e.g., “law,” “condemnation,” “release”). Practical Takeaways for Today 1. Rules alone cannot change the heart; only union with Christ brings real freedom. 2. Struggle does not negate salvation; it highlights our need to keep relying on the Savior. 3. The Spirit-led life is not lawless but fruitful—love, joy, peace, and the rest (Galatians 5:22-23). 4. When condemnation shouts, echo Paul’s answer: “Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!” Connections to Additional Scriptures Galatians 5:16-17 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh craves what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. Philippians 2:13 For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose. 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. Teaching Points The Law and Sin Paul begins by explaining the relationship between the law and sin. He states, For when we were in the flesh, the sinful passions aroused by the law were at work in our bodies, bearing fruit for death (Romans 7:5). The law reveals sin but cannot save us from it. The Purpose of the Law The law is holy and good, serving to make us aware of sin. Paul writes, What then shall we say? Is the law sin? Certainly not! Indeed, I would not have been aware of sin if not for the law (Romans 7:7). The Struggle with Sin Paul vividly describes the internal conflict between the desire to do good and the reality of sin at work within us: For I do not do the good I want to do. Instead, I keep on doing the evil I do not want to do (Romans 7:19). The Role of the Mind and Flesh Paul highlights the dichotomy between the mind that serves the law of God and the flesh that serves the law of sin: So then, with my mind I serve the law of God, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin (Romans 7:25). The Need for Deliverance Paul concludes with a cry for deliverance, acknowledging that only through Jesus Christ can we be set free from this body of death: Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord! (Romans 7:25). Practical Applications Acknowledge the Struggle Recognize that the struggle with sin is a common experience for all believers. It is important to be honest about our weaknesses and seek God's help. Depend on Christ Understand that victory over sin is not achieved through our own efforts but through reliance on Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit. Renew Your Mind Focus on renewing your mind with God's Word, which helps align your desires with His will and strengthens you against the temptations of the flesh. Seek Accountability Engage in fellowship with other believers who can provide support, encouragement, and accountability in your spiritual journey. People 1. Paul (the Apostle) Paul is the author of the letter to the Romans. In Romans 7, he uses himself as an example to illustrate the struggle between the law and sin. He speaks in the first person, describing his own experiences and struggles with sin and the law. This is evident in verses like Romans 7:15, "I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do." 2. The Law While not a person, the law is personified in this chapter as a significant force in the life of a believer. Paul discusses the law's role in revealing sin and its inability to save. In Romans 7:7, he states, "What then shall we say? Is the law sin? Certainly not! Indeed, I would not have been aware of sin except through the law." 3. Sin Again, not a person, but sin is personified as an active force that works against the believer. Paul describes sin as something that seizes opportunity through the commandment to produce all kinds of covetous desires (Romans 7:8). Sin is depicted as a power that dwells within and wages war against the mind. 4. The Inner Man (or the Mind) This refers to the part of a person that delights in God's law and desires to do good. In Romans 7:22, Paul says, "For in my inner being I delight in God’s law." The Greek term used here is "ἔσω ἄνθρωπον" (esō anthrōpon), which translates to "inner man." 5. The Flesh The flesh represents the sinful nature that is in conflict with the inner man. Paul describes the flesh as being sold under sin and as the source of sinful actions. In Romans 7:18, he states, "For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh." Places Romans 7 in the Berean Standard Bible does not specifically mention any geographical places. Instead, it focuses on theological concepts and the internal struggle with sin. However, if you are looking for a thematic breakdown or key concepts from Romans 7, I can provide that. Let me know how you would like to proceed! Events 1. The Law's Authority Over a Person Paul begins by explaining that the law has authority over a person only as long as they live. He uses the analogy of marriage to illustrate this point, stating that a woman is bound to her husband by law as long as he is alive, but if he dies, she is released from the law of marriage (Romans 7:1-3). 2. Released from the Law through Christ Paul explains that believers have died to the law through the body of Christ so that they may belong to another, to Him who was raised from the dead, in order to bear fruit for God (Romans 7:4). The Greek word "καρποφορήσωμεν" (karpophorēsōmen) is used here, meaning "to bear fruit." 3. The Law and Sin Paul discusses how the law arouses sinful passions within us, which leads to death. He contrasts living in the flesh with living in the Spirit, emphasizing that believers are now released from the law and serve in the new way of the Spirit (Romans 7:5-6). 4. The Law Reveals Sin Paul clarifies that the law is not sinful but rather reveals sin. He uses the example of coveting, stating that he would not have known what coveting was if the law had not said, "You shall not covet" (Romans 7:7). The Greek word "ἐπιθυμίαν" (epithumian) is used for "covet," meaning a strong desire or lust. 5. Sin's Deception and Death Paul describes how sin, seizing the opportunity afforded by the commandment, deceived him and through the commandment put him to death. He emphasizes that the law is holy, righteous, and good, but sin uses the law to bring about death (Romans 7:8-12). 6. The Struggle with Sin Paul shares his personal struggle with sin, explaining that he does not understand what he does because he does not do what he wants to do, but rather what he hates. This internal conflict highlights the ongoing battle between the sinful nature and the desire to do good (Romans 7:13-20). 7. The Law of Sin at Work Paul acknowledges the presence of two laws at work within him: the law of God, which he delights in, and the law of sin, which wages war against the law of his mind and makes him a prisoner of the law of sin (Romans 7:21-23). 8. The Cry for Deliverance Paul expresses his wretchedness and cries out for deliverance from this body of death. He thanks God for deliverance through Jesus Christ our Lord, acknowledging that with his mind he serves the law of God, but with his flesh, the law of sin (Romans 7:24-25). Lessons from Romans 7 1. The Law Reveals Sin Romans 7:7 asks, "Is the law sinful? Certainly not! Indeed, I would not have been aware of sin if it had not been for the law." The law acts as a mirror, showing us our shortcomings and the areas where we fall short of God's glory. It's like a flashlight in a dark room, illuminating the hidden corners of our hearts. Understanding this helps us recognize our need for a Savior and keeps us humble, knowing that we cannot achieve righteousness on our own. 2. Sin Takes Advantage of the Law In Romans 7:8, Paul explains, "But sin, seizing its opportunity through the commandment, produced in me every kind of covetous desire." Sin is crafty and uses the law to stir up rebellion within us. This awareness helps us stay vigilant, understanding that our sinful nature can twist even good things for its own purposes. By recognizing this, we can better guard our hearts and rely on the Holy Spirit for strength. 3. The Law is Holy and Good Romans 7:12 states, "So then, the law is holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous, and good." The law reflects God's perfect character and His standards for living. It is not the problem; rather, it is our inability to keep it perfectly. This realization should lead us to appreciate the law as a guide and a teacher, pointing us toward the holiness of God and our need for His grace. 4. The Struggle with Sin is Real Paul candidly shares his internal battle in Romans 7:15, "I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do." This struggle is something every believer can relate to. It reminds us that we are not alone in our fight against sin and that even the apostle Paul faced similar challenges. This encourages us to persevere and lean on God's strength rather than our own. 5. The Dual Nature of Believers Romans 7:22-23 highlights the internal conflict: "For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind." As believers, we have a new nature that desires to follow God, yet we still contend with our old sinful nature. This duality calls us to daily surrender to the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to transform us from the inside out. 6. The Inability to Achieve Righteousness Alone Paul's cry in Romans 7:24, "What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death?" underscores our inability to achieve righteousness through our own efforts. This humbling truth points us to the necessity of Christ's sacrifice and the power of His resurrection, which alone can rescue us from sin's grip. 7. Gratitude for Deliverance Through Christ Romans 7:25 offers hope: "Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!" This verse is a triumphant reminder that deliverance from sin is possible through Jesus. It encourages us to live in gratitude and joy, knowing that our salvation is secure in Him and that He empowers us to overcome sin. 8. The Mindset of a Believer Paul contrasts the mindset of the flesh with that of the Spirit in Romans 7:25, "So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God’s law, but in my sinful nature a slave to the law of sin." This highlights the importance of renewing our minds daily, focusing on God's truth, and allowing His Word to shape our thoughts and actions. 9. The Role of the Holy Spirit While Romans 7 sets the stage, it points forward to the role of the Holy Spirit in Romans 8. Understanding our struggle with sin prepares us to embrace the Spirit's work in our lives. The Holy Spirit empowers us to live victoriously, guiding us into all truth and helping us bear fruit that honors God. 10. The Hope of Future Glory Romans 7 ultimately points us to the hope of future glory, where the struggle with sin will be no more. This hope encourages us to persevere, knowing that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. It reminds us to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, as we journey through this life. Topics 1. The Law's Authority Over a Person (Romans 7:1-3) Paul begins by explaining that the law has authority over a person only as long as they live. He uses the analogy of marriage to illustrate this point, stating that a woman is bound to her husband by law as long as he is alive. The Greek word for "law" here is "νόμος" (nomos), emphasizing the legal and binding nature of the law. 2. Released from the Law through Christ (Romans 7:4-6) Believers have died to the law through the body of Christ, allowing them to belong to another, namely Christ, who was raised from the dead. This release from the law enables believers to serve in the new way of the Spirit. The Greek term "καρποφορήσωμεν" (karpophorēsōmen) is used for "bear fruit," indicating a productive and fruitful life in the Spirit. 3. The Law and Sin (Romans 7:7-12) Paul clarifies that the law is not sinful; rather, it reveals sin. He uses the example of coveting, which he would not have known was sinful without the law. The Greek word "ἐπιθυμία" (epithymia) is used for "covet," highlighting the internal desires that the law exposes. 4. The Struggle with Sin (Romans 7:13-20) Paul describes the internal conflict between the desire to do good and the sinful nature. He acknowledges that while the law is good, sin uses the law to produce death. The Greek word "σαρκικός" (sarkikos) is used to describe the "flesh," indicating the human sinful nature. 5. The Law of Sin at Work (Romans 7:21-25) Paul concludes with the recognition of the law of sin at work within him, waging war against the law of his mind. He expresses a cry for deliverance, which is found in Jesus Christ. The Greek term "ῥύσεται" (rhýsetai) is used for "rescue," emphasizing the deliverance provided by Christ. Themes 1. The Law and Its Authority Romans 7:1-3 discusses the authority of the law over a person as long as they live, using the analogy of marriage. The Greek word for "law" (νόμος, nomos) emphasizes the binding nature of the law, akin to a marital bond. 2. Release from the Law through Christ In Romans 7:4-6, Paul explains that believers have died to the law through the body of Christ, allowing them to belong to another—Christ. This release from the law enables believers to serve in the new way of the Spirit. The Greek term for "serve" (δουλεύω, douleuō) implies a shift from bondage to willing service. 3. The Law and Sin Romans 7:7-12 addresses the relationship between the law and sin, clarifying that the law is not sinful but reveals sin. The Greek word for "sin" (ἁμαρτία, hamartia) is used to describe the inherent nature of sin that the law exposes. 4. The Struggle with Sin In Romans 7:13-20, Paul describes the internal struggle with sin, where the law reveals the sinfulness of human nature. The Greek word for "flesh" (σάρξ, sarx) is significant here, representing the sinful human nature that battles against the spirit. 5. The Conflict of Two Natures Romans 7:21-25 highlights the conflict between the desire to do good and the sinful nature. Paul expresses the tension between the "law of the mind" and the "law of sin." The Greek term for "mind" (νοῦς, nous) refers to the rational part of a person that desires to follow God's law. 6. Deliverance through Jesus Christ The chapter concludes with a declaration of deliverance through Jesus Christ (Romans 7:24-25). Paul acknowledges the wretched state of humanity and the need for rescue, which is provided by Christ. The Greek word for "deliver" (ῥύομαι, rhyomai) conveys the idea of being rescued or saved from danger. Prayer Points Confession and Repentance Pray for the Holy Spirit to reveal areas of sin in your life and for the grace to repent and turn away from them. Strength and Deliverance Ask God for strength to overcome the desires of the flesh and for deliverance from the power of sin through Jesus Christ. Renewal of Mind Pray for a renewed mind that desires to follow God's law and for the wisdom to discern His will in every situation. Community and Support Seek God's guidance in building relationships with fellow believers who can support and encourage you in your walk with Christ. Answering Tough Questions 1. How can Romans 7:1–6 claim that believers are “released” from the Law when elsewhere Scripture upholds its importance? 2. If Paul is speaking personally in Romans 7:14, why does he seem to contradict his own moral and spiritual teachings? 3. Romans 7:15–20 suggests an internal struggle against sin—how does this psychological conflict align with scientific understandings of human behavior? 4. Does Romans 7:23–24’s depiction of a “law waging war” conflict with Psalms and other texts that describe humans as inherently capable of righteousness? 5. In Romans 7:25, if Christ is the solution to sin, why does the struggle described still persist according to the text and other New Testament passages? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does the analogy of marriage in verses 1-6 apply to being released from the law? 2. How does Paul view the law's role in relationship to sin? 3. Why is the law described as "holy, righteous, and good" if it stirs up sin? 4. How does the commandment "Do not covet" illuminate the sinfulness of human nature? 5. How does Paul describe the inner conflict between sin and the desire to do good? 6. How can you relate to the struggle Paul describes in verse 15? 7. How can the principle of "doing what you hate" be applied in today's context? 8. How does Paul differentiate between his 'true self' and sin living within him? 9. In what ways do you see the law at work within your members, waging war against the law of your mind? 10. How does Paul's cry for deliverance resonate with your personal experiences? 11. How can you thank God for deliverance through Jesus Christ in your daily life? 12. How can Paul's struggles with sin inform our understanding of personal shortcomings? 13. How does the reality of our struggle with sin highlight the necessity of Jesus' salvation? 14. How does this chapter shape your view of personal responsibility for sin? 15. How does understanding the purpose of the law affect your view of Old Testament laws? 16. How can the struggles depicted in Romans 7 guide you in overcoming personal struggles with sin? 17. How can the teachings in this chapter help us approach those struggling with sin? 18. How does Romans 7 challenge societal views on personal freedom and accountability? 19. How can the teachings in Romans 7 guide your choices and behavior? 20. How can you apply the lessons from Romans 7 to help others understand their struggle with sin? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions