Romans 7 is an often misunderstood and hotly contested passage of scripture. I do not wish to add to the debate but rather provide some insight around this passage concerning the deceitfulness of sin. Let’s explore three truths from Romans 7.⠀⠀
Dead to sin Alive in Him
First, we must realise in Christ we are now dead to sin and alive in Him. We are united to Christ through the sacraments of baptism and communion. This means we can be constantly united to Christ through the work of His death and resurrection. May we never move beyond the ABCs of the gospel.⠀
“But now we are released from the law, having died to that which held us captive, so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit and not in the old way of the written code.”
Romans 7:6 ESV⠀⠀
The deceitfulness of sin
Second, we should never underestimate the deceitfulness of sin. It is enticing for a reason. Do not give sin a place in your life. The righteousness of God sets you free from sin by the grace of God.⠀
“I was once alive apart from the law, but when the commandment came, sin came alive and I died. The very commandment that promised life proved to be death to me. For sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, deceived me and through it killed me.”
Romans 7:9-11 ESV⠀
HE is the answer
Finally, thanks be to God! He is our answer. ALWAYS. He has made a way through the atoning work of the cross of Jesus Christ. Receive His righteousness and reckon yourself dead to sin. Do not let it deceive you. It is NOT who you are anymore. ⠀
“Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin.”
Romans 7:25 ESV⠀⠀
In my Orthodox Study Bible (NKJV) there is a beautiful footnote on this passage which has given me pause to ponder. Our Eastern Orthodox brethren do not hold to a doctrine of original sin or that we have a sin nature. Rather, they see sin as a problem we are susceptible to and hence we needed Christ to deal with sin. The footnote of verse 25 states:⠀
“The conclusion is far from hopeless, for the final blame is not to be found in man’s nature, nor in the law, but in sin itself.”⠀
Wow, what a concept! Thank You, Jesus, You dealt with sin. Now honour His sacrifice by not allowing yourself to be deceived and enticed by sin’s call.
Has this post challenged you or your thoughts around Romans 7? Drop us a comment…