This sermon explores the purpose of the law in Christianity, emphasizing that while the law defines and reveals sin, it ultimately leads to death without faith in Jesus. The law is holy, righteous, and good, but it is not the means to salvation; rather, it points us to our need for Jesus, who fulfills the law and offers grace and mercy to those who trust in Him.
Grace and peace to all. Today, we delve into Romans 7:7-12, where the Apostle Paul addresses the role of the law in our lives. Before we begin, let us pray for understanding and guidance.
The scripture reading for today is Romans 7:7-12 (ESV):
"What then shall we say? That the law is sin? By no means! Yet if it had not been for the law, I would not have known sin. For I would not have known what it is to covet if the law had not said, 'You shall not covet.' But sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, produced in me all kinds of covetousness. For apart from the law, sin lies dead. 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. So the law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good."
In many world religions, the common approach to relating to God is through adherence to laws or commandments. For instance, in Hinduism, good karma must outweigh bad karma for salvation; in Islam, following the five pillars leads to Paradise. This principle of "do the law and you will live" is prevalent. However, Paul teaches that this is not how Christianity operates.
Paul anticipates a question: If the law leads to death, is it sinful? His answer is a resounding no. Instead, he explains the law's purpose:
To illustrate, consider a scenario where a child is told not to enter a forbidden room. The very command not to enter makes the room more enticing. Similarly, Paul reflects on his childhood experiences of desiring what was forbidden, such as stealing fruit from a neighbor's garden. This illustrates how the law can provoke sinful desires.
Paul uses the tenth commandment, "You shall not covet," to highlight the inward nature of sin. Unlike the other commandments, which can be checked off as outward actions, this commandment addresses our inner desires. It challenges us to examine our hearts and motivations.
We must ask ourselves: Do we covet what others have? Do we find ourselves wishing for a better life, a better spouse, or more wealth? This internal struggle is a common human experience, and it reveals our sinful nature.
Despite the law's role in revealing sin, Paul concludes that the law is holy, righteous, and good. The problem lies not with the law but with us. The law condemns us because we cannot live up to its standards.
The good news is that Jesus, who lived a perfect life, fulfills the law. He offers us His righteousness in exchange for our sinfulness. When we trust in Jesus, we receive His perfect life credited to us, and He takes upon Himself the judgment we deserve for our sins.
In conclusion, the law serves to define and reveal sin, but it is not the means to salvation. Our hope lies in Jesus, who fulfills the law and offers grace and mercy to all who trust in Him. As we reflect on our relationship with the law, let it drive us to Jesus, where we find forgiveness and new life. Let us pray for the strength to turn our eyes from our sin and towards the grace offered in Christ.
