Romans 7:7-9 (WEL) So what will we say that the law [is] sin? Absolutely not! Indeed, I hadn’t known sin, except by the law, for I wouldn’t be aware of coveting, if the law hadn’t said, “You must not covet.” [Exodus 20:17 and Deuteronomy 5:21] 8 But sin, taking opportunity by the commandment, brought out all kinds of covetousness in me. For sin [is] dead without the law. 9 For at one time, I was living without law, but when the commandment came, sin came to life, and I died.
V7 So what will we say that the law [is] sin? Absolutely not! Indeed, I hadn’t known sin, except by the law, for I wouldn’t be aware of coveting, if the law hadn’t said, “You must not covet.” [Exodus 20:17 and Deuteronomy 5:21]
Is Mosaic Law sinful? No. The importance of the Law is to convict us of our sin. When we read, think, or hear the Law, the Holy Spirit brings conviction and guilt.
Paul felt that he was blameless when judged by Mosaic Law, yet when he read about coveting, the Holy Spirit convicted Paul of his sin. See John 16:8 ( for conviction) and John 8:9. The main danger of covetousness is idolatry; money and financial gain become a god that is worshipped (Colossians 3:5 and Luke 16:13).
V8 But sin, taking opportunity by the commandment, brought out all kinds of covetousness in me. For sin [is] dead without the law.
Why would sin take or seize an opportunity? When my ma had baked something, she would say, “Do not eat any of this. Do you understand?” What did my sin nature desire? It desired to eat some.
There is the tendency in our sin nature to live life our way instead of complying with authority.
The Holy Spirit uses Mosaic Law (especially the 10 Commandments) to reveal our sin and convict us (John 16:8).
V9 For at one time, I was living without law, but when the commandment came, sin came to life, and I died.
Paul, and we, are ignorant of our sin nature. The Law reveals it. There are no excuses.
Children are not accountable for their sin because of their lack of maturity. Somewhere and sometime they will be mature enough to know.
We are at conception a sinner (Psalm 51:5).
We are liars at the moment of birth (Psalm 58:3).
We are unaware of our sin until we come to the age of accountability, which is different for every individual. Then, being aware of the Law, the Holy Spirit convicts us, makes us sense our guilt (John 16:8).
We learn:
- The purpose of Mosaic Law.
- The reason law entices us to sin.
Questions:
- What have you done about your guilt?
- Do you mention the Law (10 commandments) which you talk about in the Gospel?