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1. Is the law sin?

A. Since it is so desirable to be released from the law, is the law a form of sin? (7: 7-12).

B. Answer:

a. The law is not sin but defines sin (v. 7c).

b. Satan uses the law as an occasion for temptation and sin (v. 8).

c. The personal experience of Paul is given, from his childhood of innocence, to this subsequent death through the efforts of Satan (v. 9).

d. The commandment was given to bring life, but Satan used it to bring about death (vs. 10-11).

e. The law of itself, apart from the use made of it by Satan, is holy, righteous, and good (v. 12).

2. Question: Does the law then bring about death (7:13-25).

a. The answer: No, God forbid. The law of itself brings about the death of no one. Satan uses the law as an occasion and through it spiritual death makes its advent (vs. 13-14).

b. The law is from God but man is fleshly and through the weakness of man's flesh Satan occasions his death. Our spirits are willing, but the flesh is weak. The circumstance results in great inward pain, and we are moved to cry out, “Who will deliver us?” The answer and deliverance comes through Christ Jesus (vs. 15-25).

Who is the “Wretched Man” of 7: 24 and above?

1. The person under discussion is said to be “sold under sin.”

2. The person under discussion is said to be a “servant of sin.”

3. The person under discussion is “captive to the law of sin and death.”

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4. The person under discussion has the “law of sin” in his members.”

5. The person under discussion lives in a “body of death.”

One must compare the above statements to 8:2 where the man in Christ is said to have been freed (aorist tense), from the law of sin and death.

Some other observations that may help identify the “Wretched man.”

1. The “wretched man” is no uncaring decadent.

2. The “wretched man” isn't said to will evil and good at one time.

3. The “wretched man” isn't totally depraved.”

4. The “wretched man” isn't struggling to commit fewer sins.

5. The “wretched man” is freed by the law of the Spirit.

My conclusion is that the “wretched man” is one not in Christ (see Romans 8:2ff.

Complete Freedom through Jesus Christ 8:1-38.

1. Freedom in the gospel. 8: 1-11

a. Freedom through “the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus”, from condemnation which was the penalty of our sin. 8: 1-4.

b. Freedom from condemnation on that final day, for we are called to work by the spirit and thus be led to our eternal home. 8: 5-11.

2. New Life in Christ. 8: 12-17.

a. A new position – no longer in debt to sin. v. 12

b. A new power – which will empower us to overcome and live in a new life v. 13.

c. A new father – and a new sense of relationship to God v. 14-15.

d. A new witness and a new inheritance – if we suffer with Him vs. 16-17.

3. Encouragements to Endure Suffering 8: 18-39.

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a. We are greatly encouraged when we think “that suffering of this present life are not even worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed to later” vs. 18-25.

b. The second encouragement is found through the help of the Holy Spirit in our infirmities vs. 26-27.

c. Encouragement number three is found in consideration of God's eternal purpose for His children vs. 28-30.

d. Encouragement number four forms also a conclusion to what has been said: “What shall we say to these things?” What things” Why, the hope of Christians, the help of the Holy Spirit and the help of YHWH. There is only one thing to say, only one conclusion that can be drawn, and that is “God is for us.” He being for us, there is no one who can bring a charge against us, no one or no circumstance that can separate us from God's love or can persuade us that God does not love us vs. 31-39.