Lesson 6: The Law (ROMANS 7:1–25)
Lesson 6
The Law
(ROMANS 7:1–25)
Before you begin …
• Pray for the Holy Spirit to reveal truth and wisdom as you go through this lesson.
• Read Romans 7:1–25. This lesson references chapter 6 in Be Right. It will be helpful for you to have your Bible and a copy of the commentary available as you work through this lesson.
Getting Started
From the Commentary
What really is legalism? It is the belief that I can become holy and please God by obeying laws. It is measuring spirituality by a list of dos and don’ts. The weakness of legalism is that it sees sins (plural) but not sin (the root of the trouble). It judges by the outward and not the inward. Furthermore, the legalist fails to understand the real purpose of God’s law and the relationship between law and grace.
—Be Right, page 84
1. What are your thoughts about Wiersbe’s explanation of “the weakness of legalism”? How does legalism judge by outward actions? What are the inward truths that legalism misses?
More to Consider: Paul uses the illustration of a marriage in Romans 7 to show that believers have a new relationship to the law because of their relationship with Jesus. What is this illustration and why do you think Paul used marriage to teach this concept?
2. Choose one verse or phrase from Romans 7:1–25 that stands out to you. This could be something you’re intrigued by, something that makes you uncomfortable, something that puzzles you, something that resonates with you, or just something you want to examine further. Write that here.
Going Deeper
From the Commentary
It appears that Paul has confused his illustration, but he has not. When we were unsaved (“in the flesh,” Rom. 7:5), we were under the authority of God’s law. We were condemned by that law. When we trusted Christ and were united to Him, we died to the law just as we died to the flesh (Rom. 6:1–10). The law did not die; we died.
—Be Right, page 85
3. What is your reaction to the statement that “the Law did not die; we died”? What does it look like practically speaking when we are no longer under the authority of the Law? What does it mean to be “united to Christ”?
From the Commentary
This is the logical conclusion: the law cannot exercise authority over a dead person. The Authorized Version reads as though the law died, but Paul wrote, “We having died to that wherein we were held.” Death means deliverance (note Rom. 6:9–10). But we were delivered that we might serve. The Christian life is not one of independence and rebellion. We died to the law that we might be “married to Christ.” We were delivered from the law that we might serve Christ. This truth refutes the false accusation that Paul taught lawlessness.
—Be Right, page 86
4. In what ways does the death of our old selves under the law (in favor of life in our new relationship with Christ) equal deliverance? What does Paul say that refutes the idea that he was teaching lawlessness?
From Today’s World
Our country still has plenty of old laws on the books that are unenforceable or may just seem silly. For example, in Massachusetts, no gorilla is allowed in the backseat of a car. In Tennessee, it is illegal to drive while sleeping. While these may make us laugh today, at one time the law had a purpose (perhaps prompted by a single, specific incident). The Old Testament gives us a long list of laws that are to be upheld in order to be godly and earn righteousness.
5. What is the purpose of specific laws in our world today? What is the intent of “the law”? In Paul’s day, as now, Christians struggle to understand how they are to respond to the laws ordained in the Old Testament. How does Paul explain what our relationship to the law ought to be once we are living under grace?
From the Commentary
The law is a mirror that reveals the inner man and shows us how dirty we are (James 1:22–25). Note that Paul did not use murder, stealing, or adultery in his discussion; he uses coveting.
—Be Right, page 87
6. How is the law a mirror? Why do you think Paul focused on “coveting” while describing this aspect of the law? What is unique about the act of coveting when compared to the other of the Ten Commandments?
More to Consider: Wiersbe writes, “Believers who try to live by rules and regulations discover that their legalistic system only arouses more sin and creates more problems.” Skim Paul’s letter to the Galatians (especially 5:15). How does this letter support what Wiersbe is stating? What are some of the problems that the Galatian church encountered because of legalism?
From the Commentary
Something in human nature wants to rebel whenever a law is given.
—Be Right, page 87
7. Respond to Wiersbe’s statement. What are some examples of this in today’s culture? (A simple example would be touching something that is clearly marked “fresh paint, don’t touch.”) Why do you think this is part of our human nature?
From the Commentary
As the new Christian grows, he comes into contact with various philosophies of the Christian life. He can read books, attend seminars, listen to tapes, and get a great deal of information. If he is not careful, he will start following a human leader and accept his teachings as law. This practice is a very subtle form of legalism, and it kills spiritual growth.
—Be Right, page 88
8. Think of some examples of the subtle form of legalism Wiersbe describes in the excerpt, then reread Romans 7:10–11. How can even a good desire to pursue the truth kill spiritual growth? What is the key to avoiding this kind of legalism?
More to Consider: Think back on the stories of great leaders who led their people astray. Even though their ideas may have started out good (and even biblical), somehow the emphasis shifted and became more about the leader than the greater truth. What are the signs to watch out for that indicate someone is not teaching God’s truth, but his or her own brand?
From the Commentary
Our nature is carnal (fleshly), but the law’s nature is spiritual. This explains why the old nature responds as it does to the law. It has well been said, “The old nature knows no law, the new nature needs no law.” The law cannot transform the old nature; it can only reveal how sinful that old nature is. The believer who tries to live under law will only activate the old nature; he will not eradicate it.
—Be Right, page 90
9. Think of an example or two of how the law reveals our sinful nature. Why does “the old nature” know no law? Isn’t the old nature the one that tries to earn righteousness through the law? Why does the new nature need no law?
From the Commentary
The legalist says, “Obey the law and you will do good and live a good life.” But the law only reveals and arouses sin, showing how sinful it is! It is impossible for me to obey the law because I have a sinful nature that rebels against the law. Even if I think I have done good, I know that evil is present. The law is good, but by nature, I am bad! So the legalist is wrong: The law cannot enable us to do good.
—Be Right, page 91
10. What are some examples of legalism in the world around you (work, church, home)? How is that similar to or different from the legalism Christians must fight against in their Christian walk? Do you agree that the law cannot enable us to do good? Why or why not?
Looking Inward
Take a moment to reflect on all that you’ve explored thus far in this study of Romans 7:1–25. Review your notes and answers and think about how each of these things matters in your life today.
Tips for Small Groups: To get the most out of this section, form pairs or trios and have group members take turns answering these questions. Be honest and as open as you can in this discussion, but most of all, be encouraging and supportive of others. Be sensitive to those who are going through particularly difficult times and don’t press for people to speak if they’re uncomfortable doing so.
11. In what ways are you legalistic in your faith-life? What prompts that sort of legalism? What steps do you need to take to avoid legalism and embrace the truth of God’s gift of grace?
12. What would the “mirror” of the law reflect about your life today? What are some of the things you’re struggling with that illustrate the truth of Paul’s teaching about the law?
13. Are you ever tempted to live “lawlessly” because of the surety of your justification by faith? Why or why not? How do Paul’s words about the relationship between a believer and the law intersect with the way you’re living your life today?
Going Forward
14. Think of one or two things that you have learned that you’d like to work on in the coming week. Remember that this is all about quality, not quantity. It’s better to work on one specific area of life and do it well than to work on many and do poorly (or to be so overwhelmed that you simply don’t try).
Do you need to become less legalistic? Do you need to learn how to live under the “new nature” you’ve been given in Christ? Be specific. Go back through Romans 7:1–25 and put a star next to the phrase or verse that is most encouraging to you. Consider memorizing this verse.
Real-Life Application Ideas: Talk with a close friend or family member about how he or she sees you living your life of faith. Invite that person to speak openly and honestly to you about those areas where you might tend toward legalism. Then take time together to think of ways to overcome that tendency and, instead, work on the inward attitudes that reflect a life dedicated to Christ.
Seeking Help
15. Write a prayer below (or simply pray one in silence), inviting God to work on your mind and heart in those areas you’ve previously noted. Be honest about your desires and fears.
Notes for Small Groups:
• Look for ways to put into practice the things you wrote in the “Going Forward” section in this lesson. Talk with other group members about your ideas and commit to being accountable to one another.
• During the coming week, ask the Holy Spirit to continue to reveal truth to you from what you’ve read and studied.
• Before you start the next lesson, read Romans 8:1–39. For more in-depth lesson preparation, read chapter 7, “Freedom and Fulfillment,” in Be Right.