If, then, I do what I determine not to do, I agree with the law that it is good. Truth to Learn Our battle against our sin nature is evidence that we are saved. Behind the Words The Greek word translated “determine” is thelō, which is often translated as...
Romans 7:15 – That Thing You Do
For the thing I do, I do not understand. For what I determine to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do. Truth to Learn Paul battled his sin nature just as you and I do. Behind the Words The words “the thing I...
Romans 7:14 – Flesh Versus Spirit
For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am fleshly, having been sold by sin. Truth to Learn There is a constant battle between our flesh and our spirit. Behind the Words The word translated “spiritual” is the Greek word pneumatikos, which means “that which pertains to...
Romans 7:13 – Sinfulness Revealed
Did that which is good, then, become death to me? No way! But sin, that it might appear sinful, was producing death in me through that which is good, so that through the commandment sin might become exceedingly sinful. Truth to Learn The Law reveals our sinfulness to the fullest...
Romans 7:12 – The Holy Law
So then, the law is holy, and the commandment is holy and just and good. Truth to Learn The Law and its commandments are holy, but we are sinful. Behind the Words “Law” is translated from the Greek word nomos, which we saw in the last chapter is the...
Romans 7:11 – Deception and Confession
For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it killed me. Truth to Learn Sin is deceptive and causes separation between us and God. Behind the Words “Taking occasion” is translated from aphormē. This is a compound word made up of apo, meaning “from” or “away...
Romans 7:10 – The Deadly Law
And the commandment, which was to bring life, I found to bring death. Truth to Learn The Law is supposed to bring life, but it only brings death. Behind the Words The word translated “found” is heuriskō, which means “to find, by having searched or without searching. Metaphorically, it...
Romans 7:9 – Understanding Produces Guilt
I was previously alive without the law, but when the commandment came, sin revived and I died. Truth to Learn Without an understanding of what sin is, we feel innocent of it, but when we understand what it is, we realize our guilt. Behind the Words The word translated...
Romans 7:8 – A Sinful Product
But sin, taking opportunity through the commandment, produced in me all covetousness. For apart from the law sin is dead. Truth to Learn The Law does not prevent sin, it produces sin. Behind the Words The Greek word translated “taking opportunity” is aphormē, which means “an occasion, an opportunity,...
Romans 7:7 – The Revealing Law
What shall we say then? Is the law sin? Certainly not! I did not know sin except through the law. For I would not have known covetousness except the law said, "You shall not covet." Truth to Learn The Law reveals our sinfulness to us. Behind the Words The...