Scripture
7 What shall we say, then? Is the law sinful? Certainly not! Nevertheless, I would not have known what sin was had it not been for the law. For I would not have known what coveting really was if the law had not said, “You shall not covet.” 8 But sin, seizing the opportunity afforded by the commandment, produced in me every kind of coveting. For apart from the law, sin was dead. 9 Once I was alive apart from the law; but when the commandment came, sin sprang to life and I died. 10 I found that the very commandment that was intended to bring life actually brought death. 11 For sin, seizing the opportunity afforded by the commandment, deceived me, and through the commandment put me to death. 12 So then, the law is holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous and good.
13 Did that which is good, then, become death to me? By no means! Nevertheless, in order that sin might be recognized as sin, it used what is good to bring about my death, so that through the commandment sin might become utterly sinful.
Reflection
“11 For sin, seizing the opportunity afforded by the commandment, deceived me, and through the commandment put me to death.” This is an important reminder; Sin is the offender here, not the law. So many people would have you say that the Law is the reason there is sin. NO, not the case. Sin was already present; the law was only brought in to open our eyes to the lawlessness of sin. When someone is put on trial as a murder suspect it is not the weapon or object they used that is put on trial; it is the offender, the person who did the act of murder. Paul is clear here, Sin is a deceiver. Its purpose is to drag you into the grave alongside with it. It will do anything to persist in its ways, framing the good into bad, convincing people that the law was never needed. Don’t fall for it (Josh).
Thoughts for the day
- In what way does sin deceive you in your life?
- What do you feel God is telling you through this passage?
- How will you apply what God is telling you in your life today?
- Is there someone you feel you need to tell this message to?
Prayer
Think of someone you know who could use a little joy in their lives and pray for presence of the Lord to rest on them. “In His presence there is fullness of Joy” Psalm 16:11.
