Scripture
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.
Reflection
In the letter to the Romans, Paul talks about our life in relation to sin and to the Law before Christ and the change that happens in these relationships when we are set free from sin through Christ and living by the Spirit.
He goes on by explaining how the Law is not the cause of our sin, but it helps us understand what sin is. Recently I listened to a pastor explaining that as a speed limit sign on the road. For those who like a little bit of speed, without the sign one might think that you can drive as fast as you would like to, but as you see the speed limit sign it gives you information, it reveals how fast is the limit you can go and it also communicates if or how much you are exceeding that limit.
Getting to today’s verses, Paul mentions how the Law doesn’t just informs us of what is sin, but it stirs in us sin – our rebellious nature. It’s like that old saying: “rules are meant to be broken” (rewind to Adam and Eve and the forbidden fruit!). But without the Law, sin is not even considered, like the road without the speed limit sign (v. 8 “apart from the law, sin was dead”).
Once we were living in ignorance of what was right and wrong, but when the Law showed us what was right and wrong, we became aware of it, and not only that, but our rebellious sinful nature got stirred and produced disobedience, leading us to death (“For the wages of sin is death” Romans 6:23a).
Thankfully the story doesn’t end here. In Christ Jesus, He who had no sin bore our sins, so that we could be made right with God (2 Co 5:21); His Righteousness became ours and sin has no more power over us.
“For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.” Romans 6:14
Thoughts for the day
- In what ways can you see God at work in your life in your relation to sin and the Law?
- What does this passage tell you about God or Jesus?
- What does this passage tell you about humanity?
- What do you feel God is telling you through this passage?
- How can you apply this message in an area of your life that needs transformation?
- Is there anyone you think should hear or will benefit from this message? Go and tell them.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word. Thank you for helping me understand my sinful nature and not only the salvation, but the breaking of the power of sin in my life that came through Jesus Christ our Lord. Thank You for showing me that the Law brings with it a knowledge of sin which points us all to Christ – the one and only sacrifice for sin. Keep my heart pure before You, Oh Lord.
Search me and help me identify the things in my life that dishonor Your name. Examine my heart and see if there is any sinful covetousness within me, and wash me clean I pray and I ask in Jesus’ name, amen.
