WWW Be Right (17)

In one paragraph

This message worked through Romans 7, looking at what the law is for, why it cannot save us, and what it actually means to be free from it now that we belong to Christ. Pastor Deborah traced Paul's argument from the marriage illustration in verses 1-4 all the way through to his cry for rescue in verse 24, with practical stops along the way on legalism, coveting, and the ongoing struggle with sin...

Read together

1. Romans 7:1-4 Read aloud to introduce the marriage illustration about being released from the law through Christ
2. Romans 7:6 Quoted to show believers are released from the law to serve in the new way of the Spirit
3. Romans 7:7 Quoted to show the law is not sinful but reveals sin, using coveting as the example
4. Romans 7:11 Referenced to show that sin deceives us
5. Romans 7:14 Quoted to show Paul calling himself unspiritual and sold as a slave to sin
6. Romans 7:15 Quoted to illustrate the ongoing inner struggle of doing what we hate and not doing what we want
7. Romans 7:21 Referenced to show that the harder we try, the closer evil feels
8. Romans 7:24 Quoted to highlight Paul asking who, not what, will rescue him from sin
9. Romans 10 Referenced regarding Jewish people not understanding their sinfulness and seeking their own righteousness
10. Isaiah 55:7 Quoted as instruction to turn to the Lord rather than looking within oneself to overcome sin
11. Psalm 119:11 Quoted as the best way to protect oneself from sin by hiding God's Word in the heart
12. Romans 5:2 Quoted at the close to affirm that by faith we stand in grace and boast in the hope of the glory of God

Talk about it

1. Pastor Deborah walked through the difference between ceremonial law and moral law, explaining that the ceremonial laws were specific to Israel and ended at the cross, while the moral law remains for everyone. How does understanding that difference change the way you respond when someone uses an Old Testament verse to challenge your faith?
2. Deborah described legalism as an attitude where your standing before God depends on your performance rather than your relationship with Him. Have you seen that attitude show up in yourself or in a church setting, and what did it do to the people around it?
3. Paul chose coveting as his example, and Deborah said most theologians consider it the essence of sin because it means wanting something or someone more than God. Where in your own life do you find it hardest to say 'Lord, you are enough' and actually mean it?
4. Deborah shared John MacArthur's observation that as you grow closer to Christ you will get better but feel worse, because you become more aware of the sin that remains. Does that ring true to your own experience, and how does it affect the way you think about spiritual maturity?
5. Deborah closed with three S's: submit, surrender, and seek. Which of those three is hardest for you right now, and what does it look like practically in your daily life?