Romans 7-8: God, Law, and Life

• These two chapters wrap up the second section of Romans. 1-4 was about explaining the gospel; 5-8 has been about exploring salvation.

• And to a large degree, the theme is freedom… from death; from sin; now from the Law

  • Remember Paul’s specific purpose to unify Jews and Gentiles…

  • Here was the thorniest of the thorny issues: what to do with the Law…

  • Paul is clear: we are free from it’s direct jurisdiction. 7.4-6 o Raises the question: Is the Law a bad thing?

• Rom 7: Law is good but limited

  • Reflects God’s character.

    • Psalm 19 or 119;
    • 2 Timothy 3.16

  • Teaches God’s will.

  • Identifies sin.

PROBLEM: Cannot accomplish the goal it seeks (because of our weakness) Once again, good but limited; 7 ends not with despair, however, but with hope.

• Rom 8: God does what the Law could not do

  • Through Jesus, God forgives our sins (8.1-4)

  • Through the Spirit, God regenerates us (8.5-11) and leads us out of sin (8.12ff)

    • Israel/church parallel –

      • Just as God led Israel into the promised Land, he will lead us to new

creation. (8.12-30)

• This is the context for our favorites…
  • Romans 8.17–It will be hard, but worth it in the end.
  • Romans 8.28–Everything will be redeemed.
  • Romans 8.29ff–Nothing can stop God from getting us there.