The timing and placement of Chapters 7 and 8 in Paul’s letter to the Romans is so perfect to me! In the beginning of the letter he teaches of a righteousness of God that is imputed onto us by faith, as a free gift from God. Then he tells us why we need this justification, be because we are all sinners in the worst degree! He goes on to explain that our faith and righteousness is rooted in God, by His grace, not by works. We didn’t have to earn it. It wasn’t based on our ancestry. It is certain, secure and held safely in the very hands of Jesus Christ! Next Paul tells us that we have been freed from the penalty and power of sin. He says that although Adam’s sin was imputed onto all of us, now, much more (this doesn’t refer to quantity, it means certainly) is the righteousness of Jesus imputed onto us.
So he creates this assurance for us early in this letter. He assures us of the foundation of faith which confirms that we have been reconciled with God and that we are in right-standing with Him. And then, in these two chapters, we get to see Paul up close and personal. We know him as this great hero of faith. The man who God used to write over half of the New Testament. A man who was radical about his faith. Here’s what he says to us in these chapters: I sin. Often. Sometimes I don’t even want to and I do it. There is a war going on inside of me. Who will save me? His answer: God!! Through Christ Jesus!
He doesn’t say he will save himself. Or that a self-help book will save him. Or legalism, or Hail Marys, or good deeds. God will! Paul confesses the weakness of his flesh to God and to his brothers and sisters in Christ and he looks to God for rescue!
How kind and loving of God to show us that He has worked everything out on our behalf BEFORE we get into this discussion of dealing with our sin. I’ve heard people say, “I have to clean up my life before I can return to God” and that is simply un-biblical. Besides, if you could clean yourself up there would have been no need to Jesus to die on the cross.
So as we go deeper into our discussion of sin, temptation and the desires of our flesh, remember what we read in the last two chapters: God LOVED you while you were a sinner and Christ died for the ungodly. God has united you with Christ so that you may have freedom from the power of sin. Avoid the trap of condemnation by rejoicing in the saving work of Jesus Christ and let strengthen you as you press toward holiness.
As we work through Chapters 7 and 8, I pray that you are comforted and encouraged by Galatians 5:1, “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery”.
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