Romans 7:1-3
“Or do you not know, brothers—for I am speaking to those who know the law—that the law is binding on a person only as long as he lives?For a married woman is bound by law to her husband while he lives, but if her husband dies she is released from the law of marriage. Accordingly, she will be called an adulteress if she lives with another man while her husband is alive. But if her husband dies, she is free from that law, and if she marries another man she is not an adulteress.”
People from all over the world continue to debate law versus grace. The Romans were also debating this issue 2,000 years ago. Paul breaks down the authority of the law in these verses. He also continues this thought further in chapter seven.
Paul is making clear that sin must be dead in our lives so we can live a righteous life. Paul makes a comparison between a married woman and her husband to the law. If her husband has passed away, then she is free to marry another. However, if her husband is still alive then she’s living in sin if she is with another man.
The same is true in our spiritual lives with Jesus Christ. Sin must be dead in our lives, so we have the ability to live in righteousness. Being free from sin allows us to be free from law. If we are still actively pursuing sin then we are not able to pursue righteousness. Sin must die then we are able to move forward through the power of the Holy Spirit. As followers of Jesus, we can be part of growing God’s kingdom. We are able to bring God glory.
Use the HEAR method as you spend time with today’s scripture.
Highlight – what words or phrases jump out at you
Explain – what does the passage mean?
Apply – how does the passage intersect with your life today?
Respond – how is God leading you to respond?
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