Romans 7:7-12 - What then shall we say? That the law is sin? By no means! Yet if it had not been for the law, I would not have known sin. For I would not have known what it is to covet if the law had not said, "You shall not covet." But sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, produced in me all kinds of covetousness. For apart from the law, sin lies dead. I was once alive apart from the law, but when the commandment came, sin came alive and I died. The very commandment that promised life proved to be death to me. For sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, deceived me and through it killed me. So the law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good.

In Romans 7:7-12, Paul addresses the relationship between sin and the law. He makes it clear that the law itself is not sinful, but rather it reveals our sin to us. Paul says that he would not have known what it means to covet if the law had not said "You shall not covet." The law sets the standard for what is right and wrong, holy and sinful. However, Paul also explains that sin takes advantage of the law. When we become aware of the law's commands, our sinful nature is drawn to rebel against it. Sin deceives us and produces all kinds of wrong desires within us. Apart from the law, sin is dead. But when we are confronted with God's holy standard, sin comes alive and leads to death. Paul emphasizes that this does not mean there is anything wrong with God's law. The law is holy, righteous and good. The problem is with our sinful nature. On our own, we cannot keep God's perfect standard. The law shows us our need for a Savior. It points us to Christ, who perfectly fulfilled the law on our behalf and paid the penalty for our sin. In Him, we find forgiveness and freedom from sin's power. Though the law cannot save us, it still serves an important purpose. It teaches us about God's holiness and righteousness. It guides us in how to live a life pleasing to Him. As believers, we are no longer under the law's condemnation. But we are called to uphold the law, not in our own strength, but through the power of the Holy Spirit. As we walk with Christ, He transforms our hearts and enables us to fulfill the law through love.

This passage is a powerful reminder of the deceitfulness of sin and our desperate need for God's grace. It's easy to point the finger at the law and blame it for our struggles, but Paul makes it clear that the problem lies within our own sinful nature. How many times have you found yourself drawn to the very things you know are wrong? Maybe it's a temptation to gossip, to lust, to hold onto bitterness, or to chase after material possessions. We know these things are contrary to God's will, but sin takes advantage of that knowledge and entices us to rebel. But praise God that He did not leave us dead in our sin! In His great love and mercy, He sent His Son Jesus to fulfill the law's demands on our behalf. Through faith in Christ, we are forgiven, declared righteous, and set free from sin's power. This doesn't mean we will never struggle with sin again, but it does mean that sin no longer has the final say. In Christ, we are a new creation, and His Spirit empowers us to walk in obedience. As we seek to live a life pleasing to God, let's remember the importance of staying connected to Jesus. Apart from Him, we can do nothing (John 15:5). But as we abide in Him, He will produce His fruit in our lives - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). These are the very things the law points us to, but they are only possible through the power of the Spirit. May we never forget the holiness of God's law and the seriousness of sin. But may we also rest in the finished work of Christ on our behalf. In Him, we are set free to joyfully serve God and others. Let's lean into His grace and allow Him to transform us from the inside out, all for His glory.

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the gift of Your law, which reveals Your holiness and righteousness. Thank You for showing us our sin and our need for a Savior. Most of all, thank You for Jesus, who perfectly fulfilled the law on our behalf and paid the price for our sin. Forgive us for the times we have tried to minimize our sin or blame others for our struggles. We confess that we cannot overcome sin in our own strength. We need Your grace and power every moment of every day. Help us to abide in Christ and to walk by the Spirit. Produce Your fruit in our lives and enable us to live in a way that honors You. When we stumble, remind us of Your forgiveness and love. Draw us back to Yourself and empower us to joyfully obey Your commands. Thank You that in Christ, we are no longer condemned but are set free to live for Your glory. Use us to point others to the beauty of Your law and the wonder of Your grace. We pray all of this in Jesus' mighty name, Amen.