Introduction
Have you ever felt like you’re stuck in a cycle of doing what you don’t want to do? Like Paul says in Romans 7:15, “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.” This struggle is real. We all battle sin, but the good news is that Jesus has already provided a way out. Today, we will uncover the sins to avoid, promises to claim, examples to follow, and commands to obey as we walk in freedom with Christ.
Background & Context
Paul writes to the Roman church explaining the power of sin, the law’s role in exposing it, and the transformative work of Jesus. The law isn’t bad—it reveals sin. But without Christ, we are trapped, powerless to break free. Paul describes this internal struggle but also gives us hope: we can be released from the law’s condemnation and serve God in a new way through the Spirit.
Key Points
1. Sin to Avoid – The Deadly Cycle of Sin (Romans 7:5, 7:8, 7:11, 7:14-15)
- “Sin, seizing the opportunity afforded by the commandment, produced in me every kind of coveting.” (Romans 7:8)
- Sin is deceptive. It uses God’s law to stir up rebellion in us.
- It enslaves, making us do what we hate.
🔴 Illustration: A man once caught a small snake, thinking it was harmless. But over time, it grew and eventually attacked him. Sin, too, may seem small, but it grows, ensnares, and ultimately destroys.
2. Promise to Claim – The Gift of Eternal Life (Romans 6:22-23, 7:6, 7:12)
- “Now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.” (Romans 6:22)
- Through Christ, we are released from sin’s power and serve in a new way—by the Spirit!
- The law is holy and good, but only Jesus can give us victory over sin.
🟡 Illustration: Imagine being imprisoned for years, and one day, someone hands you the key. Would you stay locked up? Christ has given us the key—why remain in sin?
3. Example to Follow – Paul’s Struggle & Dependence on Christ (Romans 7:15-18)
- Paul admits, “For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.”
- Even the most faithful believer struggles, but the key is recognizing that our strength is in Christ, not ourselves.
🟢 Application: Like Paul, we must acknowledge our weakness and turn to Jesus daily for victory.
4. Command to Obey – Serve in the New Way of the Spirit (Romans 7:6)
- “We have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code.”
- Our obedience now comes from love, not obligation.
- Instead of living in legalism, we walk in the Spirit and bear fruit.
🟠 Practical Step: Begin each day asking, “Holy Spirit, guide me in truth and righteousness today.”
Practical Application – Walking in Victory Over Sin
1️⃣ Recognize Sin’s Deception – It disguises itself as “freedom” but leads to death.
2️⃣ Claim God’s Promises – You are no longer a slave to sin! Walk in the Spirit’s power.
3️⃣ Follow Paul’s Example – Acknowledge your struggles but trust God’s grace.
4️⃣ Obey the Spirit’s Leading – Live a life of joyful obedience, not mere rule-following.
🙌 Challenge: This week, identify one area where sin keeps pulling you back. Surrender it to Christ and ask the Holy Spirit for strength.
Conclusion
We all have a battle within us, but we are not powerless! Jesus has set us free. Will you continue in sin’s cycle, or will you walk in the new way of the Spirit? The choice is yours.
🔥 Final Thought: Freedom isn’t just about breaking chains—it’s about walking in the Spirit’s power daily!
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