Romans 7:7-13

Paul seems to be describing sin as a type of corrupting, opportunistic force. We often associate sin with the devil, and yet sin is not synonymous with the devil. However, sin certainly found expression through his rebellion and continues to serve his evil purposes.

I’m not prepared to pontificate on the origins of sin, but suffice it to say that both Lucifer and mankind gave place to it through their own choices. Through Adam, sin entered the world, subsequently becoming a power that enslaved and corrupted humanity. It is a force to be reckoned with, and without Jesus, we are powerless to overcome its dominion.

As we have discussed, the law is good, but by its very goodness, it exposes sin for what it is. The law is like a light shining in a dark place, revealing what was previously hidden. Yet sin, in its insidiousness, exploits the very law intended for our good, using it to expose our guilt and bring condemnation.

As Paul states:

“So we can see how terrible sin really is. It uses God’s good commands for its own evil purposes.”

But Jesus—thank God for Jesus!

Jesus changed everything! He dealt with the sin issue once and for all. For those who are in Christ, sin no longer holds the same power over us. Do we still fall prey to it from time to time? Unfortunately, yes. And to the degree that we allow it to go unchecked in our lives, we will suffer the consequences.

Understand, sin is something we commit, but it is also something that seeks to rule us. What begins with a choice can eventually become our master. Sin is not merely an action to be avoided; it is a power from which we need to be delivered.

The first requires forgiveness; the second requires deliverance. And in Christ, God has provided both!

Jesus didn't simply come to forgive the individual sins we have committed. He came to break the dominion of sin over our lives.

Salvation does more than restore what was lost through Adam. It brings us into a new life in Christ, restoring our relationship with God and our rightful place in His Kingdom.

We have not only been forgiven of sin; we have been set free from its power. The question is, are we living in that freedom?