ROMANS 7

Romans 7

The chapter has two parts: (A) vv. 1-6 and (B) vv. 7-25.

(A) marriage illustration

a. 7:1, brothers

  b. 7:2-3, she is released from the Law

a’. 7:4, brothers

  b’. 7:5-6, we are released from the Law

Law has authority while a person is alive.

Example of a married woman – should be read on two levels:

1. Practical, she should be a lawful wife as long as husband is alive.

2. symbolic, husband-wife paradigm is a paradigm of relationship between

a. LORD and Israel and

b. sinful flesh and Law    

 

(B) inner conflict 

a. 7:7-13, sin is known through the Law

  b. 7:14-17, it is no longer I do it, but the sin that dwells in me

  b’. 7:18-20, it is no longer I do it, but the sin that dwells in me

a’. 7:21-25, law of sin

Inner conflict of a believer:

Self-identity – I – is a new person, who died in baptism (cp. 6:1).

Yet, the sin still lives/dwells in “me” – the sin produces death, using good gifts of God – Law. Humans are very creative turning good gifts of God into idols.