WHAT PAUL MEANT BY - THE LAW OF SIN AND DEATH
(Google doc file link provided in comments and at the end for easy navigation of clickable Bible citations)
Paul taught prolifically about Grace and the Law. John simply stated that the Law came through Moses, but Grace and Truth came through Jesus Christ (John 1:17). But it was Paul who deeply expounded on the subject of Grace and the Law, especially in the book of Romans. It helps to examine the sum of all he said in ALL his letters to get a clearer picture of his teaching. Isolating bits and pieces of his words would surely lead to misunderstanding him, just as Peter said (2 Peter 3:15-16).
Our study is going to be based on the two Passages below, to help us better understand what Paul was referring to as “the law of sin”.
Romans 7:11-12, 14-15, 21-25
[11] For sin, SEIZING the opportunity afforded by the commandment, DECEIVED me, and through the commandment put me to death. [12] So then, THE LAW IS HOLY, and the commandment is HOLY, RIGHTEOUS and GOOD.
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[14] We know that the Law is SPIRITUAL; but I am UNSPIRITUAL, sold as a slave to sin. [15] I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.
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[21] So I find this law at work: Although I WANT to do GOOD, evil is right there with me. [22] For in my INNER BEING I DELIGHT in God’s Law; [23] but I see ANOTHER LAW at work in me, WAGING WAR AGAINST the Law of my mind and making me a PRISONER OF THE LAW OF SIN at work WITHIN me. [24] What a wretched man I am! Who will RESCUE me from THIS BODY that is SUBJECT to death? [25] Thanks be to God, Who DELIVERS me THROUGH Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I MYSELF IN MY MIND AM A SLAVE TO GOD’S LAW, BUT in MY SINFUL NATURE a slave to THE LAW OF SIN. NIV
Romans 8:1-4
[1] Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, [2] because THROUGH Christ Jesus THE LAW OF THE SPIRIT Who gives life has set you FREE FROM THE LAW OF SIN AND DEATH. [3] For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened BY THE FLESH, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so He condemned sin in the flesh, [4] in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be FULLY MET IN US, who do NOT live according to THE FLESH but according to THE SPIRIT. NIV
In Rom 7:22&23 above, we clearly see that Paul is referring to two laws: the first being God's Law, and the other, “the law of sin” that's operating within us. This “law of sin” is the driving principle of the flesh, and as a result anything done by the flesh is always going to be contrary to the Law of God, regardless of how outwardly “good” it may be (Rom 8:6-8, Isaiah 64:6). This is why Paul vehemently opposed any operation that was by the flesh, because no matter how “righteous” it appeared, it was fueled by that which is contrary to God's Law, i.e. by the principle of “the law of sin”.
A simple distinguishing factor is that acts of the flesh ALWAYS have a self-centered motive, while acts of the Spirit are LOVE-based, and these ALWAYS overflow to the benefit of others. I discovered this distinction in the course of writing the book, “Early Steps in Christianity”; in chapter seven, where I was led to examine the miracles of Jesus Christ, I observed that He never did a miracle with selfish intent, I mean like to satisfy His hunger or desires; ALL His miracles were outflowing in keeping with the Principles of LOVE (1 Cor 13:4-7). This was an eye-opening discovery in understanding acts of the Spirit in contrast to acts of the flesh, or the sin nature. I'd really love to share more on that, as this discovery still excites me, especially in its practicality, but I'll encourage you to grab a Free PDF copy of the book via the link provided at the end to fully explore the subject.
Before we move on to further address the topic at hand, I feel the need to make something clear using the distinguishing principles I just stated. It should be noted that from God's perspective, as revealed by Scripture, NO GOOD can come out of the flesh (Rom 7:18, 8:6-8). The flesh, aka the sin nature, is governed by the “law of sin”, and because of that it is utterly corrupt (2 Peter 2:10). Every attempt to do “good” by the flesh and its principles would ALWAYS be self-centered. It would never be LOVE-driven, and as such it would amount to NOTHING in the sight of God (1 Cor 13:1-3).
For instance, is it good to fast and be charitable? By all indications yes, when judged solely from a human perspective, which only views things from the outward appearances. But God views things from the heart and internal motives, so what may qualify as “good” and admirable in the sight of men, may turn out to be reprehensible in God's sight, because He evaluates the HEART by the principle of LOVE, i.e. LOVE for Him and fellow mankind (1 Sam 16:6-7, Luke 16:15, Matt 6:1-6, 16-18, Isaiah 58:2-11, [Matt 22:36-39, 1 John 4:20-21, 3:11-15]).
This is where other religions largely differ from Christianity. Generally, in other religions, it is believed that in doing “good” works one gains the favor and mercy of God, and this would guarantee salvation from God's judgment and punishment. From the New Testament perspective, this kind of “good” works is by the principle of the flesh, because the motive is ultimately SELF-CENTERED. The “good” being done is carried out with the selfish aim of obtaining favor from God or people, hence it's not by the principle of LOVE, which does good mainly for the benefit of others and because it is the right thing to do (1 Cor 10:24, Phil 2:3-4, Titus 3:8, Rom 12:9-18).
In Christianity however, God ONLY accepts works that are done in the Spirit of LOVE. In other words, service to Him must be carried out by the enablement of His Spirit in the expression of LOVE and faith (John 4:24, 1 Peter 4:11, 1 Cor 15:10, 1 Thess 1:3-6), NOT the flesh (Acts 17:24-25, Rom 8:8). It is for this reason that Jesus Christ came, to make it possible for us to be cleansed of sin so that the Holy Spirit can have a holy habitation within us (Luke 1:74-75). It is only when an individual believes, receives forgiveness of sins, and cleansing by the Blood of Jesus Christ, that they are then able to receive the Holy Spirit (Luke 24:47-49, John 7:38-39, 16:7 NKJV); and as a result, ACCEPTABLY serve God and do what's GOOD in His sight (Heb 12:28 NKJV).
But an unbeliever from God's perspective is a sinner. Even we, as Christians, were once sinners before we came to believe in Jesus Christ to receive forgiveness and reconciliation to God (Eph 2:1-3, Rom 5:6-8, 1 Cor 6:9-11, 1 John 5:18, 2 Cor 5:17-21). So while we were sinners every “good” work we did was still of the flesh, and as such it fell short of God's righteous standards (Rom 3:23). So if God were to require GOOD works for salvation, none of us would EVER be able to be saved, because our “good” works by the flesh always falls short of God's standards (Isaiah 64:6). Only the works of the Spirit meet God's standard of GOODNESS, so we need the Spirit of God to guide us in that which is GOOD in God's sight (Mark 10:18, Ps 143:10, Neh 9:20). And since we only gain access to the Holy Spirit after salvation we're stuck with the IMPOSSIBILITY of attaining salvation by GOOD works (*Matt 19:25-26*).
God intentionally made it impossible for anyone, apart from Jesus Christ, to reach the standards of GOODNESS as expressed in the Law (Isaiah 42:21, Rom 8:3-4). The reason is so that everyone would be held accountable to Him; and it could never be said that He would owe anyone anything that they should boast before Him (Rom 3:19-20, Eph 2:8-9, 1 Cor 1:29-31); Not even Abraham can boast before God (Rom 4:1-5). This way ONLY God could provide the ransom for life, and everyone ransomed would be ETERNALLY INDEBTED to Him (Ps 49:7-8, 15, Job 17:3).
So no one can ever be saved because of “good” works, because our definition of “good” doesn't measure up to God's definition, which accounts for the hidden motives of the heart (Prov 21:2, *24:11-12*, 2 Cor 5:10-12, Heb 4:12-13). God's overall evaluation of the human heart is that it tends to wickedness (Gen 6:5, Jer 17:9-10). Without His help and guidance, we would ALL stray towards perversity. So salvation all together is the working of God that simply requires our faith and commitment to allow Him continue with His work in us (Eph 2:8-9, Phil 2:13). It is God that woos a person to come to Christ to be saved (John 6:44, 1 Cor 3:6-9); it is still God that convicts and makes a person realize that they need to REPENT (2 Tim 2:25, Acts 11:18, [2 Sam 12:1-13, Ps 51:1-13], 2 Cor 7:10); and even the faith that one uses to believe in Jesus Christ in other to be saved is a gift FROM God often conveyed by the Message of Truth (Rom 10:17, 12:2-3 NKJV).
So one CANNOT “work” their way to salvation by doing “good” deeds. This would produce pride in the person and a sense of self-achievement or entitlement. God would NOT allow a proud individual to stand before Him (Daniel 4:29-32, 34, 37, 1 Peter 5:5-6, Matt 23:12); pride is the hallmark of the devil, whom God BANISHED from His presence (Ezek 28:16-17, Isaiah 14:12-15).
So again I say, God would NOT allow a proud individual in His presence. But one who recognizes his brokenness will receive Salvation when they HUMBLY receive the FREE GIFT FROM God (2 Sam 22:28), namely: Repentance (2 Tim 2:25), the gift of Faith (Rom 10:14-15, 17, *12:3*), the GIFT of salvation through the Person of Jesus Christ (Eph 2:8, Rom 6:23), and the GIFT of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4-5, 2:38).
HUMILITY is a prerequisite to have a relationship with God (Num 12:3, 6-8, Ps 25:9-10, 14-18, Matt 11:29-30, Luke 18:9-14, James 4:6-10). So salvation by faith is a sign of HUMILITY, and this same faith was the humble expression of Abraham that made him recognized as God's friend (James 3:23, Rom 4:2-8, 16-17). But an attempt to attain salvation by “good works” is a sign of pride and dependence on one's ability instead of on God (Prov 3:5-7).
In Christianity, we are commanded to do good works, and indeed God does reward such works (Eph 2:10, Gal 6:7-10, Matt 10:41-42). Nevertheless, our motivation to obey this command is NOT for SELF benefit, but rather out of LOVE for God and fellow mankind (John 14:15, 15:9-14, 1 John 3:16, 5:2-3, Gal 6:2, 1 Thess 4:9-10, Titus 3:8).
For my Christian brethren reading this, please always search your heart to be sure that whatever good you do is prompted by the Holy Spirit, and it is done in LOVE (1 Cor 13:1-7). Don't do your good deeds to gain the approval or admiration of people, or for selfish gain, so that you get something in return from people (Matt 6:1-6, 16-18, 23:5-7, 27-28, Luke 18:10-14, 1 Cor 4:5). Do good because it is the right thing to do, and because you LOVE God and ALL people, even if those people are NOT good to you (Matt 5:43-48, Rom 12:17-21). Do good to bring God glory, and NOT for self-aggrandizement (John 7:17-18, Matt 5:16, 2 Cor 9:12-15, 1 Peter 2:12, 3:16-17).
If you do good solely for what you can get in return from God or people, then unfortunately you would be acting by the principle of the flesh. Again, God does promise to reward our good acts (Gal 6:7-10, Matt 10:41-42). But if you do those good acts solely for the sake of the rewards, and not from the overflow of LOVE and the Holy Spirit, then chances are you may get a feeling of entitlement, and that in turn produces PRIDE; and when you feel your expectations are not met, your heart may begin to rage against God (Prov 19:3, Ezek 18:29, Isaiah 58:3-6, Mal 3:13-18). God does NOT owe anyone anything, but we on the other hand owe Him EVERYTHING (Jonah 4:5-11). Hence, even our good acts do NOT compel Him to do anything further for us (Luke 17:7-10, Rom 11:34-36). I believe when you adopt this mindset you'd be better aligned to serve in the Spirit of LOVE and HUMILITY, which are the virtues that God desires from us (Micah 6:8, Gal 5:22-23).
I've spent more time than I anticipated on this detour, but I felt strongly that it needed to be addressed. In relation to our study, the purpose of the detour was to highlight the two possible principles, or laws, that are operational in the heart of an individual: the Law of the Spirit and LOVE (Rom 8:2, 7:6, 2 Cor 3:3&6), and the law of sin and death (Rom 7:21-25, 8:2).
Every individual is born with the operating system of “the law of sin and death” (Gen 8:21, *Ps 51:5*, Job 25:4, Rom 5:12, 18-19). Once a person is Saved through faith in Jesus Christ, they get born again by the Spirit (John 1:12-13, 3:5-6, Titus 3:5); and the Spirit introduces His Law, which is the New operating system called Grace (John 1:17); this Grace is an internalized version of God's Law with the Holy Spirit Personally teaching and guiding us (Jer 31:31-34, John 14:26, 16:13, 1 John 2:27, Titus 2:11-14); and this achieves the core intent of the Old Covenant Law through the principle of LOVE (Gal 5:14, 22-23, Rom 13:8-10). I've discussed this a bit more in the two previous posts, links will be provided at the end.
Now here's the tricky part that most Believers are unaware of, and it is the fact that two operating systems seek to find expression in them, that is: the flesh, which operates by “the law of sin”, and the Spirit, Who operates by the Law of Grace, which is also ENABLEMENT/HELP from God (John 14:16-17, 26 NKJV). So a Christian still has flesh, i.e. the sin nature, like every other human, and this nature is in constant opposition to the Spirit (Gal 5:16-17, 1 Peter 2:11); But we, as believers, have been commanded to CRUCIFY the flesh/sin nature, so that its “law of sin” does NOT find expression in us (Gal 5:24-25, Rom 6:6-7, 11-18, 20-23). Every believer needs to understand this contention within them, so that they can better navigate the Christian lifestyle they've been called to (Eph 4:1, 17-24, Col 1:9-14).
It is for this reason that we're trying to demystify this other law within an individual that Paul spoke about, i.e. “the law of sin” (Rom 7:23-25, 8:1-2). Believers need to understand this so as to make sense of the grief and disappointment they feel when they fall short by sinning. This is because of the war within, and that displeasure is the expression of the Holy Spirit to lead you to REPENTANCE (1 John 1:8-9, 2:1-2), NOT to condemn or disqualify you (John 3:17-18, 2 Cor 7:10). When you understand this internal conflict you're in a better position to be sensitive to the desires of the Spirit, and to ADAMANTLY RESIST the desires of the flesh that STILL beckon to you (1 Cor 9:27, 1 Peter 2:11, Rom 12:1-2).
Please read Prov 9:1-6,9-11 & Prov 9:13-18, to see an illustration of the two voices calling at each individual: WISDOM, representative of the Holy Spirit (Eph 1:17, Col 1:9-10), and FOLLY, representative of the flesh/sin nature, respectively. ONLY when living by the Spirit can one escape the lure and operations of this contrary “law of sin and death” that influences the flesh (Gal 5:16-18, Rom 8:2-8).
As I said, we were all born with the sin nature and the operating system of “the law of sin” driving our fleshly/carnal desires. It is POSSIBLE to resist these desires, but they are always going to be lurking in the dark seeking opportunities for expression. The act of RESISTING these desires that may be pleasing or comforting to the flesh is what we refer to as OVERCOMING TEMPTATION (James 1:14, 1 Cor 10:13). As long as we have human flesh, temptations will always be sent our way, but we have a RESPONSIBILITY to RESIST them, especially with the HELP of the Holy Spirit when we YIELD to Him.
The Holy Spirit was with Jesus Christ, and I believe it was with His HELP that Jesus Christ OVERCAME the temptations that the devil brought (Matt 4:1). Note that Jesus Christ was FULLY Human, thus having flesh like us (Rom 8:3, Gal 4:4-5, Phil 2:7-8, Heb 2:14). If He wasn't FULLY Human, it would be impossible for Him to be tempted in His Divine state (James 1:13 Heb 2:17-18, 4:15). At the same time He was FULLY God, and that's because, even though He laid aside His Divinity before coming to earth (Phil 2:6-7, John 17:5), He was FULLY endowed with the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:35, Matt 3:16, Isaiah 11:2-3, John 3:34), Who is Himself God by the understanding of the doctrine of the Trinity.
So Jesus Christ was FULLY Human, and at the same time FULLY Divine, because of the Holy Spirit; in like manner we are fully human, but by the Holy Spirit we've been invited to participate in the Divine Nature, and for this reason we also have the capacity, like Jesus Christ, to RESIST temptation and sin (2 Peter 1:3-4, Eph 4:22-24). Jesus Christ was tempted like us in every way, BUT HE NEVER sinned (Heb 2:18, 4:15).
The sin nature is NOT sin itself, it is just the operating system that causes one to be prone to sin. But as we've just highlighted, Jesus Christ took on our very same flesh, thus possessing the sin nature of the flesh (Rom 8:3, Galates 4:4-6), BUT He NEVER allowed that nature to find expression despite the various times He was tempted. Even when it came to His final assignment to suffer and die, He was once again tempted to disobey what God sent Him to accomplish on earth, but He didn't yield to it. This temptation first came through Peter (Matt 16:21-23, John 14:30-31); and secondly, when Jesus was overwhelmed by anguish in His Flesh, while He was praying at Gethsemane just before His arrest and crucifixion (Matt 26:37-39).
Even though the sin nature has an overwhelming capacity to get people to act in certain ways, it does NOT have ABSOLUTE control to define one's actions. This is a truth that many people need to understand.
We live in an addictive society where it seems as though people are “programmed” to be addicted to one thing or the other, whether it is addiction to mobile devices & screens, or addiction to substances, or behavioral patterns. We're then made to believe that we have no CHOICE but to embrace this addictive nature. The truth however is that this sin nature can be subdued through Jesus Christ, and that is what Paul was teaching (Rom 7:14-25). Addictions have the compulsive force of “law” to cause people to act in a certain pattern, and it feels as though they wouldn't be able to break free from its clutches. But in Christ, one is FREED from the guilt and condemnation (Gal 5:1, 13, Heb 10:21-23); and a New Law is enforced, the Law of the Spirit, to liberate us from the other “law of sin” (Rom 8:1-2). It is by SUBMITTING to this New Law of the Spirit that one gets liberated from “the law of sin” (Rom 6:4-22).
In the past, i.e. Old Testament, it was still POSSIBLE to RESIST the call of the sin nature, but it was much harder, and often unsuccessful (Gen 4:6-8). But now it is much easier with the HELP of the Holy Spirit, provided we YIELD to Him. If we SUBMIT to the will of God as expressed by the Holy Spirit (Col 1:9, 1 John 2:17, 24-27, 1 Peter 4:1-2), then we would be just like Jesus Christ (John 4:34), and in so doing we would live above the influence of the sin nature in our flesh (Gal 5:16-18). Speaking of being like Jesus Christ, I did a short three-part series on that topic. I'll add the links at the end as well if you're interested in that subject.
When Paul taught on “the law of sin” he wasn't trying to say that God's Law was sinful. He was showing that within us another “law” was operational that was contradictory to God’s Good Law (Rom 7:12, 14, 21-23). This other “law” caused us to REBEL against God's Law. Seeing this helpless state, the appeal was made to God, Who brings about deliverance from “the law of sin” through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, Who in turn makes God's Law ACCESSIBLE and APPLICABLE (Rom 7:24-25, 8:1-4).
Furthermore, Paul showed that this other “law” was responsible for the acts of the flesh, which could NOT submit to God's Law, i.e. REBELLIOUS against God's Law (Rom 8:7-8). Since the flesh CANNOT truly submit to God's Law, it means that every attempt of the flesh to keep God's commands would amount to EMPTY WORK. This is something that Paul kept on emphasizing in all His letters. He wasn't against God’s Law, as some people misunderstand (Rom 3:31, *1 Tim 1:8*); he was against trying to keep God's Law by way of the flesh, and doing so by interpretations of human “wisdom” (1 Cor 2:13-14, James 3:13-17).
For instance, some argued that circumcision was necessary for salvation (Acts 15:1). I believe this was the cause for Paul's references to the issue of circumcision in his letters (Titus 1:10-11). Paul opposed this vehemently, because doing circumcision to be saved, or to receive anything from God, would be a work of the flesh, and something to cause people to boast, as we've previously explained (Phil 3:2-3). He however emphasized that what truly counts is faith and Love, which are expressions of the Spirit, NOT the flesh (Gal 5:6, 6:13-15, 1 Cor 7:19, Rom 2:26-29, Col 2:11). He didn't have a problem circumcising Timothy, who was a half-Jew (Acts 16:1-3); but the act in itself wasn't a necessity for ministry, but to ease the conscience of the people who knew that Timothy was partly Greek (1 Cor 8:11-13, 10:31-33). So where Paul fights vigorously, is when people try by way of the flesh to make spiritual advances (Gal 3:2-5).
Sadly, a lot of people by straining in the flesh do EMPTY WORK thinking that they would be counted as righteous for it (Rom 9:30-32). But God was introducing a righteousness that was by FAITH. This FAITH was connected to the New Legal System administered by the Holy Spirit via LOVE.
Romans 3:25, 27
[25] God presented Christ as a sacrifice of ATONEMENT, through the shedding of His Blood—to be RECEIVED BY FAITH. He did this to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance He had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished—
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[27] Where, then, is BOASTING? It is EXCLUDED. Because of what law? The law that requires works? NO, because of THE LAW THAT REQUIRES FAITH. NIV
Living by this New System of faith, means living in obedience to the teachings of Jesus Christ and Scripture, which is God's Word for our guidance (Matt 28:19-20, 2 Tim 3:16-17).
There is no promise that obedience to God would be easy and comfortable to the flesh. On the contrary, with respect to the flesh it is going to be quite uncomfortable (2 Tim 3:10-12); but even then, by the Spirit, we are promised peace and comfort in the face of hardships (1 Thess 1:6, John 16:33, 2 Cor 1:3-7, 10). This peace is priceless, and makes practically no sense in the natural, given the circumstances (John 14:27, Phil 4:7, [Matt 5:10-12, Acts 5:40-41]); but to the Christian living by the Spirit, this peace and joy are everything (1 Peter 1:5-9).
However, there is a problem for the Christian who ignorantly focuses on the flesh, and loses sight of the Spirit and God's Word (Luke 8:11, 13-14). We all need to be made aware that as Christians we still have the flesh, which is prone to weakness and temptation (Matt 26:41, 1 Cor 10:13). And that knowledge is to gear us to actively CHOOSE to crucify the flesh, thus DENYING its desires, while at the same time choosing to do that which is pleasing to the Spirit.
I believe this was why Paul did his exposition on: the flesh/sin nature; its operations via “the law of sin”; God's Law; the role of the Holy Spirit; and the practicality of Grace. I believe that as we get to fully comprehend these truths, we'll mature in our Christian walk of faith.
An infant has little to no mastery over his flesh, and an extremely low threshold of endurance or pain/hardship tolerance. But a mature individual has CONTROL over his flesh, and a higher threshold to endure pain and difficulties (Heb 5:12-14, 10:32-39, James 1:2-4, 2 Cor 6:4-10…). And as a matter of fact, SELF-CONTROL is part of the administration of the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:22-23, 2 Tim 1:7, 1 Thess 4:4).
A Christian who is unaware of the presence of his flesh and the need to SUBDUE its desires, would find it confusing when old habits, that they detest, come back to haunt them, even after they have tasted the goodness of salvation and the Christian life (Rom 6:20-22, 2 Peter 2:18-22).
It is for the sake of this struggle that Paul said we should be careful not to just do WHATEVER we want (Gal 5:16-17, 1 Cor 6:12). Whenever, one does whatever they want, without consulting with the Holy Spirit, they are walking by the flesh, and “the law of sin” would quickly find occasion to try to express itself in one way or the other. But when one is mindful of the presence of the flesh, then they can shut down every operation of the flesh; even the ones that appear “good”, because they know fully well that whatever is produced via “the law of sin”, or flesh, would NEVER be pleasing to God (Rom 8:8).
This is a pathway to maturity that Christians need to pay a little more attention to. Many Christians have fallen away because they didn't understand, or recognize the contention within, or what to do about it. A little pressure and they snap. They don't practically understand Jesus’s call to DENY one's self and daily take up one's cross (Luke 9:23-26); neither do they understand Paul's teachings for one to CRUCIFY the desires of the flesh (Gal 5:24-25). They left their responsibilities undone, therefore sin once again sprang up and choked them out of the faith.
So it is high time we understand these things so that individually we would be able to stand (Gal 6:3-5). And having withstood the pull to fall (2 Peter 3:17-18), we're then in a better position to help our brothers and sisters who have stumbled for lack of understanding (Hosea 4:6, Gal 6:1-2, Matt 7:5, James 5:19-20, 1 Peter 4:7-8).
There are quite a few more things that I'd have loved to share on this subject, but I believe I should leave it at this for now. Again, this and more is covered in the book, “Early Steps in Christianity”, for which I'd provide the link for the Free PDF.
I hope this study has blessed you in some way; and I'm hopeful that you'd in turn be a blessing to others through what you've learnt. Thanks for the privilege of your time and God bless. Shalom!
Google Doc link for current post:
https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/What_Paul_Meant_by-The_Law_of_Sin_and_Death-Rom_7and8/
Links for the previous two posts:
https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/THE_OLD_TESTAMENT_IS_THE_SHADOW_OF_THE_NEW_COVENANT/
https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/HOW_CAN_JESUS_PAY_FOR_THE_SINS_OF_OTHERS/
“To Be Like Jesus” series:
https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/To_Be_Like_Jesus_Full_Series/
For the Free PDF of "Early Steps in Christianity" (E.S.C): https://selar.com/EarlyStepsInChristianity
For Paperback or Hardcover copies:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GKW4H91N
For the Free PDF of "The Biblical Festivals of God" (TBFG): https://selar.com/TheBiblicalFestivalsOfGod
For Paperback copies:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GKPP5N6J
Follow-up Posts to the book, TBFG: https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/Biblical_Ciphers_Part_One/
https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/Biblical_Ciphers_Part_Two/
"Biblical Ciphers and Codes - Update": https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/Biblical_Ciphers_Update/
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(Google doc file link provided in comments and at the end for easy navigation of clickable Bible citations)
Paul taught prolifically about Grace and the Law. John simply stated that the Law came through Moses, but Grace and Truth came through Jesus Christ (John 1:17). But it was Paul who deeply expounded on the subject of Grace and the Law, especially in the book of Romans. It helps to examine the sum of all he said in ALL his letters to get a clearer picture of his teaching. Isolating bits and pieces of his words would surely lead to misunderstanding him, just as Peter said (2 Peter 3:15-16).
Our study is going to be based on the two Passages below, to help us better understand what Paul was referring to as “the law of sin”.
Romans 7:11-12, 14-15, 21-25
[11] For sin, SEIZING the opportunity afforded by the commandment, DECEIVED me, and through the commandment put me to death. [12] So then, THE LAW IS HOLY, and the commandment is HOLY, RIGHTEOUS and GOOD.
…
[14] We know that the Law is SPIRITUAL; but I am UNSPIRITUAL, sold as a slave to sin. [15] I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.
…
[21] So I find this law at work: Although I WANT to do GOOD, evil is right there with me. [22] For in my INNER BEING I DELIGHT in God’s Law; [23] but I see ANOTHER LAW at work in me, WAGING WAR AGAINST the Law of my mind and making me a PRISONER OF THE LAW OF SIN at work WITHIN me. [24] What a wretched man I am! Who will RESCUE me from THIS BODY that is SUBJECT to death? [25] Thanks be to God, Who DELIVERS me THROUGH Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I MYSELF IN MY MIND AM A SLAVE TO GOD’S LAW, BUT in MY SINFUL NATURE a slave to THE LAW OF SIN. NIV
Romans 8:1-4
[1] Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, [2] because THROUGH Christ Jesus THE LAW OF THE SPIRIT Who gives life has set you FREE FROM THE LAW OF SIN AND DEATH. [3] For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened BY THE FLESH, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so He condemned sin in the flesh, [4] in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be FULLY MET IN US, who do NOT live according to THE FLESH but according to THE SPIRIT. NIV
In Rom 7:22&23 above, we clearly see that Paul is referring to two laws: the first being God's Law, and the other, “the law of sin” that's operating within us. This “law of sin” is the driving principle of the flesh, and as a result anything done by the flesh is always going to be contrary to the Law of God, regardless of how outwardly “good” it may be (Rom 8:6-8, Isaiah 64:6). This is why Paul vehemently opposed any operation that was by the flesh, because no matter how “righteous” it appeared, it was fueled by that which is contrary to God's Law, i.e. by the principle of “the law of sin”.
A simple distinguishing factor is that acts of the flesh ALWAYS have a self-centered motive, while acts of the Spirit are LOVE-based, and these ALWAYS overflow to the benefit of others. I discovered this distinction in the course of writing the book, “Early Steps in Christianity”; in chapter seven, where I was led to examine the miracles of Jesus Christ, I observed that He never did a miracle with selfish intent, I mean like to satisfy His hunger or desires; ALL His miracles were outflowing in keeping with the Principles of LOVE (1 Cor 13:4-7). This was an eye-opening discovery in understanding acts of the Spirit in contrast to acts of the flesh, or the sin nature. I'd really love to share more on that, as this discovery still excites me, especially in its practicality, but I'll encourage you to grab a Free PDF copy of the book via the link provided at the end to fully explore the subject.
Before we move on to further address the topic at hand, I feel the need to make something clear using the distinguishing principles I just stated. It should be noted that from God's perspective, as revealed by Scripture, NO GOOD can come out of the flesh (Rom 7:18, 8:6-8). The flesh, aka the sin nature, is governed by the “law of sin”, and because of that it is utterly corrupt (2 Peter 2:10). Every attempt to do “good” by the flesh and its principles would ALWAYS be self-centered. It would never be LOVE-driven, and as such it would amount to NOTHING in the sight of God (1 Cor 13:1-3).
For instance, is it good to fast and be charitable? By all indications yes, when judged solely from a human perspective, which only views things from the outward appearances. But God views things from the heart and internal motives, so what may qualify as “good” and admirable in the sight of men, may turn out to be reprehensible in God's sight, because He evaluates the HEART by the principle of LOVE, i.e. LOVE for Him and fellow mankind (1 Sam 16:6-7, Luke 16:15, Matt 6:1-6, 16-18, Isaiah 58:2-11, [Matt 22:36-39, 1 John 4:20-21, 3:11-15]).
This is where other religions largely differ from Christianity. Generally, in other religions, it is believed that in doing “good” works one gains the favor and mercy of God, and this would guarantee salvation from God's judgment and punishment. From the New Testament perspective, this kind of “good” works is by the principle of the flesh, because the motive is ultimately SELF-CENTERED. The “good” being done is carried out with the selfish aim of obtaining favor from God or people, hence it's not by the principle of LOVE, which does good mainly for the benefit of others and because it is the right thing to do (1 Cor 10:24, Phil 2:3-4, Titus 3:8, Rom 12:9-18).
In Christianity however, God ONLY accepts works that are done in the Spirit of LOVE. In other words, service to Him must be carried out by the enablement of His Spirit in the expression of LOVE and faith (John 4:24, 1 Peter 4:11, 1 Cor 15:10, 1 Thess 1:3-6), NOT the flesh (Acts 17:24-25, Rom 8:8). It is for this reason that Jesus Christ came, to make it possible for us to be cleansed of sin so that the Holy Spirit can have a holy habitation within us (Luke 1:74-75). It is only when an individual believes, receives forgiveness of sins, and cleansing by the Blood of Jesus Christ, that they are then able to receive the Holy Spirit (Luke 24:47-49, John 7:38-39, 16:7 NKJV); and as a result, ACCEPTABLY serve God and do what's GOOD in His sight (Heb 12:28 NKJV).
But an unbeliever from God's perspective is a sinner. Even we, as Christians, were once sinners before we came to believe in Jesus Christ to receive forgiveness and reconciliation to God (Eph 2:1-3, Rom 5:6-8, 1 Cor 6:9-11, 1 John 5:18, 2 Cor 5:17-21). So while we were sinners every “good” work we did was still of the flesh, and as such it fell short of God's righteous standards (Rom 3:23). So if God were to require GOOD works for salvation, none of us would EVER be able to be saved, because our “good” works by the flesh always falls short of God's standards (Isaiah 64:6). Only the works of the Spirit meet God's standard of GOODNESS, so we need the Spirit of God to guide us in that which is GOOD in God's sight (Mark 10:18, Ps 143:10, Neh 9:20). And since we only gain access to the Holy Spirit after salvation we're stuck with the IMPOSSIBILITY of attaining salvation by GOOD works (*Matt 19:25-26*).
God intentionally made it impossible for anyone, apart from Jesus Christ, to reach the standards of GOODNESS as expressed in the Law (Isaiah 42:21, Rom 8:3-4). The reason is so that everyone would be held accountable to Him; and it could never be said that He would owe anyone anything that they should boast before Him (Rom 3:19-20, Eph 2:8-9, 1 Cor 1:29-31); Not even Abraham can boast before God (Rom 4:1-5). This way ONLY God could provide the ransom for life, and everyone ransomed would be ETERNALLY INDEBTED to Him (Ps 49:7-8, 15, Job 17:3).
So no one can ever be saved because of “good” works, because our definition of “good” doesn't measure up to God's definition, which accounts for the hidden motives of the heart (Prov 21:2, *24:11-12*, 2 Cor 5:10-12, Heb 4:12-13). God's overall evaluation of the human heart is that it tends to wickedness (Gen 6:5, Jer 17:9-10). Without His help and guidance, we would ALL stray towards perversity. So salvation all together is the working of God that simply requires our faith and commitment to allow Him continue with His work in us (Eph 2:8-9, Phil 2:13). It is God that woos a person to come to Christ to be saved (John 6:44, 1 Cor 3:6-9); it is still God that convicts and makes a person realize that they need to REPENT (2 Tim 2:25, Acts 11:18, [2 Sam 12:1-13, Ps 51:1-13], 2 Cor 7:10); and even the faith that one uses to believe in Jesus Christ in other to be saved is a gift FROM God often conveyed by the Message of Truth (Rom 10:17, 12:2-3 NKJV).
So one CANNOT “work” their way to salvation by doing “good” deeds. This would produce pride in the person and a sense of self-achievement or entitlement. God would NOT allow a proud individual to stand before Him (Daniel 4:29-32, 34, 37, 1 Peter 5:5-6, Matt 23:12); pride is the hallmark of the devil, whom God BANISHED from His presence (Ezek 28:16-17, Isaiah 14:12-15).
So again I say, God would NOT allow a proud individual in His presence. But one who recognizes his brokenness will receive Salvation when they HUMBLY receive the FREE GIFT FROM God (2 Sam 22:28), namely: Repentance (2 Tim 2:25), the gift of Faith (Rom 10:14-15, 17, *12:3*), the GIFT of salvation through the Person of Jesus Christ (Eph 2:8, Rom 6:23), and the GIFT of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4-5, 2:38).
HUMILITY is a prerequisite to have a relationship with God (Num 12:3, 6-8, Ps 25:9-10, 14-18, Matt 11:29-30, Luke 18:9-14, James 4:6-10). So salvation by faith is a sign of HUMILITY, and this same faith was the humble expression of Abraham that made him recognized as God's friend (James 3:23, Rom 4:2-8, 16-17). But an attempt to attain salvation by “good works” is a sign of pride and dependence on one's ability instead of on God (Prov 3:5-7).
In Christianity, we are commanded to do good works, and indeed God does reward such works (Eph 2:10, Gal 6:7-10, Matt 10:41-42). Nevertheless, our motivation to obey this command is NOT for SELF benefit, but rather out of LOVE for God and fellow mankind (John 14:15, 15:9-14, 1 John 3:16, 5:2-3, Gal 6:2, 1 Thess 4:9-10, Titus 3:8).
For my Christian brethren reading this, please always search your heart to be sure that whatever good you do is prompted by the Holy Spirit, and it is done in LOVE (1 Cor 13:1-7). Don't do your good deeds to gain the approval or admiration of people, or for selfish gain, so that you get something in return from people (Matt 6:1-6, 16-18, 23:5-7, 27-28, Luke 18:10-14, 1 Cor 4:5). Do good because it is the right thing to do, and because you LOVE God and ALL people, even if those people are NOT good to you (Matt 5:43-48, Rom 12:17-21). Do good to bring God glory, and NOT for self-aggrandizement (John 7:17-18, Matt 5:16, 2 Cor 9:12-15, 1 Peter 2:12, 3:16-17).
If you do good solely for what you can get in return from God or people, then unfortunately you would be acting by the principle of the flesh. Again, God does promise to reward our good acts (Gal 6:7-10, Matt 10:41-42). But if you do those good acts solely for the sake of the rewards, and not from the overflow of LOVE and the Holy Spirit, then chances are you may get a feeling of entitlement, and that in turn produces PRIDE; and when you feel your expectations are not met, your heart may begin to rage against God (Prov 19:3, Ezek 18:29, Isaiah 58:3-6, Mal 3:13-18). God does NOT owe anyone anything, but we on the other hand owe Him EVERYTHING (Jonah 4:5-11). Hence, even our good acts do NOT compel Him to do anything further for us (Luke 17:7-10, Rom 11:34-36). I believe when you adopt this mindset you'd be better aligned to serve in the Spirit of LOVE and HUMILITY, which are the virtues that God desires from us (Micah 6:8, Gal 5:22-23).
I've spent more time than I anticipated on this detour, but I felt strongly that it needed to be addressed. In relation to our study, the purpose of the detour was to highlight the two possible principles, or laws, that are operational in the heart of an individual: the Law of the Spirit and LOVE (Rom 8:2, 7:6, 2 Cor 3:3&6), and the law of sin and death (Rom 7:21-25, 8:2).
Every individual is born with the operating system of “the law of sin and death” (Gen 8:21, *Ps 51:5*, Job 25:4, Rom 5:12, 18-19). Once a person is Saved through faith in Jesus Christ, they get born again by the Spirit (John 1:12-13, 3:5-6, Titus 3:5); and the Spirit introduces His Law, which is the New operating system called Grace (John 1:17); this Grace is an internalized version of God's Law with the Holy Spirit Personally teaching and guiding us (Jer 31:31-34, John 14:26, 16:13, 1 John 2:27, Titus 2:11-14); and this achieves the core intent of the Old Covenant Law through the principle of LOVE (Gal 5:14, 22-23, Rom 13:8-10). I've discussed this a bit more in the two previous posts, links will be provided at the end.
Now here's the tricky part that most Believers are unaware of, and it is the fact that two operating systems seek to find expression in them, that is: the flesh, which operates by “the law of sin”, and the Spirit, Who operates by the Law of Grace, which is also ENABLEMENT/HELP from God (John 14:16-17, 26 NKJV). So a Christian still has flesh, i.e. the sin nature, like every other human, and this nature is in constant opposition to the Spirit (Gal 5:16-17, 1 Peter 2:11); But we, as believers, have been commanded to CRUCIFY the flesh/sin nature, so that its “law of sin” does NOT find expression in us (Gal 5:24-25, Rom 6:6-7, 11-18, 20-23). Every believer needs to understand this contention within them, so that they can better navigate the Christian lifestyle they've been called to (Eph 4:1, 17-24, Col 1:9-14).
It is for this reason that we're trying to demystify this other law within an individual that Paul spoke about, i.e. “the law of sin” (Rom 7:23-25, 8:1-2). Believers need to understand this so as to make sense of the grief and disappointment they feel when they fall short by sinning. This is because of the war within, and that displeasure is the expression of the Holy Spirit to lead you to REPENTANCE (1 John 1:8-9, 2:1-2), NOT to condemn or disqualify you (John 3:17-18, 2 Cor 7:10). When you understand this internal conflict you're in a better position to be sensitive to the desires of the Spirit, and to ADAMANTLY RESIST the desires of the flesh that STILL beckon to you (1 Cor 9:27, 1 Peter 2:11, Rom 12:1-2).
Please read Prov 9:1-6,9-11 & Prov 9:13-18, to see an illustration of the two voices calling at each individual: WISDOM, representative of the Holy Spirit (Eph 1:17, Col 1:9-10), and FOLLY, representative of the flesh/sin nature, respectively. ONLY when living by the Spirit can one escape the lure and operations of this contrary “law of sin and death” that influences the flesh (Gal 5:16-18, Rom 8:2-8).
As I said, we were all born with the sin nature and the operating system of “the law of sin” driving our fleshly/carnal desires. It is POSSIBLE to resist these desires, but they are always going to be lurking in the dark seeking opportunities for expression. The act of RESISTING these desires that may be pleasing or comforting to the flesh is what we refer to as OVERCOMING TEMPTATION (James 1:14, 1 Cor 10:13). As long as we have human flesh, temptations will always be sent our way, but we have a RESPONSIBILITY to RESIST them, especially with the HELP of the Holy Spirit when we YIELD to Him.
The Holy Spirit was with Jesus Christ, and I believe it was with His HELP that Jesus Christ OVERCAME the temptations that the devil brought (Matt 4:1). Note that Jesus Christ was FULLY Human, thus having flesh like us (Rom 8:3, Gal 4:4-5, Phil 2:7-8, Heb 2:14). If He wasn't FULLY Human, it would be impossible for Him to be tempted in His Divine state (James 1:13 Heb 2:17-18, 4:15). At the same time He was FULLY God, and that's because, even though He laid aside His Divinity before coming to earth (Phil 2:6-7, John 17:5), He was FULLY endowed with the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:35, Matt 3:16, Isaiah 11:2-3, John 3:34), Who is Himself God by the understanding of the doctrine of the Trinity.
So Jesus Christ was FULLY Human, and at the same time FULLY Divine, because of the Holy Spirit; in like manner we are fully human, but by the Holy Spirit we've been invited to participate in the Divine Nature, and for this reason we also have the capacity, like Jesus Christ, to RESIST temptation and sin (2 Peter 1:3-4, Eph 4:22-24). Jesus Christ was tempted like us in every way, BUT HE NEVER sinned (Heb 2:18, 4:15).
The sin nature is NOT sin itself, it is just the operating system that causes one to be prone to sin. But as we've just highlighted, Jesus Christ took on our very same flesh, thus possessing the sin nature of the flesh (Rom 8:3, Galates 4:4-6), BUT He NEVER allowed that nature to find expression despite the various times He was tempted. Even when it came to His final assignment to suffer and die, He was once again tempted to disobey what God sent Him to accomplish on earth, but He didn't yield to it. This temptation first came through Peter (Matt 16:21-23, John 14:30-31); and secondly, when Jesus was overwhelmed by anguish in His Flesh, while He was praying at Gethsemane just before His arrest and crucifixion (Matt 26:37-39).
Even though the sin nature has an overwhelming capacity to get people to act in certain ways, it does NOT have ABSOLUTE control to define one's actions. This is a truth that many people need to understand.
We live in an addictive society where it seems as though people are “programmed” to be addicted to one thing or the other, whether it is addiction to mobile devices & screens, or addiction to substances, or behavioral patterns. We're then made to believe that we have no CHOICE but to embrace this addictive nature. The truth however is that this sin nature can be subdued through Jesus Christ, and that is what Paul was teaching (Rom 7:14-25). Addictions have the compulsive force of “law” to cause people to act in a certain pattern, and it feels as though they wouldn't be able to break free from its clutches. But in Christ, one is FREED from the guilt and condemnation (Gal 5:1, 13, Heb 10:21-23); and a New Law is enforced, the Law of the Spirit, to liberate us from the other “law of sin” (Rom 8:1-2). It is by SUBMITTING to this New Law of the Spirit that one gets liberated from “the law of sin” (Rom 6:4-22).
In the past, i.e. Old Testament, it was still POSSIBLE to RESIST the call of the sin nature, but it was much harder, and often unsuccessful (Gen 4:6-8). But now it is much easier with the HELP of the Holy Spirit, provided we YIELD to Him. If we SUBMIT to the will of God as expressed by the Holy Spirit (Col 1:9, 1 John 2:17, 24-27, 1 Peter 4:1-2), then we would be just like Jesus Christ (John 4:34), and in so doing we would live above the influence of the sin nature in our flesh (Gal 5:16-18). Speaking of being like Jesus Christ, I did a short three-part series on that topic. I'll add the links at the end as well if you're interested in that subject.
When Paul taught on “the law of sin” he wasn't trying to say that God's Law was sinful. He was showing that within us another “law” was operational that was contradictory to God’s Good Law (Rom 7:12, 14, 21-23). This other “law” caused us to REBEL against God's Law. Seeing this helpless state, the appeal was made to God, Who brings about deliverance from “the law of sin” through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, Who in turn makes God's Law ACCESSIBLE and APPLICABLE (Rom 7:24-25, 8:1-4).
Furthermore, Paul showed that this other “law” was responsible for the acts of the flesh, which could NOT submit to God's Law, i.e. REBELLIOUS against God's Law (Rom 8:7-8). Since the flesh CANNOT truly submit to God's Law, it means that every attempt of the flesh to keep God's commands would amount to EMPTY WORK. This is something that Paul kept on emphasizing in all His letters. He wasn't against God’s Law, as some people misunderstand (Rom 3:31, *1 Tim 1:8*); he was against trying to keep God's Law by way of the flesh, and doing so by interpretations of human “wisdom” (1 Cor 2:13-14, James 3:13-17).
For instance, some argued that circumcision was necessary for salvation (Acts 15:1). I believe this was the cause for Paul's references to the issue of circumcision in his letters (Titus 1:10-11). Paul opposed this vehemently, because doing circumcision to be saved, or to receive anything from God, would be a work of the flesh, and something to cause people to boast, as we've previously explained (Phil 3:2-3). He however emphasized that what truly counts is faith and Love, which are expressions of the Spirit, NOT the flesh (Gal 5:6, 6:13-15, 1 Cor 7:19, Rom 2:26-29, Col 2:11). He didn't have a problem circumcising Timothy, who was a half-Jew (Acts 16:1-3); but the act in itself wasn't a necessity for ministry, but to ease the conscience of the people who knew that Timothy was partly Greek (1 Cor 8:11-13, 10:31-33). So where Paul fights vigorously, is when people try by way of the flesh to make spiritual advances (Gal 3:2-5).
Sadly, a lot of people by straining in the flesh do EMPTY WORK thinking that they would be counted as righteous for it (Rom 9:30-32). But God was introducing a righteousness that was by FAITH. This FAITH was connected to the New Legal System administered by the Holy Spirit via LOVE.
Romans 3:25, 27
[25] God presented Christ as a sacrifice of ATONEMENT, through the shedding of His Blood—to be RECEIVED BY FAITH. He did this to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance He had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished—
…
[27] Where, then, is BOASTING? It is EXCLUDED. Because of what law? The law that requires works? NO, because of THE LAW THAT REQUIRES FAITH. NIV
Living by this New System of faith, means living in obedience to the teachings of Jesus Christ and Scripture, which is God's Word for our guidance (Matt 28:19-20, 2 Tim 3:16-17).
There is no promise that obedience to God would be easy and comfortable to the flesh. On the contrary, with respect to the flesh it is going to be quite uncomfortable (2 Tim 3:10-12); but even then, by the Spirit, we are promised peace and comfort in the face of hardships (1 Thess 1:6, John 16:33, 2 Cor 1:3-7, 10). This peace is priceless, and makes practically no sense in the natural, given the circumstances (John 14:27, Phil 4:7, [Matt 5:10-12, Acts 5:40-41]); but to the Christian living by the Spirit, this peace and joy are everything (1 Peter 1:5-9).
However, there is a problem for the Christian who ignorantly focuses on the flesh, and loses sight of the Spirit and God's Word (Luke 8:11, 13-14). We all need to be made aware that as Christians we still have the flesh, which is prone to weakness and temptation (Matt 26:41, 1 Cor 10:13). And that knowledge is to gear us to actively CHOOSE to crucify the flesh, thus DENYING its desires, while at the same time choosing to do that which is pleasing to the Spirit.
I believe this was why Paul did his exposition on: the flesh/sin nature; its operations via “the law of sin”; God's Law; the role of the Holy Spirit; and the practicality of Grace. I believe that as we get to fully comprehend these truths, we'll mature in our Christian walk of faith.
An infant has little to no mastery over his flesh, and an extremely low threshold of endurance or pain/hardship tolerance. But a mature individual has CONTROL over his flesh, and a higher threshold to endure pain and difficulties (Heb 5:12-14, 10:32-39, James 1:2-4, 2 Cor 6:4-10…). And as a matter of fact, SELF-CONTROL is part of the administration of the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:22-23, 2 Tim 1:7, 1 Thess 4:4).
A Christian who is unaware of the presence of his flesh and the need to SUBDUE its desires, would find it confusing when old habits, that they detest, come back to haunt them, even after they have tasted the goodness of salvation and the Christian life (Rom 6:20-22, 2 Peter 2:18-22).
It is for the sake of this struggle that Paul said we should be careful not to just do WHATEVER we want (Gal 5:16-17, 1 Cor 6:12). Whenever, one does whatever they want, without consulting with the Holy Spirit, they are walking by the flesh, and “the law of sin” would quickly find occasion to try to express itself in one way or the other. But when one is mindful of the presence of the flesh, then they can shut down every operation of the flesh; even the ones that appear “good”, because they know fully well that whatever is produced via “the law of sin”, or flesh, would NEVER be pleasing to God (Rom 8:8).
This is a pathway to maturity that Christians need to pay a little more attention to. Many Christians have fallen away because they didn't understand, or recognize the contention within, or what to do about it. A little pressure and they snap. They don't practically understand Jesus’s call to DENY one's self and daily take up one's cross (Luke 9:23-26); neither do they understand Paul's teachings for one to CRUCIFY the desires of the flesh (Gal 5:24-25). They left their responsibilities undone, therefore sin once again sprang up and choked them out of the faith.
So it is high time we understand these things so that individually we would be able to stand (Gal 6:3-5). And having withstood the pull to fall (2 Peter 3:17-18), we're then in a better position to help our brothers and sisters who have stumbled for lack of understanding (Hosea 4:6, Gal 6:1-2, Matt 7:5, James 5:19-20, 1 Peter 4:7-8).
There are quite a few more things that I'd have loved to share on this subject, but I believe I should leave it at this for now. Again, this and more is covered in the book, “Early Steps in Christianity”, for which I'd provide the link for the Free PDF.
I hope this study has blessed you in some way; and I'm hopeful that you'd in turn be a blessing to others through what you've learnt. Thanks for the privilege of your time and God bless. Shalom!
Google Doc link for current post:
https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/What_Paul_Meant_by-The_Law_of_Sin_and_Death-Rom_7and8/
Links for the previous two posts:
https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/THE_OLD_TESTAMENT_IS_THE_SHADOW_OF_THE_NEW_COVENANT/
https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/HOW_CAN_JESUS_PAY_FOR_THE_SINS_OF_OTHERS/
“To Be Like Jesus” series:
https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/To_Be_Like_Jesus_Full_Series/
For the Free PDF of "Early Steps in Christianity" (E.S.C): https://selar.com/EarlyStepsInChristianity
For Paperback or Hardcover copies:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GKW4H91N
For the Free PDF of "The Biblical Festivals of God" (TBFG): https://selar.com/TheBiblicalFestivalsOfGod
For Paperback copies:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GKPP5N6J
Follow-up Posts to the book, TBFG: https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/Biblical_Ciphers_Part_One/
https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/Biblical_Ciphers_Part_Two/
"Biblical Ciphers and Codes - Update": https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/Biblical_Ciphers_Update/
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WHAT PAUL MEANT BY - THE LAW OF SIN AND DEATH
(Google doc file link provided in comments and at the end for easy navigation of clickable Bible citations)
Paul taught prolifically about Grace and the Law. John simply stated that the Law came through Moses, but Grace and Truth came through Jesus Christ (John 1:17). But it was Paul who deeply expounded on the subject of Grace and the Law, especially in the book of Romans. It helps to examine the sum of all he said in ALL his letters to get a clearer picture of his teaching. Isolating bits and pieces of his words would surely lead to misunderstanding him, just as Peter said (2 Peter 3:15-16).
Our study is going to be based on the two Passages below, to help us better understand what Paul was referring to as “the law of sin”.
Romans 7:11-12, 14-15, 21-25
[11] For sin, SEIZING the opportunity afforded by the commandment, DECEIVED me, and through the commandment put me to death. [12] So then, THE LAW IS HOLY, and the commandment is HOLY, RIGHTEOUS and GOOD.
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[14] We know that the Law is SPIRITUAL; but I am UNSPIRITUAL, sold as a slave to sin. [15] I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.
…
[21] So I find this law at work: Although I WANT to do GOOD, evil is right there with me. [22] For in my INNER BEING I DELIGHT in God’s Law; [23] but I see ANOTHER LAW at work in me, WAGING WAR AGAINST the Law of my mind and making me a PRISONER OF THE LAW OF SIN at work WITHIN me. [24] What a wretched man I am! Who will RESCUE me from THIS BODY that is SUBJECT to death? [25] Thanks be to God, Who DELIVERS me THROUGH Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I MYSELF IN MY MIND AM A SLAVE TO GOD’S LAW, BUT in MY SINFUL NATURE a slave to THE LAW OF SIN. NIV
Romans 8:1-4
[1] Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, [2] because THROUGH Christ Jesus THE LAW OF THE SPIRIT Who gives life has set you FREE FROM THE LAW OF SIN AND DEATH. [3] For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened BY THE FLESH, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so He condemned sin in the flesh, [4] in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be FULLY MET IN US, who do NOT live according to THE FLESH but according to THE SPIRIT. NIV
In Rom 7:22&23 above, we clearly see that Paul is referring to two laws: the first being God's Law, and the other, “the law of sin” that's operating within us. This “law of sin” is the driving principle of the flesh, and as a result anything done by the flesh is always going to be contrary to the Law of God, regardless of how outwardly “good” it may be (Rom 8:6-8, Isaiah 64:6). This is why Paul vehemently opposed any operation that was by the flesh, because no matter how “righteous” it appeared, it was fueled by that which is contrary to God's Law, i.e. by the principle of “the law of sin”.
A simple distinguishing factor is that acts of the flesh ALWAYS have a self-centered motive, while acts of the Spirit are LOVE-based, and these ALWAYS overflow to the benefit of others. I discovered this distinction in the course of writing the book, “Early Steps in Christianity”; in chapter seven, where I was led to examine the miracles of Jesus Christ, I observed that He never did a miracle with selfish intent, I mean like to satisfy His hunger or desires; ALL His miracles were outflowing in keeping with the Principles of LOVE (1 Cor 13:4-7). This was an eye-opening discovery in understanding acts of the Spirit in contrast to acts of the flesh, or the sin nature. I'd really love to share more on that, as this discovery still excites me, especially in its practicality, but I'll encourage you to grab a Free PDF copy of the book via the link provided at the end to fully explore the subject.
Before we move on to further address the topic at hand, I feel the need to make something clear using the distinguishing principles I just stated. It should be noted that from God's perspective, as revealed by Scripture, NO GOOD can come out of the flesh (Rom 7:18, 8:6-8). The flesh, aka the sin nature, is governed by the “law of sin”, and because of that it is utterly corrupt (2 Peter 2:10). Every attempt to do “good” by the flesh and its principles would ALWAYS be self-centered. It would never be LOVE-driven, and as such it would amount to NOTHING in the sight of God (1 Cor 13:1-3).
For instance, is it good to fast and be charitable? By all indications yes, when judged solely from a human perspective, which only views things from the outward appearances. But God views things from the heart and internal motives, so what may qualify as “good” and admirable in the sight of men, may turn out to be reprehensible in God's sight, because He evaluates the HEART by the principle of LOVE, i.e. LOVE for Him and fellow mankind (1 Sam 16:6-7, Luke 16:15, Matt 6:1-6, 16-18, Isaiah 58:2-11, [Matt 22:36-39, 1 John 4:20-21, 3:11-15]).
This is where other religions largely differ from Christianity. Generally, in other religions, it is believed that in doing “good” works one gains the favor and mercy of God, and this would guarantee salvation from God's judgment and punishment. From the New Testament perspective, this kind of “good” works is by the principle of the flesh, because the motive is ultimately SELF-CENTERED. The “good” being done is carried out with the selfish aim of obtaining favor from God or people, hence it's not by the principle of LOVE, which does good mainly for the benefit of others and because it is the right thing to do (1 Cor 10:24, Phil 2:3-4, Titus 3:8, Rom 12:9-18).
In Christianity however, God ONLY accepts works that are done in the Spirit of LOVE. In other words, service to Him must be carried out by the enablement of His Spirit in the expression of LOVE and faith (John 4:24, 1 Peter 4:11, 1 Cor 15:10, 1 Thess 1:3-6), NOT the flesh (Acts 17:24-25, Rom 8:8). It is for this reason that Jesus Christ came, to make it possible for us to be cleansed of sin so that the Holy Spirit can have a holy habitation within us (Luke 1:74-75). It is only when an individual believes, receives forgiveness of sins, and cleansing by the Blood of Jesus Christ, that they are then able to receive the Holy Spirit (Luke 24:47-49, John 7:38-39, 16:7 NKJV); and as a result, ACCEPTABLY serve God and do what's GOOD in His sight (Heb 12:28 NKJV).
But an unbeliever from God's perspective is a sinner. Even we, as Christians, were once sinners before we came to believe in Jesus Christ to receive forgiveness and reconciliation to God (Eph 2:1-3, Rom 5:6-8, 1 Cor 6:9-11, 1 John 5:18, 2 Cor 5:17-21). So while we were sinners every “good” work we did was still of the flesh, and as such it fell short of God's righteous standards (Rom 3:23). So if God were to require GOOD works for salvation, none of us would EVER be able to be saved, because our “good” works by the flesh always falls short of God's standards (Isaiah 64:6). Only the works of the Spirit meet God's standard of GOODNESS, so we need the Spirit of God to guide us in that which is GOOD in God's sight (Mark 10:18, Ps 143:10, Neh 9:20). And since we only gain access to the Holy Spirit after salvation we're stuck with the IMPOSSIBILITY of attaining salvation by GOOD works (*Matt 19:25-26*).
God intentionally made it impossible for anyone, apart from Jesus Christ, to reach the standards of GOODNESS as expressed in the Law (Isaiah 42:21, Rom 8:3-4). The reason is so that everyone would be held accountable to Him; and it could never be said that He would owe anyone anything that they should boast before Him (Rom 3:19-20, Eph 2:8-9, 1 Cor 1:29-31); Not even Abraham can boast before God (Rom 4:1-5). This way ONLY God could provide the ransom for life, and everyone ransomed would be ETERNALLY INDEBTED to Him (Ps 49:7-8, 15, Job 17:3).
So no one can ever be saved because of “good” works, because our definition of “good” doesn't measure up to God's definition, which accounts for the hidden motives of the heart (Prov 21:2, *24:11-12*, 2 Cor 5:10-12, Heb 4:12-13). God's overall evaluation of the human heart is that it tends to wickedness (Gen 6:5, Jer 17:9-10). Without His help and guidance, we would ALL stray towards perversity. So salvation all together is the working of God that simply requires our faith and commitment to allow Him continue with His work in us (Eph 2:8-9, Phil 2:13). It is God that woos a person to come to Christ to be saved (John 6:44, 1 Cor 3:6-9); it is still God that convicts and makes a person realize that they need to REPENT (2 Tim 2:25, Acts 11:18, [2 Sam 12:1-13, Ps 51:1-13], 2 Cor 7:10); and even the faith that one uses to believe in Jesus Christ in other to be saved is a gift FROM God often conveyed by the Message of Truth (Rom 10:17, 12:2-3 NKJV).
So one CANNOT “work” their way to salvation by doing “good” deeds. This would produce pride in the person and a sense of self-achievement or entitlement. God would NOT allow a proud individual to stand before Him (Daniel 4:29-32, 34, 37, 1 Peter 5:5-6, Matt 23:12); pride is the hallmark of the devil, whom God BANISHED from His presence (Ezek 28:16-17, Isaiah 14:12-15).
So again I say, God would NOT allow a proud individual in His presence. But one who recognizes his brokenness will receive Salvation when they HUMBLY receive the FREE GIFT FROM God (2 Sam 22:28), namely: Repentance (2 Tim 2:25), the gift of Faith (Rom 10:14-15, 17, *12:3*), the GIFT of salvation through the Person of Jesus Christ (Eph 2:8, Rom 6:23), and the GIFT of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4-5, 2:38).
HUMILITY is a prerequisite to have a relationship with God (Num 12:3, 6-8, Ps 25:9-10, 14-18, Matt 11:29-30, Luke 18:9-14, James 4:6-10). So salvation by faith is a sign of HUMILITY, and this same faith was the humble expression of Abraham that made him recognized as God's friend (James 3:23, Rom 4:2-8, 16-17). But an attempt to attain salvation by “good works” is a sign of pride and dependence on one's ability instead of on God (Prov 3:5-7).
In Christianity, we are commanded to do good works, and indeed God does reward such works (Eph 2:10, Gal 6:7-10, Matt 10:41-42). Nevertheless, our motivation to obey this command is NOT for SELF benefit, but rather out of LOVE for God and fellow mankind (John 14:15, 15:9-14, 1 John 3:16, 5:2-3, Gal 6:2, 1 Thess 4:9-10, Titus 3:8).
For my Christian brethren reading this, please always search your heart to be sure that whatever good you do is prompted by the Holy Spirit, and it is done in LOVE (1 Cor 13:1-7). Don't do your good deeds to gain the approval or admiration of people, or for selfish gain, so that you get something in return from people (Matt 6:1-6, 16-18, 23:5-7, 27-28, Luke 18:10-14, 1 Cor 4:5). Do good because it is the right thing to do, and because you LOVE God and ALL people, even if those people are NOT good to you (Matt 5:43-48, Rom 12:17-21). Do good to bring God glory, and NOT for self-aggrandizement (John 7:17-18, Matt 5:16, 2 Cor 9:12-15, 1 Peter 2:12, 3:16-17).
If you do good solely for what you can get in return from God or people, then unfortunately you would be acting by the principle of the flesh. Again, God does promise to reward our good acts (Gal 6:7-10, Matt 10:41-42). But if you do those good acts solely for the sake of the rewards, and not from the overflow of LOVE and the Holy Spirit, then chances are you may get a feeling of entitlement, and that in turn produces PRIDE; and when you feel your expectations are not met, your heart may begin to rage against God (Prov 19:3, Ezek 18:29, Isaiah 58:3-6, Mal 3:13-18). God does NOT owe anyone anything, but we on the other hand owe Him EVERYTHING (Jonah 4:5-11). Hence, even our good acts do NOT compel Him to do anything further for us (Luke 17:7-10, Rom 11:34-36). I believe when you adopt this mindset you'd be better aligned to serve in the Spirit of LOVE and HUMILITY, which are the virtues that God desires from us (Micah 6:8, Gal 5:22-23).
I've spent more time than I anticipated on this detour, but I felt strongly that it needed to be addressed. In relation to our study, the purpose of the detour was to highlight the two possible principles, or laws, that are operational in the heart of an individual: the Law of the Spirit and LOVE (Rom 8:2, 7:6, 2 Cor 3:3&6), and the law of sin and death (Rom 7:21-25, 8:2).
Every individual is born with the operating system of “the law of sin and death” (Gen 8:21, *Ps 51:5*, Job 25:4, Rom 5:12, 18-19). Once a person is Saved through faith in Jesus Christ, they get born again by the Spirit (John 1:12-13, 3:5-6, Titus 3:5); and the Spirit introduces His Law, which is the New operating system called Grace (John 1:17); this Grace is an internalized version of God's Law with the Holy Spirit Personally teaching and guiding us (Jer 31:31-34, John 14:26, 16:13, 1 John 2:27, Titus 2:11-14); and this achieves the core intent of the Old Covenant Law through the principle of LOVE (Gal 5:14, 22-23, Rom 13:8-10). I've discussed this a bit more in the two previous posts, links will be provided at the end.
Now here's the tricky part that most Believers are unaware of, and it is the fact that two operating systems seek to find expression in them, that is: the flesh, which operates by “the law of sin”, and the Spirit, Who operates by the Law of Grace, which is also ENABLEMENT/HELP from God (John 14:16-17, 26 NKJV). So a Christian still has flesh, i.e. the sin nature, like every other human, and this nature is in constant opposition to the Spirit (Gal 5:16-17, 1 Peter 2:11); But we, as believers, have been commanded to CRUCIFY the flesh/sin nature, so that its “law of sin” does NOT find expression in us (Gal 5:24-25, Rom 6:6-7, 11-18, 20-23). Every believer needs to understand this contention within them, so that they can better navigate the Christian lifestyle they've been called to (Eph 4:1, 17-24, Col 1:9-14).
It is for this reason that we're trying to demystify this other law within an individual that Paul spoke about, i.e. “the law of sin” (Rom 7:23-25, 8:1-2). Believers need to understand this so as to make sense of the grief and disappointment they feel when they fall short by sinning. This is because of the war within, and that displeasure is the expression of the Holy Spirit to lead you to REPENTANCE (1 John 1:8-9, 2:1-2), NOT to condemn or disqualify you (John 3:17-18, 2 Cor 7:10). When you understand this internal conflict you're in a better position to be sensitive to the desires of the Spirit, and to ADAMANTLY RESIST the desires of the flesh that STILL beckon to you (1 Cor 9:27, 1 Peter 2:11, Rom 12:1-2).
Please read Prov 9:1-6,9-11 & Prov 9:13-18, to see an illustration of the two voices calling at each individual: WISDOM, representative of the Holy Spirit (Eph 1:17, Col 1:9-10), and FOLLY, representative of the flesh/sin nature, respectively. ONLY when living by the Spirit can one escape the lure and operations of this contrary “law of sin and death” that influences the flesh (Gal 5:16-18, Rom 8:2-8).
As I said, we were all born with the sin nature and the operating system of “the law of sin” driving our fleshly/carnal desires. It is POSSIBLE to resist these desires, but they are always going to be lurking in the dark seeking opportunities for expression. The act of RESISTING these desires that may be pleasing or comforting to the flesh is what we refer to as OVERCOMING TEMPTATION (James 1:14, 1 Cor 10:13). As long as we have human flesh, temptations will always be sent our way, but we have a RESPONSIBILITY to RESIST them, especially with the HELP of the Holy Spirit when we YIELD to Him.
The Holy Spirit was with Jesus Christ, and I believe it was with His HELP that Jesus Christ OVERCAME the temptations that the devil brought (Matt 4:1). Note that Jesus Christ was FULLY Human, thus having flesh like us (Rom 8:3, Gal 4:4-5, Phil 2:7-8, Heb 2:14). If He wasn't FULLY Human, it would be impossible for Him to be tempted in His Divine state (James 1:13 Heb 2:17-18, 4:15). At the same time He was FULLY God, and that's because, even though He laid aside His Divinity before coming to earth (Phil 2:6-7, John 17:5), He was FULLY endowed with the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:35, Matt 3:16, Isaiah 11:2-3, John 3:34), Who is Himself God by the understanding of the doctrine of the Trinity.
So Jesus Christ was FULLY Human, and at the same time FULLY Divine, because of the Holy Spirit; in like manner we are fully human, but by the Holy Spirit we've been invited to participate in the Divine Nature, and for this reason we also have the capacity, like Jesus Christ, to RESIST temptation and sin (2 Peter 1:3-4, Eph 4:22-24). Jesus Christ was tempted like us in every way, BUT HE NEVER sinned (Heb 2:18, 4:15).
The sin nature is NOT sin itself, it is just the operating system that causes one to be prone to sin. But as we've just highlighted, Jesus Christ took on our very same flesh, thus possessing the sin nature of the flesh (Rom 8:3, Galates 4:4-6), BUT He NEVER allowed that nature to find expression despite the various times He was tempted. Even when it came to His final assignment to suffer and die, He was once again tempted to disobey what God sent Him to accomplish on earth, but He didn't yield to it. This temptation first came through Peter (Matt 16:21-23, John 14:30-31); and secondly, when Jesus was overwhelmed by anguish in His Flesh, while He was praying at Gethsemane just before His arrest and crucifixion (Matt 26:37-39).
Even though the sin nature has an overwhelming capacity to get people to act in certain ways, it does NOT have ABSOLUTE control to define one's actions. This is a truth that many people need to understand.
We live in an addictive society where it seems as though people are “programmed” to be addicted to one thing or the other, whether it is addiction to mobile devices & screens, or addiction to substances, or behavioral patterns. We're then made to believe that we have no CHOICE but to embrace this addictive nature. The truth however is that this sin nature can be subdued through Jesus Christ, and that is what Paul was teaching (Rom 7:14-25). Addictions have the compulsive force of “law” to cause people to act in a certain pattern, and it feels as though they wouldn't be able to break free from its clutches. But in Christ, one is FREED from the guilt and condemnation (Gal 5:1, 13, Heb 10:21-23); and a New Law is enforced, the Law of the Spirit, to liberate us from the other “law of sin” (Rom 8:1-2). It is by SUBMITTING to this New Law of the Spirit that one gets liberated from “the law of sin” (Rom 6:4-22).
In the past, i.e. Old Testament, it was still POSSIBLE to RESIST the call of the sin nature, but it was much harder, and often unsuccessful (Gen 4:6-8). But now it is much easier with the HELP of the Holy Spirit, provided we YIELD to Him. If we SUBMIT to the will of God as expressed by the Holy Spirit (Col 1:9, 1 John 2:17, 24-27, 1 Peter 4:1-2), then we would be just like Jesus Christ (John 4:34), and in so doing we would live above the influence of the sin nature in our flesh (Gal 5:16-18). Speaking of being like Jesus Christ, I did a short three-part series on that topic. I'll add the links at the end as well if you're interested in that subject.
When Paul taught on “the law of sin” he wasn't trying to say that God's Law was sinful. He was showing that within us another “law” was operational that was contradictory to God’s Good Law (Rom 7:12, 14, 21-23). This other “law” caused us to REBEL against God's Law. Seeing this helpless state, the appeal was made to God, Who brings about deliverance from “the law of sin” through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, Who in turn makes God's Law ACCESSIBLE and APPLICABLE (Rom 7:24-25, 8:1-4).
Furthermore, Paul showed that this other “law” was responsible for the acts of the flesh, which could NOT submit to God's Law, i.e. REBELLIOUS against God's Law (Rom 8:7-8). Since the flesh CANNOT truly submit to God's Law, it means that every attempt of the flesh to keep God's commands would amount to EMPTY WORK. This is something that Paul kept on emphasizing in all His letters. He wasn't against God’s Law, as some people misunderstand (Rom 3:31, *1 Tim 1:8*); he was against trying to keep God's Law by way of the flesh, and doing so by interpretations of human “wisdom” (1 Cor 2:13-14, James 3:13-17).
For instance, some argued that circumcision was necessary for salvation (Acts 15:1). I believe this was the cause for Paul's references to the issue of circumcision in his letters (Titus 1:10-11). Paul opposed this vehemently, because doing circumcision to be saved, or to receive anything from God, would be a work of the flesh, and something to cause people to boast, as we've previously explained (Phil 3:2-3). He however emphasized that what truly counts is faith and Love, which are expressions of the Spirit, NOT the flesh (Gal 5:6, 6:13-15, 1 Cor 7:19, Rom 2:26-29, Col 2:11). He didn't have a problem circumcising Timothy, who was a half-Jew (Acts 16:1-3); but the act in itself wasn't a necessity for ministry, but to ease the conscience of the people who knew that Timothy was partly Greek (1 Cor 8:11-13, 10:31-33). So where Paul fights vigorously, is when people try by way of the flesh to make spiritual advances (Gal 3:2-5).
Sadly, a lot of people by straining in the flesh do EMPTY WORK thinking that they would be counted as righteous for it (Rom 9:30-32). But God was introducing a righteousness that was by FAITH. This FAITH was connected to the New Legal System administered by the Holy Spirit via LOVE.
Romans 3:25, 27
[25] God presented Christ as a sacrifice of ATONEMENT, through the shedding of His Blood—to be RECEIVED BY FAITH. He did this to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance He had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished—
…
[27] Where, then, is BOASTING? It is EXCLUDED. Because of what law? The law that requires works? NO, because of THE LAW THAT REQUIRES FAITH. NIV
Living by this New System of faith, means living in obedience to the teachings of Jesus Christ and Scripture, which is God's Word for our guidance (Matt 28:19-20, 2 Tim 3:16-17).
There is no promise that obedience to God would be easy and comfortable to the flesh. On the contrary, with respect to the flesh it is going to be quite uncomfortable (2 Tim 3:10-12); but even then, by the Spirit, we are promised peace and comfort in the face of hardships (1 Thess 1:6, John 16:33, 2 Cor 1:3-7, 10). This peace is priceless, and makes practically no sense in the natural, given the circumstances (John 14:27, Phil 4:7, [Matt 5:10-12, Acts 5:40-41]); but to the Christian living by the Spirit, this peace and joy are everything (1 Peter 1:5-9).
However, there is a problem for the Christian who ignorantly focuses on the flesh, and loses sight of the Spirit and God's Word (Luke 8:11, 13-14). We all need to be made aware that as Christians we still have the flesh, which is prone to weakness and temptation (Matt 26:41, 1 Cor 10:13). And that knowledge is to gear us to actively CHOOSE to crucify the flesh, thus DENYING its desires, while at the same time choosing to do that which is pleasing to the Spirit.
I believe this was why Paul did his exposition on: the flesh/sin nature; its operations via “the law of sin”; God's Law; the role of the Holy Spirit; and the practicality of Grace. I believe that as we get to fully comprehend these truths, we'll mature in our Christian walk of faith.
An infant has little to no mastery over his flesh, and an extremely low threshold of endurance or pain/hardship tolerance. But a mature individual has CONTROL over his flesh, and a higher threshold to endure pain and difficulties (Heb 5:12-14, 10:32-39, James 1:2-4, 2 Cor 6:4-10…). And as a matter of fact, SELF-CONTROL is part of the administration of the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:22-23, 2 Tim 1:7, 1 Thess 4:4).
A Christian who is unaware of the presence of his flesh and the need to SUBDUE its desires, would find it confusing when old habits, that they detest, come back to haunt them, even after they have tasted the goodness of salvation and the Christian life (Rom 6:20-22, 2 Peter 2:18-22).
It is for the sake of this struggle that Paul said we should be careful not to just do WHATEVER we want (Gal 5:16-17, 1 Cor 6:12). Whenever, one does whatever they want, without consulting with the Holy Spirit, they are walking by the flesh, and “the law of sin” would quickly find occasion to try to express itself in one way or the other. But when one is mindful of the presence of the flesh, then they can shut down every operation of the flesh; even the ones that appear “good”, because they know fully well that whatever is produced via “the law of sin”, or flesh, would NEVER be pleasing to God (Rom 8:8).
This is a pathway to maturity that Christians need to pay a little more attention to. Many Christians have fallen away because they didn't understand, or recognize the contention within, or what to do about it. A little pressure and they snap. They don't practically understand Jesus’s call to DENY one's self and daily take up one's cross (Luke 9:23-26); neither do they understand Paul's teachings for one to CRUCIFY the desires of the flesh (Gal 5:24-25). They left their responsibilities undone, therefore sin once again sprang up and choked them out of the faith.
So it is high time we understand these things so that individually we would be able to stand (Gal 6:3-5). And having withstood the pull to fall (2 Peter 3:17-18), we're then in a better position to help our brothers and sisters who have stumbled for lack of understanding (Hosea 4:6, Gal 6:1-2, Matt 7:5, James 5:19-20, 1 Peter 4:7-8).
There are quite a few more things that I'd have loved to share on this subject, but I believe I should leave it at this for now. Again, this and more is covered in the book, “Early Steps in Christianity”, for which I'd provide the link for the Free PDF.
I hope this study has blessed you in some way; and I'm hopeful that you'd in turn be a blessing to others through what you've learnt. Thanks for the privilege of your time and God bless. Shalom!
Google Doc link for current post:
https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/What_Paul_Meant_by-The_Law_of_Sin_and_Death-Rom_7and8/
Links for the previous two posts:
https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/THE_OLD_TESTAMENT_IS_THE_SHADOW_OF_THE_NEW_COVENANT/
https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/HOW_CAN_JESUS_PAY_FOR_THE_SINS_OF_OTHERS/
“To Be Like Jesus” series:
https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/To_Be_Like_Jesus_Full_Series/
For the Free PDF of "Early Steps in Christianity" (E.S.C): https://selar.com/EarlyStepsInChristianity
For Paperback or Hardcover copies:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GKW4H91N
For the Free PDF of "The Biblical Festivals of God" (TBFG): https://selar.com/TheBiblicalFestivalsOfGod
For Paperback copies:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GKPP5N6J
Follow-up Posts to the book, TBFG: https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/Biblical_Ciphers_Part_One/
https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/Biblical_Ciphers_Part_Two/
"Biblical Ciphers and Codes - Update": https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/Biblical_Ciphers_Update/
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