Scripture:
Romans 7:4 – So my dear brothers and sisters, this is the point: You died to the power of the law when you died with Christ. And now you are united with the one who was raised from the dead. As a result, we can produce a harvest of good deeds for God.
Observation:
Paul is explaining to the Roman believers, who were both Jew and Gentile, that they are no longer bound by the law. The law represents God’s old covenant. While God’s law is holy, it is powerless to change the heart and leads to spiritual death. Through faith, when we accept Jesus as a Lord and savior, He is in us and we are in Him. Jesus rose from the dead to defeat sin that couldn’t be overcome by the law. Through the power of the Holy Spirit living within us, we are empowered to do good works to bring glory to God.
Application:
When we are united with Christ though our belief in His death and resurrection for our sin we are set free from the bondage of the law. God’s law can provide guidelines for us as we are new creations in Christ though the power of the Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the only thing with the power to change the human heart. I need to sensitive to the prompting of the Spirit and allow the Spirit guide me in thoughts, words and actions. When we are led by Spirit we bear fruit including love, kindness, patience, goodness and self-control that is not bound by the law. Walking in the Spirit allows us to follow Jesus example of sacrificial servitude to ultimately bring glory to God.
Prayer:
Father,
Thank you for sending Jesus to set me free from the bondage of the law. Please allow your Spirit to guide me to submit to your will to serve you and bring you praise.