Session 7
Chapter 7: The Struggle We Face
From Romans Study
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The One Thing: The law reveals our desperate need for Jesus, who fulfilled the law so we can live in union with Him.
Intro
Chapter 6 taught us that we are no longer slaves to sin because we have died and been raised with Christ. We learned that baptism is like a border crossing, leaving our old citizenship of sin and death behind to serve a new Master. We were challenged to stop "driving back to the old house" and instead live in the freedom of our new identity in Christ.
In Chapter 7, Paul uses the illustration of marriage to show how we have been released from the law to be joined to Jesus. He also gets really vulnerable about an internal struggle we all face: knowing what is right but finding ourselves doing the opposite. As you read, pay attention to the frustration Paul describes. It’s a feeling we all know well, but it serves to point us away from our own willpower and back to the only One who can rescue us.
Study Questions
- Read verses 1-4. According to Paul, how is our relationship with Jesus like a marriage relationship?
- Read verse 6 and think of your life before Jesus. What are some things that once held you captive but no longer have power over you?
- As you think about your life now, what are some things that still have a grip on you that you want freedom from?
- Read verses 10-13. Paul says the commandment that was intended to bring life actually brought death to him. How does sin use what is good (the law) to produce a negative result?
- This chapter discusses the law and its impact on us. What can the law do? What is it good for? What can it not do? What is it not good for?
- Look at verses 15-20. What parts of Paul’s struggle with sin ring true in your life?
- In verse 22, Paul speaks of "delighting in the law of God" in his inner being. How does this describe the change that happens in a believer, even while they still struggle with outward sin?
- In verse 24, Paul calls himself a "wretched man." Is it right for a follower of Jesus to call themselves that? Why or why not?
- After expressing his frustration with his own sin in verses 24 and 25, Paul asks, "Who will deliver me?" Why is it significant that he appeals to the work of Jesus rather than promising to try harder?
Paul uses the analogy of marriage to show how we are joined to Jesus. He explains that the law is limited in its power. While it makes us aware of our failures, it doesn’t have the power to change us. Only a relationship with Jesus has the power to save.
Discussion Questions
- Has there ever been a time you wanted to do something specifically because there was a rule that told you not to? Why do rules often make us want to rebel even more?
- What is the difference between sin reigning over you (as it did before Christ) and sin dwelling in you (as you struggle now)?
- How is our relationship with Jesus more like a marriage than a contract?
- Can you relate to Paul’s struggle with sin? How does that struggle point you back to Jesus?
- Reflect on your study this week. Are there any specific questions you want to discuss or insights you would like to share?