Peter Barnes | Romans 7:9-11
SERMON NOTES
WHAT DOES THE LAW DO? (part 2)
(Romans 7:9-11)
– some odd interpretations of this. Douglas Moo says Paul is referring to Israel (like Rom.5:13); C. E. B. Cranfield says Paul is referring to man in the image of God (Gen.1). It is more natural to say that Paul is describing his own experience
1. As sinners, we think we are spiritually alive.
– 7:9a; Paul had a weak general view of the law, and a high view of his own righteousness. He thought he was blameless (Phil.3:4-6)
– Calvin: ‘he claimed to have life when he was really dead.’
2. God gave the law to give life but it convicts of sin.
– 7:9-11; this is when something in Scripture ‘hits us’
– the law was meant to bring life (Lev.18:5; Psalm 19:7-10; Luke 10:25-29, 36-37)
– the signs are good, the map is fine, but we still run off the road
3. But sin deceives and kills us.
– 7:11; sin deceives (Gen.3:13; Heb.3:13) and kills
– all this is not the gospel but prepares for it. Martin Luther: ‘When God begins to justify a person, He first condemns him; when He wants to build up, He first tears down; whom He wants to heal, He first batters to pieces; whom He wants to bring to life, He first kills.’ The good news is in Rom.5:6.