How does Romans 7:6 connect with Galatians 5:18 about the Spirit's role? Setting the Stage: Two Verses, One Message • Romans 7:6: “But now, having died to what bound us, we have been released from the Law, so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code.” • Galatians 5:18: “But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law.” Both verses celebrate one liberating truth: the Holy Spirit frees believers from the condemning power of the Mosaic Law and empowers a brand-new way of life. Released From the Law: Romans 7:6 in Plain View • “Having died to what bound us” – Our union with Christ’s death (Romans 6:3-4) means the Law’s verdict over us is finished; its death-sentence cannot be reapplied. • “Released from the Law” – Not lawlessness, but freedom from its penalty and its demand as a means of righteousness (Romans 10:4). • “Serve in the new way of the Spirit” – Service hasn’t ended; it’s been transformed. Ministry now springs from indwelling life, not external regulation. • “Not in the old way of the written code” – The Law written on stone could expose sin but never energize obedience (Romans 7:7-11). Led by the Spirit: Galatians 5:18 Amplifies the Point • “If you are led by the Spirit” – Present, ongoing guidance; the Spirit personally directs every step (Galatians 5:25). • “You are not under the Law” – Same freedom Romans 7:6 explains, but here tied to daily walking. Law no longer governs the believer’s standing or growth; the Spirit does. Connecting the Dots: What Happens When the Spirit Leads 1. New Motivation – Love replaces fear (1 John 4:18). 2. New Power – The Law commanded; the Spirit enables (Ezekiel 36:26-27). 3. New Product – The “fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22-23) fulfills the Law’s righteous requirement (Romans 8:4). 4. New Identity – Spirit-led sons, not law-bound slaves (Romans 8:14-15; Galatians 4:6-7). Practical Outworking: Living the New Way Every Day • Listen first—Word and prayer sharpen spiritual hearing (John 16:13). • Yield quickly—the Spirit’s promptings align with Scripture; resisting quenches His fire (1 Thessalonians 5:19). • Walk deliberately—step-by-step dependence keeps the flesh from regaining control (Galatians 5:16). • Serve joyfully—freedom blossoms into willing obedience (Romans 12:1-2). Other Scriptures that Echo the Same Melody • 2 Corinthians 3:6 – “the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.” • Jeremiah 31:33 – God writes His Law on the heart. • Romans 8:2 – “the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus” sets us free. • Hebrews 8:10 – Internal covenant written by God Himself. Summing It Up: Freedom That Serves Romans 7:6 announces our release; Galatians 5:18 explains our leadership. The Holy Spirit removes the Law’s shackles, moves into the believer’s heart, and steers every moment toward Christlike love. Freedom and obedience no longer clash—they meet perfectly in a life led by the Spirit. |
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