How does Romans 7:9 illustrate the impact of the law on sin awareness? The Text “Once I was alive apart from the law; but when the commandment came, sin sprang to life and I died.” ( Romans 7:9) What Happened When the Law Showed Up • Paul speaks of a time he considered himself “alive”—ignorant of his true condition. • The arrival of the commandment shattered that illusion: – Sin “sprang to life,” suddenly active and obvious. – Paul “died,” recognizing the spiritual death that had always been present. Why the Law Makes Sin Obvious • The law defines sin. Without it, wrong can masquerade as harmless. (Romans 7:7) • The law stirs dormant rebellion; fallen hearts instinctively push back. (Romans 7:8) • The law silences self-righteousness by showing every violation. (Romans 3:20) • The law’s perfection exposes our imperfection, revealing our need for rescue. (Galatians 3:24) Other Scriptures That Confirm the Pattern • Romans 5:20 – “The law was brought in so that the trespass might increase.” Awareness multiplies. • 1 Corinthians 15:56 – “The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.” • James 2:10 – “Whoever keeps the whole law yet stumbles at one point is guilty of breaking all of it.” • Galatians 3:19 – “The law was added because of transgressions until the Seed to whom the promise referred had come.” Living in Light of the Truth • Scripture’s commands still awaken conscience, keeping us from dullness toward sin. • The law drives us to Christ, the only One who perfectly fulfilled it. • Believers now walk “in newness of life” (Romans 6:4), empowered by the Spirit rather than condemned by the letter. • Gratitude grows as we remember what the law revealed—that without Christ we were dead, but in Him we are made alive. |
    |