Legalistic Bondage (Part 3)

So are God’s commandments not to be followed and obeyed because they only bring death? The answer to that is emphatically NO! Did that which is good, then, bring death to me? By no means! It was sin, producing death in me through what is good, in order that sin might be shown to be sin, and through the commandment might become sinful beyond measure. For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold under sin. Romans 7:13-14 It is important for Paul to note to us that death did not come to him through the commandments. That which was good, the law, did not produce death in him. Rather it was sin, or breaking the good law, that produced death in him. As sin produced death in him through the commandments, and his breaking of them, sin was shown to be sin – a deadly poison. And it became evil and nasty beyond all measure.

I think that it is very important that we see Paul’s point that he is making here. Paul is not condemning the Law in this passage of scripture. He is not calling the Law of God useless, or wiping the Law away. The apostle is explaining to us that legalism, and every legalistic behavior is incapable of saving us, but God’s Law is good. Paul is urging us that the time honored religious system of observances of the Law will not bring us into proper relationship with God. Paul even states that the law is spiritual, it is of God, and it is good and holy. The Law is right and proper, yet only when it is rightly and properly used. Paul constantly urges everyone to abstain from sin, yet not become legalistic. It is the constant struggle to walk the line between legalism and liberalism. And because we are sold under sin, and have to struggle with sinful desires, we constantly will need to grow in this knowledge and practice.

Father God,
I struggle so with walking in the Spirit and denying my sinful flesh. I know that your law is good and holy, teach me to walk in your paths oh God.