SATURDAY July 24, 2021

The Knowledge of Sin

What shall we say then? Is the law sin? Certainly not! On the contrary, I would not have known sin except through the law. For I would not have known covetousness unless the law had said, “You shall not covet.” But sin, taking opportunity by the commandment, produced in me all manner of evil desire. For apart from the law sin was dead.
Romans 7:7-8

Paul began with a good question because he was very concerned about the Law of God. He spoke both to the Jews and the Gentiles to reveal to them that sin makes them guilty before God–– it shows them where they have failed. Yet it also points them to Jesus Christ and His grace.

People would not have the knowledge of sin unless they had first read the Law of God. Sin produces lust and evil desires––we are so sinful. Yet if we come to Christ by faith, we are justified. Christians are delivered from eternal death! As a believer obeys the Word of God, they are sanctified. When they die, they are glorified––they go to heaven! However, those who walk according to their carnal flesh will bear the fruit of eternal death––not eternal life.

Christians should not live according to how they used to live. They serve God in freedom, according to the Holy Spirit’s leading. The Holy Spirit has not come to set up rules and regulations. We do not become legalists. When a believer is tempted to sin against God, the Holy Spirit convicts them. He begins to minister to them, and He pricks their heart with conviction. Then a believer, knowing what is right and wrong, has to make a decision––they need to resist sin.

Christians are free in Christ, but they do not want to be brought under any one thing that will destroy their lives and bring them back into bondage. As a Christian, live your life to please God; that is your goal and if that is your aim, then that is how you can check your conscience and all the decisions you make––very important!

If you are still following a course of self-pleasing you are only deceiving yourself if you think you have come to Christ.
~A.W. Pink~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!