The Grace Message

Dr. Andrew Farley

The Great News of the Gospel – Part 14

May 14, 2023

Here’s the second half of my take on Romans 7. It helps dispel the lie that there’s no real victory on this side of Heaven. It also explains how we are truly free from the clutches of sin. This is such an important message, as it introduces a revolutionary perspective on a central passage in the New Testament.

Be encouraged!

Discussion Questions for Romans 7:14-25

1. Read verse 14. Why is “sold into bondage to sin” such an important expression in this passage?

2. Read verses 15-16. What is his focus or goal? How does this speak into whether he’s referring to pre- or post-salvation?

3. Read verses 17 and 20. What is the core issue? How is this also revealing to us as believers?

4. Read verse 18. How should we interpret both “nothing good dwells in me” and “the willing is present in me”?

5. Read verse 19. What is the “good” that he wants to do? Why is this important to factor into our view of the passage?

6. Read verse 21. Imagine asking a devout Jewish person three questions: Do you want to do good? Do you always end up doing good? If not, why not? Now, how do you think they would answer those questions? And how does this help us interpret the passage?

7. Read verses 22-23. What is the specific goal of this person? What do they want to accomplish? Do they accomplish it? If not, why not? What does this say about the body (housing sin) vs. willpower for the unbeliever?

8. Read verse 24. What experience does this refer to? How does understanding this help?

9. How does verse 25 return to summarize the problem (before salvation) and the true origin of the conflict?

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Today, I have something truly fascinating to share with you—a powerful insight into Romans 7 that will transform your understanding of the Christian life. I invite you to watch this latest message in which I argue that Paul’s struggles in Romans 7 are not the normal Christian life, but the normal Law-based life. Being “sold in bondage to sin” is not the mark of a Christian, but rather the result of a life bound to the Law. Delving into Romans 7, we uncover an astonishing truth: Paul is saying that flirting with Moses is cheating on Jesus. Yes, astonishingly, Romans 7 reveals that sinful passions are actually aroused by the Law. This might sound counterintuitive, but sin even gains an opportunity through the Ten Commandments themselves. Join me in this eye-opening exploration of Romans 7, and together we’ll unlock the key to a fruitful and fulfilling Christian life, free from the bondage of sin and the constraints of the Law. I can’t wait for you to enjoy these powerful truths, and I look forward to hearing your thoughts! Discussion Questions for Romans 7:1-14: 1. Why does Paul use a marriage analogy? What’s the point? 2. How is verse 4 a summary of the “big picture” of this chapter? 3. Read verse 5. What does the Law do? 4. Read verse 6. How do we serve God today? 5. Read verse 7. What is the purpose of the Law? 6. Read verse 8. What specific commandment was in focus? How does one break free from sin? How does this verse show the Ten Commandments are not an exception to our freedom from the Law? 7. What are eight pieces of evidence that the passage is about Paul before his conversion? (Hint: Consider verses 1b, 3a, 5a, 7b, 9, 10, 11, and 14b.)
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About The Grace Message

The Grace Message with Dr. Andrew Farley consistently offers simple, straightforward, and accurate help for anyone looking to better understand the depths of God’s grace. Andrew’s teachings will challenge the way you look at God through scriptural insights, and help you live in the freedom of the finished work of Jesus Christ.

About Dr. Andrew Farley

Dr. Andrew Farley is devoted to helping people better understand the grace of God and helping them live in the freedom that comes from a true understanding of Jesus Christ’s finished work on the cross. He seeks to challenge the way people look at God, and themselves, through practical, scriptural insights about God’s forgiveness, living under grace and what a new identity in Christ really means.

Andrew is the author of Zondervan’s debuted #1 bestseller on Amazon, The Naked Gospel, in addition to serving as lead pastor of Church Without Religion in Lubbock, Texas. He is also the president of The Grace Message. His mission is to help people better understand the grace of God and see them enjoy freedom. He previously served as a professor of linguistics at the University of Notre Dame and Texas Tech University

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