WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:11.439 Good morning. My name is Matthew Capone and I'm one of the pastors here at Cheyenne Mountain Presbyterian Church and it's my joy to bring God's word to you today. 00:00:11.439 --> 00:00:19.440 I'm especially grateful we didn't have to cancel services because of the snow and I'm grateful for all of you who braved it and made it here this morning. 00:00:19.440 --> 00:00:37.079 We are continuing our series in the book of Romans and you'll remember that the book of Romans is a letter written by the Apostle Paul in the 50s AD and it is called Romans because it is written to the churches in the city of Rome. 00:00:37.079 --> 00:00:51.119 This letter is about the gospel. It's about the good news of Jesus' life and death and resurrection and we are in the middle right now of Romans chapter 7 which is about the law of God. 00:00:51.700 --> 00:01:03.939 What is it that we mean when we say the law? What is the law of God? Well it is God's commandments to mankind and we have the law summarized for us in the Bible in two different ways. 00:01:03.939 --> 00:01:13.259 In the Old Testament the law is summarized by the Ten Commandments. We find that in Exodus chapter 20 and Deuteronomy chapter 5. 00:01:13.599 --> 00:01:28.819 In the New Testament in Matthew chapter 22 Jesus gives us a different summary of the law. He breaks it down not into ten things but into two things and he says the law is to love God and to love your neighbor as yourself. 00:01:28.819 --> 00:01:37.079 Now those are not unrelated. When Jesus says love God he's talking about the first four of the Ten Commandments. 00:01:37.319 --> 00:01:42.479 When he says love your neighbor as yourself he's talking about commandments 5 through 10. 00:01:43.259 --> 00:01:51.199 Now I think I've mentioned before that as we're in chapter 7 we are in one of the most complicated parts of all of scripture. 00:01:51.200 --> 00:02:02.000 So we're now this week not just in one of the most complicated chapters we're actually in one of the most complicated parts of the most complicated chapter with verses 13 through 20. 00:02:02.159 --> 00:02:08.280 And so as I often say when we come to things that are complex I'm going to say something not everything. 00:02:09.300 --> 00:02:11.680 This is the beginning not the end. 00:02:12.219 --> 00:02:15.120 The big picture of this section is this. 00:02:15.240 --> 00:02:20.379 It is about the war between the spirit and the flesh in the Christian life. 00:02:21.199 --> 00:02:26.219 If you forget that just take a look page 8 of your worship guide you'll see that's our sermon title. 00:02:26.639 --> 00:02:28.359 Spirit versus flesh. 00:02:28.639 --> 00:02:37.500 Now also because we're against a complicated passage my strategy this morning is to just go in as straight of a line as I can. 00:02:38.280 --> 00:02:41.299 So we're just going to go from top to bottom. 00:02:41.519 --> 00:02:43.819 I'm going to focus on explanation up front. 00:02:44.259 --> 00:02:46.459 We'll have some application at the end. 00:02:46.460 --> 00:02:52.520 With that I invite you to turn with me to Romans chapter 7 starting at verse 13. 00:02:52.680 --> 00:02:56.219 You can turn in your worship guide which you'll find on page 7 of your work. 00:02:56.860 --> 00:02:57.659 Yeah on page 7. 00:02:58.159 --> 00:03:01.580 No matter where you turn remember that this is God's word. 00:03:02.719 --> 00:03:09.120 In Jeremiah chapter 23 tells us that God's word is like a hammer that breaks a rock into pieces. 00:03:09.120 --> 00:03:15.539 Which reminds us that there is nothing so powerful that can stand against it. 00:03:16.259 --> 00:03:20.400 So that's why we read now chapter 7 starting at verse 13. 00:03:21.400 --> 00:03:25.620 Did that which is good then bring death to me? 00:03:26.259 --> 00:03:27.060 By no means. 00:03:28.099 --> 00:03:31.800 It was sin producing death in me through what is good. 00:03:32.240 --> 00:03:35.060 In order that sin might be shown to be sin. 00:03:35.060 --> 00:03:40.379 And through the commandment might become sinful beyond measure. 00:03:41.340 --> 00:03:43.979 For we know that the law is spiritual. 00:03:44.460 --> 00:03:47.620 But I am of the flesh sold under sin. 00:03:48.620 --> 00:03:51.620 For I do not understand my own actions. 00:03:52.400 --> 00:03:54.460 For I do not do what I want. 00:03:54.699 --> 00:03:57.159 But I do the very thing I hate. 00:03:58.180 --> 00:03:58.800 Verse 16. 00:03:59.620 --> 00:04:01.500 Now if I do what I do not want. 00:04:01.640 --> 00:04:04.259 I agree with the law that it is good. 00:04:04.259 --> 00:04:07.539 So now it is no longer I who do it. 00:04:07.859 --> 00:04:10.060 But sin that dwells within me. 00:04:11.060 --> 00:04:13.739 For I know that nothing good dwells in me. 00:04:14.219 --> 00:04:16.219 That is in my flesh. 00:04:16.819 --> 00:04:19.779 For I have the desire to do what is right. 00:04:20.259 --> 00:04:22.699 But not the ability to carry it out. 00:04:23.319 --> 00:04:25.500 For I do not do the good I want. 00:04:26.000 --> 00:04:28.420 But the evil I do not want. 00:04:28.659 --> 00:04:30.579 Is what I keep on doing. 00:04:30.579 --> 00:04:32.899 Now if I do not do. 00:04:33.620 --> 00:04:35.240 If I do what I do not want. 00:04:35.620 --> 00:04:37.680 It is no longer I who do it. 00:04:37.779 --> 00:04:40.599 But sin that dwells within me. 00:04:41.539 --> 00:04:45.240 I invite you to pray with me as we come to this portion of God's word. 00:04:45.240 --> 00:04:48.280 Our Father in heaven. 00:04:48.840 --> 00:04:51.819 We do thank you and praise you this morning. 00:04:52.019 --> 00:04:55.920 For bringing us together safely in this weather. 00:04:56.860 --> 00:04:59.220 Thank you that you preserved us this week. 00:04:59.720 --> 00:05:02.100 We thank you even more that you have given us your word. 00:05:02.519 --> 00:05:05.920 That you speak to us in ways that we can understand. 00:05:05.920 --> 00:05:08.580 And we ask that you would do that this morning. 00:05:09.020 --> 00:05:13.420 That your scriptures would be clear to us. 00:05:13.939 --> 00:05:17.960 That you would help our minds to understand a difficult passage. 00:05:18.759 --> 00:05:20.360 That you would be at work in our hearts. 00:05:20.740 --> 00:05:22.139 That we would love it and believe it. 00:05:22.580 --> 00:05:25.620 And even more than that you would show us Jesus Christ. 00:05:26.400 --> 00:05:30.759 That we would see his beauty and glory and majesty and holiness. 00:05:31.460 --> 00:05:33.340 We would see his power and authority. 00:05:33.339 --> 00:05:36.639 We would see his mercy and his grace and his love. 00:05:37.139 --> 00:05:39.859 That you would grow our love and affection and reverence. 00:05:40.539 --> 00:05:41.899 And obedience to him. 00:05:42.500 --> 00:05:45.719 And we ask these things in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. 00:05:46.259 --> 00:05:46.539 Amen. 00:05:49.899 --> 00:05:55.019 Last week we started off by discussing the nature of evil. 00:05:55.159 --> 00:05:57.179 In fact that was a main focus for us. 00:05:57.259 --> 00:06:00.779 And I gave you the example of the orcs in the Lord of the Rings. 00:06:00.779 --> 00:06:05.019 Who are men or elves who are ultimately twisted and perverted. 00:06:05.579 --> 00:06:07.819 And so we came at this from a couple different ways. 00:06:07.939 --> 00:06:10.659 First of all we looked at that quote from Return of the King. 00:06:10.759 --> 00:06:13.739 Where Frodo says evil can only mock. 00:06:14.579 --> 00:06:15.819 It cannot make. 00:06:16.659 --> 00:06:18.339 Evil can't give life. 00:06:18.919 --> 00:06:22.500 It can only ruin and twist. 00:06:23.439 --> 00:06:25.579 And then we looked at that letter from C.S. Lewis. 00:06:25.579 --> 00:06:28.379 Where he says evil is good spoiled. 00:06:28.979 --> 00:06:29.919 Evil is a parasite. 00:06:29.920 --> 00:06:36.319 I bring that up because verse 13 is simply repeating that over again. 00:06:36.439 --> 00:06:40.300 It's summarizing that concept for us one more time. 00:06:40.439 --> 00:06:42.379 Verse 13 says did the law bring death? 00:06:42.740 --> 00:06:43.100 No. 00:06:43.900 --> 00:06:45.140 The law is good. 00:06:45.900 --> 00:06:47.400 Sin twisted the law. 00:06:48.139 --> 00:06:50.520 Sin used the law to bring death. 00:06:51.439 --> 00:06:52.639 Sin brings death. 00:06:53.259 --> 00:06:55.040 The law does not. 00:06:56.000 --> 00:06:56.860 So verse 13. 00:06:57.139 --> 00:06:58.220 That's simply review. 00:06:58.220 --> 00:07:01.780 Remember I told you we are going to walk in a straight line this morning. 00:07:02.140 --> 00:07:04.080 That's going to take us to 14 though. 00:07:04.180 --> 00:07:06.680 Which is where we start with the hard things. 00:07:07.080 --> 00:07:08.500 Look with me at that verse. 00:07:08.660 --> 00:07:08.960 It says, 00:07:09.200 --> 00:07:11.260 For we know that the law is spiritual. 00:07:11.920 --> 00:07:15.360 But I am of the flesh sold under sin. 00:07:15.980 --> 00:07:17.940 Now for this to make any sense to us. 00:07:18.060 --> 00:07:23.500 We have to understand the difference between what is meant by spiritual and flesh. 00:07:23.500 --> 00:07:25.800 And if you were at the prayer conference with us. 00:07:25.899 --> 00:07:28.600 You already heard this yesterday morning. 00:07:28.720 --> 00:07:30.300 If something is spiritual. 00:07:30.560 --> 00:07:31.680 Not in all cases. 00:07:31.779 --> 00:07:33.519 But in many cases in the New Testament. 00:07:33.519 --> 00:07:38.779 It means it is coming from or related to the Holy Spirit. 00:07:39.579 --> 00:07:42.220 So when Paul says the law is spiritual. 00:07:42.220 --> 00:07:45.800 He is saying the law comes from God. 00:07:45.899 --> 00:07:48.240 God is the source of the law. 00:07:48.240 --> 00:07:52.300 So that explains why he can say in verse 13 that the law is good. 00:07:52.639 --> 00:07:53.960 How could it not be? 00:07:54.519 --> 00:07:56.180 If God gave it. 00:07:56.400 --> 00:07:58.100 It must be good. 00:07:58.860 --> 00:08:00.500 So that's what he means by spiritual. 00:08:00.900 --> 00:08:02.860 Something that comes from the Holy Spirit. 00:08:03.920 --> 00:08:07.139 Then flesh is set up as an opposite to that. 00:08:07.560 --> 00:08:09.000 So if something is of the flesh. 00:08:09.060 --> 00:08:11.579 It is the life or the presence of sin. 00:08:12.019 --> 00:08:15.980 Paul actually defines the flesh for us later in this passage two times. 00:08:15.980 --> 00:08:22.319 In verse 17 and verse 20 he says sin that dwells within me. 00:08:23.100 --> 00:08:24.220 So that's the flesh. 00:08:24.560 --> 00:08:26.740 The flesh is the sin that dwells within you. 00:08:27.819 --> 00:08:31.200 Spiritual are the things that come from the Holy Spirit. 00:08:31.780 --> 00:08:32.800 So far so good. 00:08:34.259 --> 00:08:37.220 Except that introduces a problem immediately. 00:08:38.560 --> 00:08:40.860 Paul does have the Holy Spirit. 00:08:40.860 --> 00:08:51.159 So how can Paul who has the Holy Spirit who is a Christian believer be described as being of the flesh? 00:08:52.560 --> 00:08:57.460 In fact we know he has the Holy Spirit because next week in verse 22 he's going to say this. 00:08:58.100 --> 00:09:01.600 For I delight in the law of God in my inner being. 00:09:01.600 --> 00:09:10.019 Only someone in whom God is at work by his Holy Spirit can delight in God's law. 00:09:10.659 --> 00:09:12.899 So there's this contradiction at least seemingly. 00:09:13.440 --> 00:09:15.560 Paul has the Holy Spirit on the one hand. 00:09:15.920 --> 00:09:20.100 And on the other hand he says I'm of the flesh sold under sin. 00:09:20.180 --> 00:09:22.680 How can both of those things be true at the same time? 00:09:22.679 --> 00:09:30.539 By the way that is the reason this is one of the most complicated and controversial passages in all of scripture. 00:09:31.299 --> 00:09:36.319 To understand what's happening here I'm going to take us back to Romans chapter 6. 00:09:36.659 --> 00:09:43.879 You'll remember when we started Romans chapter 6 we talked about the three different ways to think about sin. 00:09:44.639 --> 00:09:46.379 Remember sin has a power. 00:09:47.519 --> 00:09:49.099 Sin has a penalty. 00:09:50.379 --> 00:09:52.519 Sin has a presence. 00:09:52.679 --> 00:09:57.759 And so in Romans chapter 6 when Paul says you have died to sin. 00:09:57.899 --> 00:10:01.879 He means you have died to the power of sin. 00:10:02.620 --> 00:10:07.219 Sin no longer controls the capital city of your heart. 00:10:08.620 --> 00:10:13.500 But you'll remember the presence of sin remains. 00:10:14.239 --> 00:10:16.539 That's what we confessed this morning in our confession of faith. 00:10:16.539 --> 00:10:19.539 That we all sin every day in many ways. 00:10:19.539 --> 00:10:29.939 To understand what Paul is saying here we have to be crystal clear about the difference between the power of sin and the presence of sin. 00:10:30.019 --> 00:10:33.319 That's how we untangle what appears to be a contradiction. 00:10:34.000 --> 00:10:38.759 That's going to take us to verses 15 and 18 and 19. 00:10:38.759 --> 00:10:46.480 In verses 15 and 18 and 19 Paul says three times in three different ways. 00:10:46.840 --> 00:10:49.240 I want I desire what's right. 00:10:50.039 --> 00:10:52.200 But I don't do it. 00:10:52.200 --> 00:10:53.580 I do what's wrong. 00:10:53.580 --> 00:10:54.520 So let's look at it. 00:10:54.520 --> 00:10:55.820 Verse 15. 00:10:56.280 --> 00:11:02.180 For I do not do what I want but I do the very thing I hate. 00:11:02.600 --> 00:11:03.820 Why does Paul hate it? 00:11:05.820 --> 00:11:11.820 Paul hates it because the power of sin has been broken. 00:11:11.820 --> 00:11:14.260 So he loves what's right. 00:11:17.460 --> 00:11:20.000 Why does he still do what he hates though? 00:11:21.120 --> 00:11:24.720 Because the presence of sin remains. 00:11:27.000 --> 00:11:27.960 Verse 18. 00:11:27.960 --> 00:11:34.540 For I have the desire to do what is right but not the ability to carry it out. 00:11:35.500 --> 00:11:37.660 Why does Paul have the desire to do what's right? 00:11:37.659 --> 00:11:44.379 Because and only because the power of sin is gone. 00:11:44.779 --> 00:11:52.639 Remember when the power of sin is defeated and it's defeated in Christ's death and resurrection our desires change. 00:11:53.459 --> 00:11:57.019 So he has the desire to do what's right because the power has been broken. 00:11:57.860 --> 00:11:59.959 Why does Paul not have the ability here? 00:12:01.059 --> 00:12:05.000 Same answer because the presence of sin remains. 00:12:05.000 --> 00:12:06.639 Verse 19. 00:12:06.720 --> 00:12:07.980 This is the last time he says it. 00:12:08.600 --> 00:12:10.220 Three times three different ways. 00:12:10.899 --> 00:12:18.100 For I do not do the good I want but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. 00:12:18.799 --> 00:12:20.480 Why does Paul want to do good? 00:12:20.559 --> 00:12:21.440 You know the answer now. 00:12:21.700 --> 00:12:24.299 He wants to do good because the power of sin is gone. 00:12:25.120 --> 00:12:27.360 Why does Paul keep on doing evil? 00:12:27.480 --> 00:12:31.059 Because the presence of sin remains. 00:12:31.059 --> 00:12:32.899 The reign. 00:12:32.899 --> 00:12:34.919 This is what we talked about in chapter 6. 00:12:35.259 --> 00:12:37.699 The reign of sin is over. 00:12:38.699 --> 00:12:40.719 If you're a Christian you are dead to sin. 00:12:41.699 --> 00:12:47.899 Sin no longer controls the center of your heart and your personality. 00:12:49.500 --> 00:12:52.179 But the presence of sin remains. 00:12:53.000 --> 00:12:56.559 The war with sin continues. 00:12:57.439 --> 00:12:58.199 It's ongoing. 00:12:58.200 --> 00:12:58.320 It's ongoing. 00:12:59.120 --> 00:13:02.280 It's ongoing for the rest of our lives before we go to be with the Lord. 00:13:02.640 --> 00:13:05.480 Again that's what we confess this morning in our confession of faith. 00:13:06.240 --> 00:13:09.460 You'll remember when we were at the beginnings of Romans chapter 6. 00:13:09.540 --> 00:13:15.140 I used this illustration from one pastor who talks about an invading army that controls a country. 00:13:16.320 --> 00:13:17.640 A force comes in. 00:13:17.740 --> 00:13:19.360 They kick out the invading army. 00:13:19.480 --> 00:13:22.940 And the invading army no longer controls the capital city. 00:13:22.940 --> 00:13:29.160 So their power has been broken in a significant watershed sort of way. 00:13:30.140 --> 00:13:31.960 The enemy has lost its advantage. 00:13:33.240 --> 00:13:39.880 But there are still hostile forces running around in the woods. 00:13:41.180 --> 00:13:44.500 That is the presence of sin that remains. 00:13:45.260 --> 00:13:49.440 When you died to sin you kicked sin out of the stronghold of your heart. 00:13:49.440 --> 00:13:51.320 That's not controlled by sin anymore. 00:13:51.480 --> 00:13:53.480 That's controlled by the Holy Spirit. 00:13:53.800 --> 00:13:56.840 But the battle with sin continues. 00:13:57.640 --> 00:13:59.800 That was kind of the whole point of chapter 6. 00:14:00.120 --> 00:14:02.180 Paul's saying look you died to sin. 00:14:03.880 --> 00:14:05.840 So continue to fight against it. 00:14:05.920 --> 00:14:06.000 Right? 00:14:06.160 --> 00:14:06.620 Live. 00:14:06.980 --> 00:14:09.580 Become who you already are. 00:14:09.580 --> 00:14:16.900 You died to sin. 00:14:17.259 --> 00:14:19.220 So act like it. 00:14:20.060 --> 00:14:20.500 Okay. 00:14:20.520 --> 00:14:21.720 I'm going to do what I did last week. 00:14:21.780 --> 00:14:22.879 We're going to pause for a second. 00:14:23.400 --> 00:14:24.620 If I've lost you. 00:14:25.259 --> 00:14:26.940 This is the time to come back in. 00:14:27.240 --> 00:14:28.259 I've said something. 00:14:28.340 --> 00:14:29.400 And I'm going to say it again. 00:14:29.480 --> 00:14:31.040 So here's what we just talked about. 00:14:31.800 --> 00:14:37.740 I just gave you three different critical concepts that you need to understand this passage. 00:14:37.740 --> 00:14:41.340 concept one is a review from last week. 00:14:41.340 --> 00:14:45.019 And concept one is that evil cannot create anything. 00:14:45.560 --> 00:14:50.720 All evil can do is ruin and twist what God has already made. 00:14:51.600 --> 00:14:52.720 So the law is not bad. 00:14:52.879 --> 00:14:53.519 God gave it. 00:14:53.600 --> 00:14:54.840 Therefore it must be good. 00:14:54.919 --> 00:14:56.000 The law is spiritual. 00:14:56.860 --> 00:14:58.159 Sin twists it and uses it. 00:14:58.360 --> 00:14:59.220 So concept one. 00:14:59.580 --> 00:15:00.659 Evil can't create. 00:15:00.779 --> 00:15:01.560 It can only twist. 00:15:02.379 --> 00:15:03.220 Concept two. 00:15:03.220 --> 00:15:08.720 You need to understand the difference between spiritual and flesh. 00:15:09.639 --> 00:15:11.060 Something is spiritual. 00:15:11.279 --> 00:15:13.800 That means that it comes from. 00:15:13.940 --> 00:15:15.160 It's connected to. 00:15:15.379 --> 00:15:16.360 Related to. 00:15:16.540 --> 00:15:17.720 The Holy Spirit. 00:15:18.779 --> 00:15:20.779 The flesh is what we've already said. 00:15:20.860 --> 00:15:25.040 Paul defines in verses 17 and verse 20. 00:15:25.519 --> 00:15:28.060 Sin that dwells within me. 00:15:29.100 --> 00:15:30.759 Spirituals of the Holy Spirit. 00:15:30.759 --> 00:15:33.360 The flesh is the sin that dwells within you. 00:15:33.600 --> 00:15:35.159 So those are our first two concepts. 00:15:35.740 --> 00:15:36.919 Concept three. 00:15:38.059 --> 00:15:39.179 Sin has a penalty. 00:15:39.539 --> 00:15:40.700 A power. 00:15:41.220 --> 00:15:41.740 And a presence. 00:15:42.600 --> 00:15:43.879 For the Christian. 00:15:45.220 --> 00:15:48.759 The penalty and the power have been removed. 00:15:49.259 --> 00:15:51.379 The presence remains. 00:15:52.500 --> 00:15:53.720 So that's what I told you. 00:15:54.200 --> 00:15:55.019 Now I told you again. 00:15:55.019 --> 00:15:55.100 Again. 00:15:55.100 --> 00:16:03.279 Now I said that verse 14 was our hard verse. 00:16:04.060 --> 00:16:05.340 But we're not out of the woods yet. 00:16:05.879 --> 00:16:09.800 Because we also have verses 17 and 20. 00:16:10.120 --> 00:16:11.820 Verse 17 Paul says this. 00:16:12.500 --> 00:16:14.879 So now it is no longer I who do it. 00:16:14.940 --> 00:16:17.840 But sin that dwells within me. 00:16:18.540 --> 00:16:20.620 And then verse 20 he says almost the same thing. 00:16:20.620 --> 00:16:22.600 Now if I do what I do not want. 00:16:22.759 --> 00:16:24.519 It is no longer I who do it. 00:16:24.799 --> 00:16:27.100 But sin that dwells within me. 00:16:27.220 --> 00:16:29.620 And this kind of sounds like to our modern ears. 00:16:30.179 --> 00:16:34.820 A little bit like someone trying to shirk any sort of blame or responsibility. 00:16:35.039 --> 00:16:36.779 This sounds like the kid who comes to you and says. 00:16:36.919 --> 00:16:38.820 No I didn't break the lamp. 00:16:38.919 --> 00:16:40.279 The dog broke the lamp. 00:16:41.100 --> 00:16:42.060 Don't punish me. 00:16:42.259 --> 00:16:42.919 Punish Fido. 00:16:43.740 --> 00:16:44.500 You know it's sort of like. 00:16:44.639 --> 00:16:46.000 It sounds like that's what Paul is saying. 00:16:46.100 --> 00:16:46.980 I didn't do it. 00:16:47.000 --> 00:16:47.639 Don't look at me. 00:16:47.720 --> 00:16:49.199 I'm not responsible for anything. 00:16:49.759 --> 00:16:50.740 No that's sin. 00:16:50.819 --> 00:16:51.840 That's sin doing something. 00:16:51.919 --> 00:16:52.580 I'm not sin. 00:16:52.659 --> 00:16:54.220 So don't hold me accountable. 00:16:55.379 --> 00:16:57.139 That's not what Paul is saying by the way. 00:16:57.620 --> 00:16:59.139 It sounds like that. 00:16:59.519 --> 00:17:02.299 But Paul is actually here taking seriously. 00:17:02.639 --> 00:17:04.559 What we talked about in chapter 6. 00:17:05.099 --> 00:17:07.000 That you've died to sin. 00:17:08.740 --> 00:17:12.940 And so now you need to become who you already are. 00:17:13.319 --> 00:17:14.240 Christians have died to sin. 00:17:14.319 --> 00:17:15.759 Remember they're united to Christ. 00:17:15.759 --> 00:17:19.279 And so what Paul is saying here is that when he sins. 00:17:19.740 --> 00:17:25.940 He is acting against who he really is. 00:17:27.119 --> 00:17:29.559 Paul is saying that when he sins. 00:17:29.819 --> 00:17:34.680 He is acting against who he really is. 00:17:36.400 --> 00:17:37.799 We talked about this before. 00:17:37.920 --> 00:17:39.279 People today will say things like. 00:17:39.279 --> 00:17:41.480 I need to go find myself. 00:17:41.960 --> 00:17:44.759 Or I need to figure out what I want. 00:17:44.899 --> 00:17:46.119 Who I really am. 00:17:46.359 --> 00:17:48.039 Book of Romans says this. 00:17:49.420 --> 00:17:50.980 You don't need to find yourself. 00:17:51.859 --> 00:17:53.940 I will tell you who you are. 00:17:54.899 --> 00:17:57.859 You have died and are risen with Christ. 00:17:58.359 --> 00:17:59.079 That's who you are. 00:17:59.799 --> 00:18:01.019 That's the truth about you. 00:18:01.879 --> 00:18:05.960 You don't need to figure out what you want in this life. 00:18:05.960 --> 00:18:07.220 You're a Christian. 00:18:07.420 --> 00:18:08.440 What do Christians want? 00:18:09.140 --> 00:18:11.340 Christians want righteousness and holiness. 00:18:12.539 --> 00:18:13.380 That's who you are. 00:18:13.660 --> 00:18:17.980 You don't need to go on a pilgrimage or a journey to figure that out. 00:18:18.039 --> 00:18:19.819 And so really what Paul is saying is this. 00:18:20.220 --> 00:18:21.620 When I sin. 00:18:21.619 --> 00:18:24.819 I am not acting like my true self. 00:18:26.039 --> 00:18:27.859 My true self has died with Christ. 00:18:28.399 --> 00:18:30.359 My true self is united to Christ. 00:18:30.459 --> 00:18:32.359 What's true of Jesus is true of me. 00:18:32.639 --> 00:18:36.000 My true self loves God's law. 00:18:37.379 --> 00:18:39.779 And so he's really capturing that in the Christian life. 00:18:39.879 --> 00:18:42.099 Is where we're this side of heaven and we're living. 00:18:42.239 --> 00:18:45.000 There's a disorienting feeling when we sin. 00:18:45.000 --> 00:18:51.680 Because when we sin we are doing the exact opposite of our identity in Christ. 00:18:52.539 --> 00:18:54.500 Now I won't say this about many things. 00:18:54.500 --> 00:18:55.779 Maybe about anything else. 00:18:55.859 --> 00:19:01.059 But I think it's appropriate if we're going to put this in the language of 2026 to say this. 00:19:01.799 --> 00:19:08.960 Paul is essentially saying I feel like a saint trapped in a sinner's body. 00:19:08.960 --> 00:19:15.360 I feel like a saint trapped in a sinner's body. 00:19:16.220 --> 00:19:17.440 These things don't match. 00:19:18.180 --> 00:19:19.120 I've been bought by Christ. 00:19:19.220 --> 00:19:20.240 I've been redeemed by Christ. 00:19:20.319 --> 00:19:20.940 I've died with him. 00:19:21.000 --> 00:19:21.700 I've risen with him. 00:19:21.900 --> 00:19:23.720 How in the world am I still sinning? 00:19:25.180 --> 00:19:27.539 So it is no longer I who do it. 00:19:27.720 --> 00:19:31.240 That sin that dwells within me. 00:19:32.880 --> 00:19:34.279 So Paul is capturing. 00:19:34.420 --> 00:19:35.420 He's capturing the tension. 00:19:36.000 --> 00:19:38.059 The frustration of the Christian life. 00:19:38.059 --> 00:19:41.960 That there's a sense which as you're a Christian and you struggle with sin. 00:19:43.279 --> 00:19:45.940 You realize that the presence of sin remains. 00:19:46.899 --> 00:19:48.059 You think to yourself. 00:19:48.700 --> 00:19:50.940 I can't wait. 00:19:52.480 --> 00:19:56.539 Can't wait until the presence of sin is removed. 00:19:57.679 --> 00:19:59.039 Then I can really be myself. 00:19:59.799 --> 00:20:04.539 I can really live out the person who's died and risen with Christ. 00:20:04.539 --> 00:20:07.000 Because when I sin that's not the real me. 00:20:08.059 --> 00:20:09.000 That's not the true me. 00:20:09.639 --> 00:20:16.839 The true me is controlled and ruled by God through his Holy Spirit. 00:20:16.839 --> 00:20:24.679 Okay. 00:20:25.399 --> 00:20:26.079 What's the point? 00:20:27.879 --> 00:20:30.599 What are you supposed to take away from chapter 7? 00:20:31.019 --> 00:20:34.819 I've been telling you a number of times when we come against these tough chapters. 00:20:35.399 --> 00:20:38.099 About the quote that's on page 7 of your worship guide. 00:20:38.099 --> 00:20:43.679 That Paul's letter to the Romans is arguably the most important piece of literature in the history of the world. 00:20:43.680 --> 00:20:45.420 And if it is. 00:20:45.519 --> 00:20:46.340 If that's true. 00:20:46.560 --> 00:20:50.759 There should be some rich things for you in this passage. 00:20:50.759 --> 00:20:52.279 And there's a couple things I'm going to highlight. 00:20:52.400 --> 00:20:55.380 Although we really are just skimming the surface. 00:20:56.259 --> 00:20:56.900 First. 00:20:57.580 --> 00:20:59.060 The Christian life. 00:20:59.580 --> 00:21:03.820 Is an ongoing battle against sin. 00:21:03.819 --> 00:21:06.919 The Christian life. 00:21:06.919 --> 00:21:12.319 Is an ongoing struggle against the flesh. 00:21:12.559 --> 00:21:14.579 Galatians chapter 5 verse 17. 00:21:14.799 --> 00:21:20.159 Paul basically says hey there's this ongoing war that is happening in the life of a Christian. 00:21:20.279 --> 00:21:22.519 Between the flesh and the spirit. 00:21:22.519 --> 00:21:26.139 If you feel like Paul. 00:21:28.139 --> 00:21:30.660 And you are frustrated with your sin. 00:21:32.519 --> 00:21:37.279 If you feel like Paul and at times it seems like you are a saint in a sinner's body. 00:21:38.379 --> 00:21:39.440 You're in good company. 00:21:41.680 --> 00:21:43.960 Don't lose heart. 00:21:47.079 --> 00:21:48.119 Don't give up the fight. 00:21:48.119 --> 00:21:53.119 Don't abandon the war. 00:21:55.119 --> 00:21:58.079 If verse 18 is true of you. 00:21:59.579 --> 00:22:03.159 That you desire to do what is right. 00:22:04.299 --> 00:22:06.579 Then I can tell you right now how the story ends. 00:22:07.859 --> 00:22:14.719 The story ends with you fully and finally free from the presence of sin. 00:22:16.399 --> 00:22:17.319 Keep fighting. 00:22:18.119 --> 00:22:19.599 Keep fighting. 00:22:21.759 --> 00:22:24.079 You have the desire of a Christian. 00:22:26.539 --> 00:22:28.199 If you stay in the fight. 00:22:29.179 --> 00:22:30.219 I know. 00:22:30.759 --> 00:22:31.779 And Paul tells us. 00:22:32.379 --> 00:22:34.859 You will win in the end. 00:22:36.159 --> 00:22:38.959 When you are with Jesus in heaven. 00:22:40.299 --> 00:22:44.059 You will not be a saint in a sinner's body. 00:22:44.059 --> 00:22:48.419 You will be a saint in a saint's body. 00:22:49.619 --> 00:22:52.279 Paul talks about this in 1 Corinthians chapter 15. 00:22:52.399 --> 00:22:55.980 He talks about one day you will have a spiritual body. 00:22:57.079 --> 00:22:57.839 Remember spiritual. 00:22:57.980 --> 00:23:01.480 Spiritual doesn't mean you're going to have this ethereal ghost-like experience. 00:23:01.480 --> 00:23:01.799 No. 00:23:01.799 --> 00:23:04.740 Your body will be a body characterized. 00:23:05.019 --> 00:23:05.720 Connected to. 00:23:05.860 --> 00:23:06.579 Coming from. 00:23:07.039 --> 00:23:08.480 The Holy Spirit. 00:23:11.360 --> 00:23:11.839 Okay. 00:23:11.920 --> 00:23:12.759 So that's the first thing. 00:23:13.279 --> 00:23:15.559 Christian life is an ongoing struggle with sin. 00:23:16.700 --> 00:23:17.480 Don't give up. 00:23:17.480 --> 00:23:21.279 Second point is this. 00:23:21.319 --> 00:23:24.500 And this is actually a major point of chapter 7. 00:23:24.559 --> 00:23:26.819 This might be the point of chapter 7. 00:23:26.900 --> 00:23:27.460 And it's this. 00:23:28.960 --> 00:23:31.460 The law cannot save you. 00:23:31.460 --> 00:23:36.740 The law cannot save you. 00:23:37.559 --> 00:23:43.700 The solution to your problem is not more rules. 00:23:46.200 --> 00:23:49.079 There's an author named Maya Angelou who said this. 00:23:50.039 --> 00:23:53.779 Do the best you can until you know better. 00:23:54.640 --> 00:23:57.779 Then when you know better, do better. 00:23:57.779 --> 00:24:01.639 In other words, you have what you need inside of you. 00:24:01.759 --> 00:24:03.779 All you need is more knowledge. 00:24:04.440 --> 00:24:07.039 If we can just educate people and tell them more things, 00:24:07.099 --> 00:24:09.899 we can get rid of racism and violence and hatred. 00:24:10.039 --> 00:24:10.779 Those are just misunderstandings. 00:24:12.019 --> 00:24:13.119 You know what Paul says about that? 00:24:14.539 --> 00:24:16.799 Paul says that's a lie from the pit of hell. 00:24:18.700 --> 00:24:22.059 Know better does not lead to do better. 00:24:22.559 --> 00:24:24.420 What have we talked about in chapter 7? 00:24:24.420 --> 00:24:26.639 Actually, sometimes when you hear the law, 00:24:26.640 --> 00:24:28.040 what aggravates your sin, 00:24:28.440 --> 00:24:30.980 you sin more than before. 00:24:32.040 --> 00:24:34.180 No, knowledge is not your problem. 00:24:34.980 --> 00:24:37.800 You don't need to know better to do better. 00:24:37.940 --> 00:24:40.500 Actually, your problem is much worse. 00:24:40.900 --> 00:24:45.400 There is something deeply and fundamentally wrong 00:24:45.400 --> 00:24:47.320 with the human heart. 00:24:48.200 --> 00:24:51.120 And it is so wrong with the human heart. 00:24:51.120 --> 00:24:55.840 It is something that rules and the law cannot fix. 00:24:56.640 --> 00:25:01.060 At best, the best case scenario, 00:25:01.860 --> 00:25:05.680 laws and rules can restrain sin 00:25:05.680 --> 00:25:09.780 in certain ways and for a time. 00:25:11.100 --> 00:25:13.200 By the way, it can't restrain everything. 00:25:13.500 --> 00:25:17.560 There's a reason last week that Paul used the example of coveting. 00:25:17.559 --> 00:25:22.059 Are there any laws against coveting in the United States? 00:25:24.940 --> 00:25:26.159 There can't be. 00:25:26.460 --> 00:25:28.500 It's a sin of the heart. 00:25:29.179 --> 00:25:30.799 That's part of why Paul picks that. 00:25:31.419 --> 00:25:34.139 He's getting at what Jesus got out of the Sermon on the Mount. 00:25:34.460 --> 00:25:35.659 Oh, you think you're doing great 00:25:35.659 --> 00:25:37.000 because you haven't murdered anyone 00:25:37.000 --> 00:25:38.279 and you haven't committed adultery? 00:25:39.240 --> 00:25:39.659 Okay. 00:25:39.660 --> 00:25:43.000 Let's look at your heart and see what we find. 00:25:43.480 --> 00:25:44.720 Have you ever coveted? 00:25:46.100 --> 00:25:47.240 Have you ever lusted? 00:25:47.560 --> 00:25:51.380 There are things we can't make laws against. 00:25:52.740 --> 00:25:54.259 Which gets to the heart of the gospel. 00:25:55.680 --> 00:25:56.980 Paul is telling us, 00:25:57.140 --> 00:25:58.920 major point from Romans chapter 7, 00:25:59.440 --> 00:26:00.880 you can't save yourself. 00:26:00.880 --> 00:26:06.800 Knowing better will not lead to doing better. 00:26:08.240 --> 00:26:11.780 You actually need help from the outside. 00:26:12.740 --> 00:26:16.800 You're not capable of going up to God. 00:26:17.740 --> 00:26:21.740 God must come down to you. 00:26:23.380 --> 00:26:28.140 You're not capable of fixing your own heart. 00:26:28.140 --> 00:26:32.280 God must change it for you. 00:26:33.680 --> 00:26:39.380 Knowing better will not ultimately make you do better. 00:26:40.360 --> 00:26:43.200 In fact, sometimes knowing better makes you do worse. 00:26:46.000 --> 00:26:49.259 Thankfully, the good news of the gospel 00:26:49.259 --> 00:26:57.160 is that God comes and does what rules and laws cannot do. 00:26:58.140 --> 00:27:01.820 God comes and does what rules and laws were never meant to do, 00:27:02.680 --> 00:27:04.940 which is to change our hearts, 00:27:05.560 --> 00:27:09.800 to break the power and the reign of sin 00:27:09.800 --> 00:27:13.820 that we do what is right for the right reasons. 00:27:15.720 --> 00:27:19.160 Jesus comes, lives a perfect life as a man on this earth. 00:27:19.720 --> 00:27:20.900 In that perfect life, 00:27:20.960 --> 00:27:23.580 he gives us the righteousness that we desperately need 00:27:23.580 --> 00:27:24.300 but don't have. 00:27:24.299 --> 00:27:27.639 He dies a death that we deserve 00:27:27.639 --> 00:27:28.419 and in doing that, 00:27:28.500 --> 00:27:29.519 he takes the penalty 00:27:29.519 --> 00:27:31.799 that we deserve for our sins. 00:27:32.279 --> 00:27:33.419 Doesn't stop there though. 00:27:34.200 --> 00:27:35.500 Jesus rises from the dead. 00:27:35.659 --> 00:27:37.700 He is ascended into heaven 00:27:37.700 --> 00:27:39.839 at the right hand of God the Father. 00:27:40.159 --> 00:27:42.200 What does Jesus do at the right hand of God the Father? 00:27:42.839 --> 00:27:45.700 He sends the Holy Spirit to his people. 00:27:46.240 --> 00:27:47.359 This is what Jesus promises 00:27:47.359 --> 00:27:49.680 in John chapter 14 and chapter 16. 00:27:49.680 --> 00:27:51.240 This is why Jesus says, 00:27:51.360 --> 00:27:52.720 it's better that I go. 00:27:54.000 --> 00:27:56.140 So if I go, I can send the Spirit to you. 00:27:56.759 --> 00:27:58.400 And what does the Holy Spirit do? 00:27:59.460 --> 00:28:01.039 Makes us spiritual people. 00:28:02.140 --> 00:28:06.440 Changes our hearts and our lives and our minds. 00:28:07.799 --> 00:28:09.000 And so that's the contrast. 00:28:09.100 --> 00:28:12.259 That's the contrast between the law which cannot save 00:28:12.259 --> 00:28:14.519 and the God who does. 00:28:14.519 --> 00:28:17.900 That's exactly what we are saying when we sing, 00:28:18.339 --> 00:28:20.859 run and run, the law demands, 00:28:21.599 --> 00:28:25.359 but gives me neither feet nor hands. 00:28:26.400 --> 00:28:28.559 Better news the gospel brings, 00:28:29.400 --> 00:28:30.519 it bids me fly, 00:28:31.420 --> 00:28:33.700 it gives me wings. 00:28:35.000 --> 00:28:35.740 Let's pray. 00:28:37.779 --> 00:28:38.940 Our Father in heaven, 00:28:39.079 --> 00:28:41.200 we do thank you and praise you 00:28:41.200 --> 00:28:42.359 that you've given us something greater 00:28:42.359 --> 00:28:43.839 and more powerful than the law. 00:28:43.839 --> 00:28:44.939 You've given us your Son. 00:28:45.819 --> 00:28:48.359 Your Son who has given us his righteousness 00:28:48.359 --> 00:28:49.539 and taken our sin 00:28:49.539 --> 00:28:50.559 and even more than that, 00:28:50.639 --> 00:28:52.259 sits at your right hand. 00:28:53.019 --> 00:28:55.039 He intercedes for us as we pray 00:28:55.039 --> 00:28:58.859 and he sends his Spirit to us 00:28:58.859 --> 00:29:00.259 as we follow after you. 00:29:00.659 --> 00:29:02.359 We ask that you would remind us of that, 00:29:02.419 --> 00:29:04.379 you'd give us great courage and hope 00:29:04.379 --> 00:29:05.439 because of it. 00:29:05.539 --> 00:29:06.619 And we ask these things 00:29:06.619 --> 00:29:08.199 in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. 00:29:08.639 --> 00:29:08.859 Amen.