A New Way To Live

Coffee With God: February 15th, 2023 | Romans 7:6

“But now we are released from the law, having died to that which held us captive, so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit and not in the old way of the written code.”

Romans 7 has been debated for nearly 2,000 years. Maybe the most debated chapter in the New Testament. What on earth is Paul talking about? Rather, who is Paul talking about? “O’ wretched man that I am, who shall deliver me from this body of death” (7:24). Is Paul talking about himself NOW? As a Christian? (He was speaking in the present tense). Or is this a description of his life before he came to Christ?

The question is massive because of its implications. Will the struggle to overcome sin described in these verses be the experience of every Christian throughout their life? Or is something else going on?

I am here to tell you that Paul is talking about a Christian. But he is not describing the normal Christian experience. He is not describing the life God wants you to expect, let alone live, but the one he wants you to beware of!

What is so often missed is the context. Verse 6 tells us that we have been “released from the law… so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit.” What is Paul describing in these pivotal verses (Romans 7:7-25)? A Christian? Yes. One who has forgotten that he or she hasn’t just been redeemed; they’ve been given a new way to live.

If you belong to Jesus, the Holy Spirit is in town. And he wants to be the engine that runs your car. He wants to teach you how to live in step with him every moment of every day. God has made you a new creation, and the Holy Spirit wants to lead you in a new way to live.

We don’t work to please God. Instead, we choose to be led by God because we know that he loves us. And that’s a whole new ball game.