Lawbreakers 26 Mar 17

Video: World Race
Blog: Jessica Bundy
Book: How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth

What is the purpose of the Old Testament law?

Romans 3:20
Romans 7:7-12

What do we do with all the biblical commands and laws?
Four categories of Biblical laws:

1. Civil laws
2. Ritual laws
3. Ethical laws
4. The “Law of Christ”

Two principles for interpreting Biblical laws:

1. Understand the Old Testament law is a covenant.
2. We are to live in obedience to the “law of Christ.”

Galatians 6:2
Romans 7:14-25

How do I obey the Law of Christ?

• Through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
• We get the Holy Spirit of God.

1. When you were dating or if you are dating now, did you ever get caught two-timing? Did anyone two-time you? How did that work out?
2. Read Romans 7:1-6. Using the allegory of marriage, to what were we married originally (vs. 1-4)? How did that marriage work out? When Paul says, “we have been released from the law” (vs. 6), what implication does this have for Christian living?
3. To what kinds of legalism do Christians fall prey?
4. What does it mean to “serve in the new way of the Spirit”? What is one way you can live that out this week?
5. Read Romans 7:7-13. We’ve established that the law cannot bring salvation to us. However, Paul mentions a few ways the law benefits us. Name them.
6. Paul mentioned that sin, “seizing the opportunity afforded by the commandment,” produced in him every kind of covetous desire. How does our sin nature spring to life when it meets the law?
7. Read Romans 7:14-24. Now read vs. 14-20 again really fast. Just kidding. How close did your day come to illustrating the statement: “I do not understand what I do.”?
8. Paul wrote half the New Testament and yet made statements like the ones you just read. What does that teach you about Paul? About yourself? About your sin nature?
9. Read vs. 25. For what can you give thanks to God despite the struggles? What is the role of the Holy Spirit in these struggles against sin?

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