7What shall we say, then? Is the law sin? Certainly not! Indeed I would not have known what sin was except through the law. For I would not have known what coveting really was if the law had not said, "Do not covet." 8But sin, seizing the opportunity afforded by the commandment, produced in me every kind of covetous desire. For apart from law, sin is dead. 9Once I was alive apart from law; but when the commandment came, sin sprang to life and I died. 10I found that the very commandment that was intended to bring life actually brought death.
11For sin, seizing the opportunity afforded by the commandment, deceived me, and through the commandment put me to death. 12So then, the law is holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous and good.(NIV)
Main Points and Discussion Questions
1. The Law is good and essential because it reveals our sinful condition to us (vv. 7,12). (cf. Exodus 20:2-17; Deut. 5:6-21; Mt.5:17-29)
Discussion Question #1: If the Law benefits us by showing us our sinfulness and then leading us to Christ, what does Paul mean when he says back in Romans 6 that we are no longer “under Law but under grace”? (cf. Gal 3:21-26)
Discussion Question #2: In light of our discussion about the ongoing significance of the Law, why is it important for us to read and study the Bible continually?
2. While the Law shows us our true condition, it neither has power to make us right with God, nor to enable us to obey Him; it only stirs up more sin in our hearts (vv. 8-11).
Discussion Question #3: Have there ever been moments in your life when you tried to obey the Ten Commandments, or any other of God’s instructions, through your own strength and willpower? If there have been, how were your own mind and heart affected by the efforts that you made?
Discussion Question #4: How can our continual remembrance of the Law make us so glad and grateful for the Lord Jesus Christ and His saving work on our behalf?
