Romans 7:4
Verse
Context
Release from the Law
3So then, if she is joined to another man while her husband is still alive, she is called an adulteress; but if her husband dies, she is free from that law and is not an adulteress, even if she marries another man.4Therefore, my brothers, you also died to the law through the body of Christ, that you might belong to another, to Him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit to God.5For when we lived according to the flesh, the sinful passions aroused by the law were at work in our bodies, bearing fruit for death.
Sermons
Vance Havner
Derek Prince
Francis Schaeffer
Manley Beasley
Major Ian Thomas
Norman Grubb
Denny KenastonSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Wherefore, my brethren - This is a parallel case. You were once under the law of Moses, and were bound by its injunctions; but now ye are become dead to that law - a modest, inoffensive mode of speech, for, The law, which was once your husband, is dead; God has determined that it shall be no longer in force; so that now, as a woman whose husband is dead is freed from the law of that husband, or from her conjugal vow, and may legally be married to another, so God, who gave the law under which ye have hitherto lived, designed that it should be in force only till the advent of the Messiah; that advent has taken place, the law has consequently ceased, and now ye are called to take on you the yoke of the Gospel, and lay down the yoke of the law; and it is the design of God that you should do so. That ye should be married to another - who is raised from the dead - As Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth, the object of God in giving the law was to unite you to Christ; and, as he has died, he has not only abolished that law which condemns every transgressor to death, without any hope of a revival, but he has also made that atonement for sin, by his own death, which is represented in the sacrifices prescribed by the law. And as Jesus Christ is risen again from the dead, he has thereby given the fullest proof that by his death he has procured the resurrection of mankind, and made that atonement required by the law. That we should bring forth fruit unto God - we, Jews, who believe in Christ, have, in consequence of our union with him, received the gifts and graces of the Holy Spirit; so that we bring forth that fruit of holiness unto God which, without this union, it would be impossible for us to produce. Here is a delicate allusion to the case of a promising and numerous progeny from a legitimate and happy marriage.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Wherefore . . . ye also are become dead--rather, "were slain." to the law by the body of Christ--through His slain body. The apostle here departs from his usual word "died," using the more expressive phrase "were slain," to make it clear that he meant their being "crucified with Christ" (as expressed in Rom 6:3-6, and Gal 2:20). that ye should be married to another, even to him that is--"was." raised from the dead--to the intent. that we should bring forth fruit unto God--It has been thought that the apostle should here have said that "the law died to us," not "we to the law," but that purposely inverted the figure, to avoid the harshness to Jewish ears of the death of the law [CHRYSOSTOM, CALVIN, HODGE, PHILIPPI, &c.]. But this is to mistake the apostle's design in employing this figure, which was merely to illustrate the general principle that "death dissolves legal obligation." It was essential to his argument that we, not the law, should be the dying party, since it is we that are "crucified with Christ," and not the law. This death dissolves our marriage obligation to the law, leaving us at liberty to contract a new relation--to be joined to the Risen One, in order to spiritual fruitfulness, to the glory of God [BEZA, OLSHAUSEN, MEYER, ALFORD, &c.]. The confusion, then, is in the expositors, not the text; and it has arisen from not observing that, like Jesus Himself, believers are here viewed as having a double life--the old sin-condemned life, which they lay down with Christ, and the new life of acceptance and holiness to which they rise with their Surety and Head; and all the issues of this new life, in Christian obedience, are regarded as the "fruit" of this blessed union to the Risen One. How such holy fruitfulness was impossible before our union to Christ, is next declared.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Wherefore, my brethren, ye also,.... Here the apostle accommodates the foregoing instance and example to the case in hand, showing, that the saints were not under the law, the power and dominion of it; since that, as when a man is dead, the woman is loosed from that law by which she was bound whilst he lived, that she may lawfully marry another man, and bear children to him without the imputation of adultery; so believers being dead to the law, and the law dead to them, which is all one, they are loosed from it, and may be, and are lawfully married to Christ, that they may bring forth the genuine fruits of good works, not in order to obtain righteousness and life by them, but for the honour and glory of God; in which account may be observed, an assertion that the saints and children of God are become dead to the law, and that to them, as in Rom 7:6, and can have no more power over them than a law can have over dead persons, or a dead abrogated law can have over living ones. They are represented as "dead to sin", and "dead with Christ", Rom 6:2; and here, "dead to the law", as in Gal 2:19, and consequently cannot be under it; are out of the reach of its power and government, since that only has dominion over a man as long as be lives the law is dead to them; it has no power over them, to threaten and terrify them into obedience to it; nor even rigorously to exact it, or command it in a compulsory way; nor is there any need of all this, since believers delight in it after the inward man, and serve it with their minds freely and willingly; the love of Christ, and not the terrors of the law, constrains them to yield a cheerful obedience to it; it has no power to charge and accuse them, curse or condemn them, or minister death unto them, no, not a corporeal one, as a penal evil, and much less an eternal one. And the way and means by which they become dead to the law, and that to them is, by the body of Christ; not by Christ, as the body or substance of the ceremonial law; see Col 2:17; since that is not singly designed, but the whole law of Moses; but by "the body of Christ", is either meant Christ himself, Heb 10:10, or rather the human nature of Christ, Heb 10:5, in which the law meets with every thing it can require and demand, as holiness of nature, which is the saints' sanctification in Christ; obedience of life, which is their righteousness; and sufferings of death, which is the penalty the law enjoins, whereby full expiation of sin is made, complete pardon is procured, and eternal redemption obtained; so that the law has nothing more to demand; its mouth is stopped, it is not in its power to curse and damn believers, they are dead to that, and that to them: the reason why the law is become so to them, and they to that, is, that ye should be married to another; or "that ye should be to another", or "be another's"; that is, that ye should appear to be so in a just and legal way; for they were another's, they were Christ's before by the Father's gift, and were secretly married to him in the everlasting covenant, before he assumed their nature, and in the body of his flesh bore their sins, satisfied law and justice, paid their debts, and so freed them from the power of the law, its curse and condemnation, or any obligation to punishment; all which was done in consequence of his interest in them, and their marriage relation to him; but here respect is had to their open marriage to him in time, the day of their espousals in conversion; to make way for which, the law, their former husband, must be dead, and they dead to that, that so their marriage to Christ might appear lawful and justifiable; who is very fitly described by him, who is raised from the dead; and is a living husband, and will ever continue so, will never die more; and therefore as the saints can never be loosed from the marriage bond of union between Christ and them, so they can never be loosed from the law of this husband; wherefore though they are dead to the law as a covenant of works, and as ministered by Moses, and are free from any obligation to it, as so considered, yet they are "under the law to Christ", Co1 9:21; under obligation, by the ties of love, to obedience to it, and shall never be loosed from it. The end of being dead to the law, and of being married to Christ, is, that we should bring forth fruit unto God. The allusion is to children being called "the fruit of the womb", Psa 127:3, and here designs good works, the fruits of righteousness, which are brought forth by persons espoused to Christ, under the influence of the Spirit and grace of God; and they are "unto God", that is, for the honour and glory of God; meaning either Christ the husband of believers, who is God over all blessed for ever; or God the Father, to whose praise and glory they are by Christ; and which is a reason and argument which strongly excites and encourages the saints to the performance of them: and let it be observed, that as children begotten and born in lawful marriage are only true and legitimate, and all before marriage are spurious and illegitimate; so such works only are the true and genuine fruits of righteousness, which are in consequence of a marriage relation to Christ; are done in faith, spring from love, and are directed to the glory of God; and all others, which are done before marriage to Christ, and without faith in him, are like spurious and illegitimate children.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
7:4 Christians have died to the power of the law (literally died to the law) and so are no longer bound to it. Paul often refers to the law of Moses as representing the old regime of sin and death, but through union with Christ in his death, believers are set free.
Romans 7:4
Release from the Law
3So then, if she is joined to another man while her husband is still alive, she is called an adulteress; but if her husband dies, she is free from that law and is not an adulteress, even if she marries another man.4Therefore, my brothers, you also died to the law through the body of Christ, that you might belong to another, to Him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit to God.5For when we lived according to the flesh, the sinful passions aroused by the law were at work in our bodies, bearing fruit for death.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
America's Need
By Vance Havner7.4K41:25AmericaJHN 8:32ROM 7:4ROM 12:1JAS 4:4In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the hardships and trials that he has faced in his preaching journey. He mentions being beaten, struck, shipwrecked, and facing various perils. Despite all these challenges, he remains committed to the care of the churches. The preacher then focuses on the importance of knowing the truth and how it can set one free. He highlights the need for faith that continues and follows the path of the Lord, referencing verses from John 8 and Romans 12.
Faith and Works - Part 1
By Derek Prince6.3K27:50ROM 3:20ROM 7:4ROM 11:61CO 15:1GAL 5:18
This sermon delves into the essence of the gospel as outlined by Paul in 1 Corinthians 15, emphasizing the three historical facts that constitute the gospel: Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again. It highlights the importance of faith over works in obtaining righteousness, drawing from Romans 4 and the example of Abraham. The sermon explores the relationship between faith, works, and grace, emphasizing that righteousness cannot be earned through works but is a gift of God's grace. It contrasts living under the law with living under grace, stressing the need to be led by the Holy Spirit rather than relying on rules for righteousness.
Practical Christian Living
By Francis Schaeffer3.0K57:43Practical ChristianityHAB 2:4MAT 6:33JHN 14:18ROM 1:16ROM 7:4REV 7:14In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing God as a judge. He contrasts the sweet and loving nature of a mother with the seriousness and impartiality of a judge. The speaker argues that without the concept of judgment, true morality becomes impossible and the universe becomes a relativistic social construct. He concludes by emphasizing the need for practical Christian living based on the understanding of who God is and our identity as image bearers of God.
Romans 7
By Manley Beasley2.5K1:01:20FailureMAT 6:33JHN 14:6ROM 3:23ROM 6:23ROM 7:4EPH 2:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of performing as a Christian and how to be the Christian one desires to be. He shares a story about a woman who is praised for her outstanding Christian qualities but humbly acknowledges that it is the Lord Jesus who has worked through her. The preacher then questions whether attending church faithfully can save someone, highlighting the need for a personal relationship with Jesus as the Savior. He also mentions the struggle with habits and the importance of turning to Christ for help. The sermon emphasizes the power of the Bible and the transformative effect it can have on a person's life.
Christ in You
By Major Ian Thomas2.0K39:04Holy SpiritRUT 4:22MAT 6:33JHN 14:17ROM 7:41CO 15:45EPH 1:3EPH 5:25In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of man's relationship with God. He explains that man is only truly man when he has God in him, and losing God means losing everything. The preacher uses the story of Ruth from the Old Testament as a commentary on this principle. He highlights how believers in Christ have undergone a spiritual death through the crucifixion of Jesus, allowing them to belong to Him and bear fruit for God. The preacher also discusses how, by natural birth, humans are born with a fallen nature inherited from Adam, but through Christ's sacrifice, God has provided a way for believers to be freed from this sinful nature.
Hell - Part 2
By Norman Grubb1.7K30:23HellPRO 19:3MAT 5:48MAT 7:1ROM 6:14ROM 7:4ROM 7:6JAS 2:10In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of seeing the negative aspects of life and embracing change. He uses the example of Jesus, who was seen as a fool by the world but had the guidance and faith to fulfill God's purpose. The preacher encourages the audience to refrain from judging others and instead accept them as they are, trusting that God has a purpose for everyone. He also emphasizes the need to love oneself and recognize that every individual is precious to God.
The Spirit of Law and the Spirit of Grace
By Denny Kenaston1.7K1:26:47Spirit Of GraceJHN 1:8ROM 7:4ROM 7:7GAL 5:1In this sermon, the speaker begins by praying for guidance and blessings for the congregation. They emphasize the importance of living in grace rather than under the law, both in personal lives and in the home. The sermon highlights the ministry of grace and truth, which is to bring healing, freedom, and liberation to those who are brokenhearted and bound. The speaker also emphasizes the beauty of the combination of grace and truth, and encourages the listeners to allow the divine influence and power of God's grace to work in their hearts. The sermon concludes with a reminder that the messages are freely available for anyone to share and distribute.
Conformed to His Image
By Manley Beasley1.6K27:55Spiritual GrowthEXO 13:21EXO 14:19EXO 16:13DEU 8:4ROM 7:4In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the message of Romans 7 in the life of a believer who wants to trust God. He uses the examples of Moses and Abraham to illustrate how it took them many years to learn the message of Romans 7. Once they understood this message, the message of Romans 8 fell into place for them. The speaker also shares a story about a newly saved girl who read about the Israelites' experiences with God and how it inspired her to have faith in God's ability to provide and protect.
Christian Life on the Inside - Sermon 5 of 5
By Roy Hession1.1K36:45Christian LifeMAT 6:33JHN 15:1JHN 15:5ROM 7:4In this sermon, the speaker begins by discussing the concept of victory and revival in the Christian life. He then transitions to the Gospel of John, specifically focusing on the idea of being united with Christ as the true vine. The speaker highlights the struggle of trying to live the Christian life in one's own strength, emphasizing the self-will, self-effort, and self-glory that often hinder true spiritual growth. He concludes by emphasizing the importance of recognizing our complete dependence on Christ and his work in us, rather than relying on our own efforts.
In the Word #6
By Milton Green1.0K58:23ROM 6:6ROM 7:4ROM 8:2GAL 5:16HEB 3:182PE 1:31JN 2:31JN 2:6
This sermon emphasizes the importance of repentance, righteousness, and holiness in the church today. It highlights the need to die to the flesh, be joined to Christ, and bear fruit for God. The speaker encourages a shift from a form of godliness to a genuine transformation in Christ, leading to freedom, peace, and victory over the powers of darkness.
Entering Into Rest
By George Verwer1.0K46:27RestMAT 11:28ROM 6:23ROM 7:4HEB 1:1HEB 4:1HEB 4:9In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Moses and the Israelites crossing the Red Sea. He emphasizes the idea that God will cut the cords that bind us to sin and worldly things. The preacher describes how the Israelites panicked when they saw the Egyptians chasing after them, but Moses remained steadfast in his faith. He also highlights the challenges faced by the Israelites in the wilderness, including their grumbling and dissatisfaction. The sermon encourages believers to trust in God and not be tempted by temporary pleasures that lead to bondage.
Love Is a Fulfilling of the Law, Part Three
By John Piper93547:34MAT 6:33ROM 7:4ROM 13:8ROM 13:14GAL 5:22In this sermon, Pastor John Piper aims to explain why the apostle Paul doesn't directly address the topic of law in his letters to the Galatians and Romans. He takes a comprehensive look at the teachings on law in these books and highlights the absence of Christ as a redeemer or substitute in the law. The law, according to Piper, only multiplies transgression without providing a solution for sin. He emphasizes that all human efforts to keep the law are futile and sinful. Instead, Piper argues that the purpose of the law is to bring accountability to all people and to shut the mouths of every tribe on earth. He then focuses on Romans 13:8-14, where Paul emphasizes the importance of love as the fulfillment of the law. Piper encourages believers to give hourly attention and focus to Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate curse bearer, righteousness provider, and treasure of their souls. By cultivating this relationship with Christ, believers will bear the fruit of the Spirit, with love being the first and all-encompassing fruit.
The Gospel Is the Power of God
By Zac Poonen7681:01:35ROM 7:4
This sermon emphasizes the progression from the old covenant to the new covenant, highlighting the superiority of the new covenant in Christ. It delves into the importance of understanding the difference between the old and new covenants, focusing on the inward transformation brought by the new covenant. The speaker discusses the need for believers to fully surrender to God, experience the power of the Holy Spirit, and look to Jesus as the ultimate example of living a sinless life despite facing temptations.
Free From Sin by the Life of Christ
By Zac Poonen6461:13:43MAT 11:28ROM 6:14ROM 7:4ROM 8:13ROM 8:28ROM 8:31ROM 8:38GAL 2:18EPH 2:6HEB 13:9
This sermon delves into the journey of believers from being bound by the law to being married to Christ, emphasizing the importance of dying to the law and living in partnership with Jesus. It highlights the transformation from struggling under the law's strictness to experiencing grace and freedom in Christ, leading to a life of victory over sin through the power of the Holy Spirit. The speaker encourages a deep dive into Romans 1 to 8, urging listeners to seek understanding through meditation, study, and prayer for a truly godly life.
Nothing Without Him
By Basilea Schlink60504:35Radio ShowJHN 15:5ROM 7:4GAL 5:22EPH 5:20In this sermon, Basilio Schlink emphasizes the importance of maintaining a close relationship with Jesus in order to bear lasting fruit in our lives. He references the Apostle Paul's writings in the seventh chapter of Romans to highlight the significance of this relationship. Schlink encourages listeners to pause and speak words of love to Jesus while working, in order to stay connected to Him and ensure that their work bears fruit for Him. He concludes by emphasizing the need for constant communication with Jesus, comparing it to a marriage where lack of communication leads to the destruction of love and the relationship.
Since God Is for Us, We Will Always Overcome (Tamil)
By Zac Poonen5891:01:57ISA 30:18MAT 8:16ROM 7:4ROM 8:28PHP 2:12HEB 8:10HEB 10:51JN 4:4
This sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding the full scope of salvation, beyond just being saved from judgment, to include deliverance from the sinful nature inherited from Adam and ultimately from the presence of sin itself. It highlights the three tenses of salvation - past, present, and future - and the need to continuously work out one's salvation with fear and trembling. The sermon also stresses the role of the Holy Spirit in sanctification, giving believers the desire and strength to do God's will, leading to a transformed life marked by victory over sin and a deep relationship with Jesus.
Psalm 23 Series (Session 4)
By Joseph Carroll2532:07Christian LifeSpiritual IntimacyFellowship with ChristPSA 23:1PSA 90:1MAT 6:33JHN 10:27JHN 15:4ACT 17:28ROM 7:41CO 1:9PHP 4:61PE 5:7Joseph Carroll emphasizes the importance of cultivating a personal relationship with Christ as our true dwelling place, rather than merely seeking His blessings. He warns against the distractions of culture that lead us away from intimacy with God, urging believers to prioritize fellowship with Jesus above all else. Carroll highlights that true achievement in the Christian life is not about statistics or gifts, but about devotion and love for the Lord. He encourages the congregation to be conscious of Christ's presence, casting their cares upon Him and engaging in quiet time for spiritual growth. Ultimately, he calls for a return to the simplicity of life centered on fellowship with Christ, which brings clarity and peace amidst life's complexities.
Title
By Gary Wilkerson2145:33Christian LifeFreedom in ChristGrace vs. LawROM 7:4Gary Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of understanding grace over law in the Christian life, sharing personal stories of struggle and redemption, particularly focusing on his son Elliot's journey from addiction to freedom in Christ. He illustrates how many believers become trapped in a cycle of performance and striving, feeling inadequate and burdened by the law, rather than embracing the freedom that comes from knowing Jesus. Wilkerson encourages the congregation to let go of the 'and then' mentality of trying harder and instead rest in the finished work of Christ, which brings true transformation and joy. He concludes with a call to embrace the grace of God, which empowers believers to live victoriously without the weight of guilt and shame.
The Bride of Christ
By Charles Finney0The Relationship Between Christ and the ChurchFaithfulness in MarriageISA 54:5JER 3:14JHN 14:19ROM 7:4ROM 8:11CO 1:302CO 11:2EPH 5:22PHP 3:10REV 22:17Charles Finney emphasizes the profound relationship between Christ and the Church, likening it to a marriage where Christ is the devoted husband and the Church is His bride. He explains that just as a wife takes on her husband's name and interests, the Church must fully align with Christ, sharing in His reputation and responsibilities. Finney highlights the importance of faithfulness, urging believers to recognize their sins as a betrayal to Christ, who sacrificed Himself for them. He calls for a complete surrender to Christ's will, asserting that true believers should expect to live without sin through reliance on Jesus for sanctification. Ultimately, Finney encourages the Church to embrace its identity in Christ, trusting Him for protection, holiness, and the ability to bear fruit for God.
Letter: 24f 48 G v Wigram, Lausanne, January, 1842
By John Nelson Darby0The Resurrection of ChristGrace vs. LawROM 7:4GAL 2:19John Nelson Darby emphasizes the distinction between being under the law and living in grace, explaining that Christ's death and resurrection freed believers from the law's condemnation. He argues that while the law reveals our responsibility, it does not define our relationship with God, as we are united with Christ who fulfilled the law. Darby warns that many Christians mistakenly place themselves under the law, which hinders their peace and understanding of redemption. He also reflects on the Epistle to the Philippians, highlighting the apostle's afflictions and the importance of grace in the church's struggles. Ultimately, he encourages believers to grasp the significance of Christ's resurrection to fully enjoy their new life in Him.
Notes of Bible Readings on Romans, 1911
By H.J. Vine0Peace Of GodRedemptionJustificationJHN 14:27ROM 3:24ROM 5:1ROM 6:11ROM 7:4ROM 8:15GAL 5:1EPH 1:7PHP 4:71TH 5:16H.J. Vine emphasizes the profound themes of peace, redemption, and justification in his sermon on Romans, highlighting that true peace comes from God and is a result of our relationship with Him. He explains that believers are called to live in the liberty of grace, free from the bondage of sin and the law, and that this freedom is rooted in the redemptive work of Christ. Vine illustrates that justification is not based on works but on faith in God, who graciously forgives and reconciles us through Jesus. He encourages believers to embrace their identity in Christ, recognizing that they are dead to sin and alive to God, and to live out their faith in practical ways that reflect this truth. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a deeper understanding of God's grace and the joy that comes from living in accordance with His will.
Barrenness Is Fruitlessness
By G.W. North0Union with ChristSpiritual FruitfulnessGEN 1:28GEN 30:11SA 1:102KI 4:14LUK 1:25LUK 13:6JHN 15:5ROM 7:4GAL 5:22HEB 2:13G.W. North emphasizes the significance of spiritual fruitfulness in the life of believers, drawing parallels between marriage and the union with Christ as essential for producing fruit unto God. He highlights that just as childlessness was seen as a reproach in ancient times, a lack of spiritual fruit is a serious concern for the Church, which is called to be united with Christ and fulfill God's desire for many children in faith. North illustrates this through the stories of barren women in the Bible, such as Sarah, Rachel, and Hannah, who exemplified deep longing for fruitfulness, reflecting God's heart for His people. Ultimately, he asserts that true life in Christ is marked by the bearing of spiritual fruit, which is the evidence of a vibrant relationship with God.
Reproduction Is Fruitfulness
By G.W. North0Spiritual ReproductionFruitfulnessGEN 1:28MAT 13:8LUK 8:8JHN 2:1JHN 3:29JHN 15:1ACT 2:41ROM 7:4GAL 5:22EPH 5:31G.W. North emphasizes the biblical principle of fruitfulness, illustrating how Jesus, as the Vine, desires His followers to bear fruit in abundance. He draws parallels between the teachings in John 15 and the parable of the Sower in Matthew 13, highlighting God's expectation for His people to reproduce spiritually. North explains that true fruitfulness involves not only personal growth in virtues but also the multiplication of believers, as exemplified by the events of Pentecost. He underscores the significance of the relationship between Christ and the Church, portraying the Church as the Bride and Christ as the Bridegroom, culminating in the miraculous transformation at the wedding in Cana. Ultimately, North conveys that God's intention is for His children to flourish and multiply in faith, reflecting the divine life within them.
Epistle 161
By George Fox0FaithfulnessWorldly TemptationsPSA 91:1ISA 53:7JER 50:5MAT 13:22MAT 15:9ROM 7:4ROM 11:12COL 2:82PE 2:18REV 3:14George Fox urges believers to avoid the distractions and temptations of worldly desires and cares, emphasizing the importance of remaining steadfast in faith and not succumbing to the pressures of society. He encourages the faithful to dwell under God's protection and to be free from the entanglements of material wealth, advocating for a deep commitment to the Lord. Fox highlights the historical suffering of the righteous who resisted joining in with the corrupt practices of the world, instead choosing to remain devoted to God and His truth, which brings peace and righteousness.
The Newness of the Spirit
By Andrew Murray0Newness of LifeThe Work of the Holy SpiritEZK 36:26MAT 26:41ROM 6:14ROM 7:4ROM 7:6ROM 8:21CO 2:122CO 3:17GAL 5:18PHP 4:13Andrew Murray emphasizes the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in the believer's life, contrasting the old life under the law with the new life in the Spirit. He explains that the Spirit's work is to enlighten, sanctify, and strengthen believers, enabling them to serve God not through the oldness of the letter but in the newness of the Spirit. Murray highlights that true freedom from sin and the law comes through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, which empowers believers to live righteously. He encourages believers to fully embrace this newness of life, recognizing their dependence on the Spirit for strength and guidance. Ultimately, Murray calls for a deeper understanding and experience of the Spirit's work in their lives.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Wherefore, my brethren - This is a parallel case. You were once under the law of Moses, and were bound by its injunctions; but now ye are become dead to that law - a modest, inoffensive mode of speech, for, The law, which was once your husband, is dead; God has determined that it shall be no longer in force; so that now, as a woman whose husband is dead is freed from the law of that husband, or from her conjugal vow, and may legally be married to another, so God, who gave the law under which ye have hitherto lived, designed that it should be in force only till the advent of the Messiah; that advent has taken place, the law has consequently ceased, and now ye are called to take on you the yoke of the Gospel, and lay down the yoke of the law; and it is the design of God that you should do so. That ye should be married to another - who is raised from the dead - As Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth, the object of God in giving the law was to unite you to Christ; and, as he has died, he has not only abolished that law which condemns every transgressor to death, without any hope of a revival, but he has also made that atonement for sin, by his own death, which is represented in the sacrifices prescribed by the law. And as Jesus Christ is risen again from the dead, he has thereby given the fullest proof that by his death he has procured the resurrection of mankind, and made that atonement required by the law. That we should bring forth fruit unto God - we, Jews, who believe in Christ, have, in consequence of our union with him, received the gifts and graces of the Holy Spirit; so that we bring forth that fruit of holiness unto God which, without this union, it would be impossible for us to produce. Here is a delicate allusion to the case of a promising and numerous progeny from a legitimate and happy marriage.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Wherefore . . . ye also are become dead--rather, "were slain." to the law by the body of Christ--through His slain body. The apostle here departs from his usual word "died," using the more expressive phrase "were slain," to make it clear that he meant their being "crucified with Christ" (as expressed in Rom 6:3-6, and Gal 2:20). that ye should be married to another, even to him that is--"was." raised from the dead--to the intent. that we should bring forth fruit unto God--It has been thought that the apostle should here have said that "the law died to us," not "we to the law," but that purposely inverted the figure, to avoid the harshness to Jewish ears of the death of the law [CHRYSOSTOM, CALVIN, HODGE, PHILIPPI, &c.]. But this is to mistake the apostle's design in employing this figure, which was merely to illustrate the general principle that "death dissolves legal obligation." It was essential to his argument that we, not the law, should be the dying party, since it is we that are "crucified with Christ," and not the law. This death dissolves our marriage obligation to the law, leaving us at liberty to contract a new relation--to be joined to the Risen One, in order to spiritual fruitfulness, to the glory of God [BEZA, OLSHAUSEN, MEYER, ALFORD, &c.]. The confusion, then, is in the expositors, not the text; and it has arisen from not observing that, like Jesus Himself, believers are here viewed as having a double life--the old sin-condemned life, which they lay down with Christ, and the new life of acceptance and holiness to which they rise with their Surety and Head; and all the issues of this new life, in Christian obedience, are regarded as the "fruit" of this blessed union to the Risen One. How such holy fruitfulness was impossible before our union to Christ, is next declared.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Wherefore, my brethren, ye also,.... Here the apostle accommodates the foregoing instance and example to the case in hand, showing, that the saints were not under the law, the power and dominion of it; since that, as when a man is dead, the woman is loosed from that law by which she was bound whilst he lived, that she may lawfully marry another man, and bear children to him without the imputation of adultery; so believers being dead to the law, and the law dead to them, which is all one, they are loosed from it, and may be, and are lawfully married to Christ, that they may bring forth the genuine fruits of good works, not in order to obtain righteousness and life by them, but for the honour and glory of God; in which account may be observed, an assertion that the saints and children of God are become dead to the law, and that to them, as in Rom 7:6, and can have no more power over them than a law can have over dead persons, or a dead abrogated law can have over living ones. They are represented as "dead to sin", and "dead with Christ", Rom 6:2; and here, "dead to the law", as in Gal 2:19, and consequently cannot be under it; are out of the reach of its power and government, since that only has dominion over a man as long as be lives the law is dead to them; it has no power over them, to threaten and terrify them into obedience to it; nor even rigorously to exact it, or command it in a compulsory way; nor is there any need of all this, since believers delight in it after the inward man, and serve it with their minds freely and willingly; the love of Christ, and not the terrors of the law, constrains them to yield a cheerful obedience to it; it has no power to charge and accuse them, curse or condemn them, or minister death unto them, no, not a corporeal one, as a penal evil, and much less an eternal one. And the way and means by which they become dead to the law, and that to them is, by the body of Christ; not by Christ, as the body or substance of the ceremonial law; see Col 2:17; since that is not singly designed, but the whole law of Moses; but by "the body of Christ", is either meant Christ himself, Heb 10:10, or rather the human nature of Christ, Heb 10:5, in which the law meets with every thing it can require and demand, as holiness of nature, which is the saints' sanctification in Christ; obedience of life, which is their righteousness; and sufferings of death, which is the penalty the law enjoins, whereby full expiation of sin is made, complete pardon is procured, and eternal redemption obtained; so that the law has nothing more to demand; its mouth is stopped, it is not in its power to curse and damn believers, they are dead to that, and that to them: the reason why the law is become so to them, and they to that, is, that ye should be married to another; or "that ye should be to another", or "be another's"; that is, that ye should appear to be so in a just and legal way; for they were another's, they were Christ's before by the Father's gift, and were secretly married to him in the everlasting covenant, before he assumed their nature, and in the body of his flesh bore their sins, satisfied law and justice, paid their debts, and so freed them from the power of the law, its curse and condemnation, or any obligation to punishment; all which was done in consequence of his interest in them, and their marriage relation to him; but here respect is had to their open marriage to him in time, the day of their espousals in conversion; to make way for which, the law, their former husband, must be dead, and they dead to that, that so their marriage to Christ might appear lawful and justifiable; who is very fitly described by him, who is raised from the dead; and is a living husband, and will ever continue so, will never die more; and therefore as the saints can never be loosed from the marriage bond of union between Christ and them, so they can never be loosed from the law of this husband; wherefore though they are dead to the law as a covenant of works, and as ministered by Moses, and are free from any obligation to it, as so considered, yet they are "under the law to Christ", Co1 9:21; under obligation, by the ties of love, to obedience to it, and shall never be loosed from it. The end of being dead to the law, and of being married to Christ, is, that we should bring forth fruit unto God. The allusion is to children being called "the fruit of the womb", Psa 127:3, and here designs good works, the fruits of righteousness, which are brought forth by persons espoused to Christ, under the influence of the Spirit and grace of God; and they are "unto God", that is, for the honour and glory of God; meaning either Christ the husband of believers, who is God over all blessed for ever; or God the Father, to whose praise and glory they are by Christ; and which is a reason and argument which strongly excites and encourages the saints to the performance of them: and let it be observed, that as children begotten and born in lawful marriage are only true and legitimate, and all before marriage are spurious and illegitimate; so such works only are the true and genuine fruits of righteousness, which are in consequence of a marriage relation to Christ; are done in faith, spring from love, and are directed to the glory of God; and all others, which are done before marriage to Christ, and without faith in him, are like spurious and illegitimate children.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
7:4 Christians have died to the power of the law (literally died to the law) and so are no longer bound to it. Paul often refers to the law of Moses as representing the old regime of sin and death, but through union with Christ in his death, believers are set free.