Romans 7:6
Verse
Context
Release from the Law
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.6But now, having died to what bound us, we have been released from the law, so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code.
Sermons
George Warnock
John Murray
Zac Poonen
Norman Grubb
J. Glyn OwenRick Bovey
Bakht SinghSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
But now we are delivered from the law - We, who have believed in Christ Jesus, are delivered from that yoke by which we were bound, which sentenced every transgressor to perdition, but provided no pardon even for the penitent, and no sanctification for those who are weary of their inbred corruptions. That being dead wherein we were held - To us believers in Christ this commandment is abrogated; we are transferred to another constitution; that law which kills ceases to bind us; it is dead to us who have believed in Christ Jesus, who is the end of the law for justification and salvation to every one that believes. That we should serve in newness of spirit - We are now brought under a more spiritual dispensation; now we know the spiritual import of all the Mosaic precepts. We see that the law referred to the Gospel, and can only be fulfilled by the Gospel. The oldness of the letter - The merely literal rites, ceremonies, and sacrifices are now done away; and the newness of the spirit, the true intent and meaning of all are now fully disclosed; so that we are got from an imperfect state into a state of perfection and excellence. We sought justification and sanctification, pardon and holiness, by the law, and have found that the law could not give them: we have sought these in the Gospel scheme, and we have found them. We serve God now, not according to the old literal sense, but in the true spiritual meaning.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
But now--On the same expression, see on Rom 6:22, and compare Jam 1:15. we are delivered from the law--The word is the same which, in Rom 6:6 and elsewhere, is rendered "destroyed," and is but another way of saying (as in Rom 7:4) that "we were slain to the law by the body of Christ"; language which, though harsh to the ear, is designed and fitted to impress upon the reader the violence of that death of the Cross, by which, as by a deadly wrench, we are "delivered from the law." that being dead wherein we were held--It is now universally agreed that the true reading here is, "being dead to that wherein we were held." The received reading has no authority whatever, and is inconsistent with the strain of the argument; for the death spoken of, as we have seen, is not the law's, but ours, through union with the crucified Saviour. that we should--"so as to" or "so that we." serve in newness of spirit--"in the newness of the spirit." and not in the oldness of the letter--not in our old way of literal, mechanical obedience to the divine law, as a set of external rules of conduct, and without any reference to the state of our hearts; but in that new way of spiritual obedience which, through union to the risen Saviour, we have learned to render (compare Rom 2:29; Co2 3:6). False Inferences regarding the Law Repelled (Rom. 7:7-25). And first, Rom 7:7-13, in the case of the UNREGENERATE.
John Gill Bible Commentary
But now we are delivered from the law,.... From the ministration of it, by Moses; from it, as a covenant of works; from its rigorous exaction; from its curse and condemnation, all this by Christ; and from its being an irritating, provoking law to sin, through the corruption of nature, by the Spirit and grace of Christ; but not from obedience to it, as in the hands of Christ. The Vulgate Latin version, and some copies read, "from the law of death"; and the Ethiopic version renders it, "we are loosed from the law, and are delivered from the former doctrine"; the doctrine of the legal dispensation. That being dead; not sin, but the law: in what sense believers are dead to the law, and that to them; see Gill on Rom 7:4. Wherein we were held: as a woman is by the law to her husband, or as persons guilty, who are detained prisoners; so we were "kept under the law, shut up unto the faith", as in a prison, Gal 3:23; Now the saints deliverance from the law through the abrogation of it, that losing its former life, vigour, power, and dominion, is not that they may live a loose licentious life and conversation, but that they should serve the Lord their God without slavish fear, and with a godly one, acceptably, in righteousness and holiness, all the days of their lives; and their Lord and Master Jesus Christ, who is King of saints, lawgiver in his church, and whose commandments are to be observed from a principle of love, in faith, and to his glory; yea, even the law itself, as held forth by him, as the apostle says in the close of this chapter, "with the mind I myself serve the law of God", Rom 7:25, the manner in which this service is to be, and is performed, is, in newness of Spirit; under the influences of the Spirit of God, the author of renovation, of the new creature, or new man created in us, in righteousness and true holiness; and from a new heart, and new Spirit, and new principles of life, light, love, and grace, formed in the soul; and by walking in "newness of life", Rom 6:4, or by a new life, walk, and conversation: and not in the oldness of the letter; not in the outward observance of the law of Moses, which is the "letter"; not indulging the old man, or walking after the dictates of corrupt nature; nor behaving according to the old former course of living: on the whole it may be observed, that a believer without the law, being delivered from it, that being dead to him, and he to that, lives a better life and conversation under the influence of the Spirit of God, than one that is under the law, and the works of it, destitute of the grace of God; the one brings forth "fruit unto death", Rom 7:5, the other serves the Lord, "in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter".
Tyndale Open Study Notes
7:6 the letter of the law (literally the letter): Paul uses the word letter to refer to the law, which was engraved on tablets of stone and consisted of individual letters (see 2:29; 2 Cor 3:5-7).
Romans 7:6
Release from the Law
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.6But now, having died to what bound us, we have been released from the law, so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
God's Dwelling Place
By George Warnock2.3K1:16:58Dwelling PlaceMAT 5:18JHN 12:24JHN 14:26ROM 7:61CO 2:9GAL 3:24HEB 8:13In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of seeking the Lord earnestly and experiencing His visitation. The speaker shares a personal testimony of going through a difficult time and seeking the Lord's guidance. During this time, the speaker reflects on the verse about the kernel of wheat falling to the ground and dying to produce fruit. The speaker desires to become like that kernel of wheat and produce fruit for the Lord. The sermon also encourages believers to wait upon the Lord and be open to His leading, allowing the Holy Spirit to have rightful lordship in their lives. The speaker highlights the need for a genuine expression of the Spirit of God and the importance of gathering together in a way that allows God to reveal His glory. The sermon concludes with a reminder of God's promises and the assurance that His word will accomplish its purpose. The speaker references various biblical elements such as the sanctuary, the rain from heaven, and the preparation of a place for believers in God's sanctuary.
Definitive Sanctification Part 1
By John Murray2.3K49:50SanctificationROM 5:20ROM 6:1ROM 7:6In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of living and acting in the world versus being translated into a new world of fear, life, and action after death. The speaker emphasizes that once a person dies, they are no longer bound by sin and are under the reign of grace. The sermon references Romans 6:13 and 1 Peter 4:1-2 to support the idea that believers should no longer live according to the lusts of men but rather with the will of God. The speaker also mentions that the teachings of the apostles Paul and John align with this perspective, although John's perspective may differ slightly.
(Romans) Romans 7:1-25
By Zac Poonen2.2K47:56MAT 6:10ROM 6:22ROM 7:1ROM 7:6ROM 7:9ROM 7:14ROM 7:22In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the theme of freedom from a legalistic approach to serving God. He explains that even though believers may understand the truth of being crucified with Christ, they still struggle with how to serve God. The preacher emphasizes that serving God should be done out of love and willingly, not reluctantly or unhappily. He also highlights the importance of being released from the law and serving in the newness of the Spirit rather than in the oldness of the letter. The sermon concludes by discussing how the law, although good, cannot make a person spiritual or meet God's standards.
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.
Sermon on the Mount: Our Soveriegn Lord (Part 2)
By J. Glyn Owen1.4K53:42Sermon on the MountMAT 5:17MAT 6:33ROM 7:6ROM 10:4GAL 3:24JAS 1:22In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of character in the kingdom of God. He explains that Jesus did not come to abolish the Old Testament, but to fulfill it. The sermon focuses on the role of the scriptures in the lives of believers. It highlights two aspects: the scriptures and one's status in the kingdom, and the scriptures and one's access into the kingdom. The preacher emphasizes that our attitude towards the word of God is crucial in determining our status and access in the kingdom of heaven.
Humanism Discussion
By Rick Bovey1.1K1:33:25HumanismMRK 11:2ROM 7:6GAL 5:23REV 2:2In this sermon, the preacher addresses the concerns of parents with children in the fourth and fifth grades. The preacher emphasizes the importance of starting with children and teaching them the right values and morals. They highlight the negative influence of evil in our homes and the media, urging parents to be mindful of what their children are exposed to. The preacher also emphasizes the need to teach children how to stand alone and make wise choices in the face of peer pressure. The sermon references 1 Timothy chapter four and discusses the corrosive impact of humanism on society's morality.
(Pdf Book) True Liberty
By Bakht Singh40300:00EbooksThe Law and GraceSpiritual FreedomGEN 15:13EXO 20:1MAT 11:28ROM 3:20ROM 7:6ROM 8:1ROM 10:4GAL 3:24HEB 4:1HEB 12:18Bakht Singh emphasizes the journey of the Israelites from Egypt to Canaan as a metaphor for spiritual freedom and the dangers of returning to bondage. He explains that while God delivered His people from slavery, they often struggled with the remnants of their old lives, just as believers today may revert to past sins despite being freed by Christ. The sermon highlights the purpose of the Law, which was to reveal sin and lead us to Christ, who fulfills the Law and offers true liberty through grace. Singh warns against teachings that impose legalistic practices, such as those from the Seventh Day Adventists, which can lead believers back into bondage rather than into the freedom found in Christ. Ultimately, he calls for a life led by the Spirit, free from the constraints of the old covenant, and encourages believers to embrace their identity as children of God.
A Return to Functional First Century Christianity - Part 3
By Peter Brandon1359:47Living By FaithVictory Over SinROM 6:2ROM 7:6ROM 7:14ROM 7:18ROM 7:24Peter Brandon emphasizes the significance of Romans 6 and 7 in understanding holiness and the struggle against sin. He explains that baptism symbolizes our death to sin, and that true victory over sin comes through faith in Jesus Christ, not through the law. Brandon discusses the internal conflict believers face, highlighting that while the law reveals sin, it cannot sanctify us; only the Spirit can empower us to live righteously. He encourages believers to trust in God's grace for victory over sin and to serve Him in the newness of the Spirit rather than the oldness of the law. Ultimately, he reassures that the struggle with sin will continue until we reach heaven, but through Christ, we can find victory in the conflict.
The Coming Great Revival - Part 2
By Andrew Murray0Holy SpiritEmpowerment for WitnessLUK 24:49ACT 1:5ACT 1:8ROM 7:6ROM 8:26GAL 5:18Andrew Murray emphasizes the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in the life of believers, highlighting the necessity of being filled with the Spirit to effectively witness for Christ. He explains that the Spirit empowers believers to pray, intercede, and live in newness, enabling them to fulfill their divine calling. Murray calls for the Church to recognize the importance of the Spirit's presence and to seek a deeper relationship with Him, which is essential for revival and effective ministry. He encourages believers to submit to the Spirit's leading, allowing Him to work through their weaknesses to glorify God. Ultimately, the sermon is a call to embrace the fullness of the Spirit for a vibrant Christian life and impactful witness.
Not Law but Promise Galatians 3
By John Nelson Darby0Grace and RighteousnessLaw vs. PromiseGEN 12:1GEN 22:16JHN 1:17ROM 3:20ROM 7:6GAL 3:10GAL 3:19GAL 3:26EPH 2:8HEB 11:8John Nelson Darby emphasizes the stark contrast between the law and the promise in Galatians 3, illustrating that the law brings a curse while the promise offers grace and blessing. He explains that the law, which demands human obedience, cannot provide righteousness or life, whereas the promise, given to Abraham and fulfilled in Christ, is based on faith and God's grace. Darby argues that the coexistence of law and promise is impossible, as they represent two distinct systems of God's dealing with humanity. He highlights that righteousness comes through faith in Christ, who bore the curse of the law, allowing believers to receive the blessings of the promise. Ultimately, Darby calls for a clear understanding of our relationship with God, which is rooted in grace rather than obligation to the law.
Added, Not Mixed
By Theodore Epp0Justification By FaithGrace vs. LawJHN 1:17ROM 3:28ROM 5:20ROM 6:14ROM 7:62CO 3:6GAL 2:16GAL 3:19EPH 2:8HEB 10:1Theodore Epp emphasizes that the Law was 'added' to the existing grace brought by Jesus Christ, highlighting that the Law, which began with Moses, was never intended to replace grace but to coexist alongside it. He explains that while the Law reveals sin and condemnation, it ultimately leads individuals to seek the grace of God for salvation. Epp clarifies that the Law was not good news, but rather a necessary precursor that pointed to the necessity of grace, allowing humanity to find justification through faith alone.
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.
The Cross and Life in the Spirit
By Jessie Penn-Lewis0The CrossLife in the SpiritJHN 7:37ACT 4:8ROM 7:6ROM 8:16ROM 12:111CO 2:112CO 7:1PHP 1:9COL 1:91TH 5:23Jessie Penn-Lewis emphasizes the transformative power of the Cross and the role of the Holy Spirit in the believer's life. She explains that through the Cross, believers experience a newness of spirit, allowing them to connect deeply with God and understand His will. The sermon highlights the distinction between the human spirit and the Holy Spirit, urging believers to cleanse their spirits and be led by the Spirit in their daily lives. Penn-Lewis encourages a fervent spirit that expresses itself in service and testimony, emphasizing the importance of spiritual discernment and obedience to the Holy Spirit's guidance.
The Life of Faith
By Andrew Murray0FaithGrace vs. LawHAB 2:4ROM 7:6GAL 2:20EPH 2:8Andrew Murray emphasizes that the life of a believer is sustained by faith, as stated in Habakkuk 2:4. He explains that this faith is not just for justification at conversion but is essential for every moment of a Christian's life, empowering them to live according to God's will. Murray contrasts the grace that comes through faith with the law that demands works, urging believers to rely on Christ's strength rather than their own. He encourages Christians to surrender their lives to Christ, allowing Him to work through them by faith. Ultimately, the message is about living a life of joyful trust in Jesus, who is our source of strength and power.
The Freedom of the Christian
By Andrew Murray0Empowerment by the Holy SpiritChristian FreedomJHN 8:36ROM 6:18ROM 7:6ROM 8:21CO 15:562CO 2:142CO 3:17GAL 5:18PHP 4:13Andrew Murray emphasizes the profound privilege of freedom for Christians, illustrating that true freedom is liberation from sin, the law, and the law of sin through Christ. He explains that while sin seeks to dominate, believers can claim their freedom by faith, recognizing that they are no longer under the law's condemnation. Murray highlights that the Holy Spirit empowers Christians to live in this freedom, enabling them to fulfill their God-given potential without hindrance. He draws parallels between the Israelites' exodus from Egypt and the believer's spiritual liberation, underscoring the importance of understanding and embracing this freedom. Ultimately, he calls for believers to live joyfully in the freedom provided by Christ, serving God without restraint.
God the Holy Spirit: His Anointing
By Lewis Sperry Chafer0EXO 30:22EXO 40:9LUK 10:34JHN 7:37ROM 5:5ROM 7:61CO 6:192CO 1:211JN 2:201JN 2:27Lewis Sperry Chafer emphasizes the significance of the Holy Spirit's indwelling in every believer, referred to as the Anointing in the Scriptures. The Spirit's presence in each child of God is highlighted as essential for understanding deep spiritual truths and living a life set apart for God. Chafer clarifies that the Spirit's indwelling is not a second work of grace but a vital part of salvation, enabling believers to live supernaturally. The Spirit's anointing sanctifies, empowers, and guides believers, symbolized by the anointing oil in the Old Testament, representing the life and character of Christ applied to the believer through the Spirit.
Stand Your Ground!
By Miles J. Stanford0ROM 6:14ROM 7:6ROM 8:2GAL 2:19GAL 3:12GAL 5:4EPH 2:8COL 2:16HEB 8:6Miles J. Stanford preaches about the contrast between the law and grace, emphasizing how the law can break a person while grace can make them whole. He discusses the complexity of walking in separation from religious systems of the past and future, highlighting the importance of being guided by the Spirit of God and the Word of God. Stanford challenges the misconception that Jesus was merely an introduction to Moses and that believers must keep the law to maintain their position, instead emphasizing that true faith leads to a natural walk of privilege and relationship with Christ.
Begin the Year With Courage
By Mary Wilder Tileston01CH 28:20PSA 121:1LUK 2:52ROM 7:6COL 3:23Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about starting the year with courage and faith, trusting in the Lord's presence and promise to never fail or forsake us. She emphasizes the importance of serving with a renewed spirit, seeking new life, strength, and happiness from God. Tileston encourages facing the new year with high resolution, patience, obedience, and cheerful subjection, just as Jesus did in Nazareth, being prepared for any opportunity that may arise.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
But now we are delivered from the law - We, who have believed in Christ Jesus, are delivered from that yoke by which we were bound, which sentenced every transgressor to perdition, but provided no pardon even for the penitent, and no sanctification for those who are weary of their inbred corruptions. That being dead wherein we were held - To us believers in Christ this commandment is abrogated; we are transferred to another constitution; that law which kills ceases to bind us; it is dead to us who have believed in Christ Jesus, who is the end of the law for justification and salvation to every one that believes. That we should serve in newness of spirit - We are now brought under a more spiritual dispensation; now we know the spiritual import of all the Mosaic precepts. We see that the law referred to the Gospel, and can only be fulfilled by the Gospel. The oldness of the letter - The merely literal rites, ceremonies, and sacrifices are now done away; and the newness of the spirit, the true intent and meaning of all are now fully disclosed; so that we are got from an imperfect state into a state of perfection and excellence. We sought justification and sanctification, pardon and holiness, by the law, and have found that the law could not give them: we have sought these in the Gospel scheme, and we have found them. We serve God now, not according to the old literal sense, but in the true spiritual meaning.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
But now--On the same expression, see on Rom 6:22, and compare Jam 1:15. we are delivered from the law--The word is the same which, in Rom 6:6 and elsewhere, is rendered "destroyed," and is but another way of saying (as in Rom 7:4) that "we were slain to the law by the body of Christ"; language which, though harsh to the ear, is designed and fitted to impress upon the reader the violence of that death of the Cross, by which, as by a deadly wrench, we are "delivered from the law." that being dead wherein we were held--It is now universally agreed that the true reading here is, "being dead to that wherein we were held." The received reading has no authority whatever, and is inconsistent with the strain of the argument; for the death spoken of, as we have seen, is not the law's, but ours, through union with the crucified Saviour. that we should--"so as to" or "so that we." serve in newness of spirit--"in the newness of the spirit." and not in the oldness of the letter--not in our old way of literal, mechanical obedience to the divine law, as a set of external rules of conduct, and without any reference to the state of our hearts; but in that new way of spiritual obedience which, through union to the risen Saviour, we have learned to render (compare Rom 2:29; Co2 3:6). False Inferences regarding the Law Repelled (Rom. 7:7-25). And first, Rom 7:7-13, in the case of the UNREGENERATE.
John Gill Bible Commentary
But now we are delivered from the law,.... From the ministration of it, by Moses; from it, as a covenant of works; from its rigorous exaction; from its curse and condemnation, all this by Christ; and from its being an irritating, provoking law to sin, through the corruption of nature, by the Spirit and grace of Christ; but not from obedience to it, as in the hands of Christ. The Vulgate Latin version, and some copies read, "from the law of death"; and the Ethiopic version renders it, "we are loosed from the law, and are delivered from the former doctrine"; the doctrine of the legal dispensation. That being dead; not sin, but the law: in what sense believers are dead to the law, and that to them; see Gill on Rom 7:4. Wherein we were held: as a woman is by the law to her husband, or as persons guilty, who are detained prisoners; so we were "kept under the law, shut up unto the faith", as in a prison, Gal 3:23; Now the saints deliverance from the law through the abrogation of it, that losing its former life, vigour, power, and dominion, is not that they may live a loose licentious life and conversation, but that they should serve the Lord their God without slavish fear, and with a godly one, acceptably, in righteousness and holiness, all the days of their lives; and their Lord and Master Jesus Christ, who is King of saints, lawgiver in his church, and whose commandments are to be observed from a principle of love, in faith, and to his glory; yea, even the law itself, as held forth by him, as the apostle says in the close of this chapter, "with the mind I myself serve the law of God", Rom 7:25, the manner in which this service is to be, and is performed, is, in newness of Spirit; under the influences of the Spirit of God, the author of renovation, of the new creature, or new man created in us, in righteousness and true holiness; and from a new heart, and new Spirit, and new principles of life, light, love, and grace, formed in the soul; and by walking in "newness of life", Rom 6:4, or by a new life, walk, and conversation: and not in the oldness of the letter; not in the outward observance of the law of Moses, which is the "letter"; not indulging the old man, or walking after the dictates of corrupt nature; nor behaving according to the old former course of living: on the whole it may be observed, that a believer without the law, being delivered from it, that being dead to him, and he to that, lives a better life and conversation under the influence of the Spirit of God, than one that is under the law, and the works of it, destitute of the grace of God; the one brings forth "fruit unto death", Rom 7:5, the other serves the Lord, "in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter".
Tyndale Open Study Notes
7:6 the letter of the law (literally the letter): Paul uses the word letter to refer to the law, which was engraved on tablets of stone and consisted of individual letters (see 2:29; 2 Cor 3:5-7).