• Download Video
• Download Audio
• Print
• Email
• Save As PDF

"For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin."

Text: Romans 7:14

TENSIONS IN THEOLOGY

There is such a thing as “tensions in theology”. These tensions exist when one is trying to balance great but humbling truths. In this instance Paul had the greatest challenge in writing about the tension that existed between the law and the reality of the sinful flesh.

“For we know that the law is spiritual,
but I am carnal, sold under sin.”
Romans 7:14

1. Recalling what Paul had written about the law

a) It is holy. (Romans 7:12)

b) It is just. (Romans 7:12)

c) It is good. (Romans 7:12)

d) It is spiritual (newly added). (Romans 7:14)

2. Recalling what Paul wrote about sin

a) It is exceedingly sinful (Romans 7:13)

b) It can kill (Romans 7:11)

c) It is extremely deceptive (Romans 7:11)

d) It is cunning and will make use of even the law of God to cause a person to sin. (Cf. Romans 7:8, 11, 13)

3. Recalling what Paul wrote about human sinfulness

a) The old nature is “technically dead”. (Romans 6:1-6; 7:14)

b) A new nature is given to all believers in Christ. (Romans 6:7-11)

4. The tensions that exist

a) It concerns the human nature (even if we can speak of the old nature being crucified with Christ).

b) The human nature continues to struggle with the serious problem of carnality; and as long as we are in the flesh, this problem will never be fully resolved!