"Dead to the Law"

Spiritual Realities of a Believer

Past - Adam sinned, we didn’t… In him, we did.

Present - Christ died, we didn’t… In Him we did.

We died to sin (6:1-14). No longer slaves to sin (6:15-23).

We died to the law (chapter 7).

What is the principle? (v. 1)

This principle was true of whatever law they knew.

The recipient could think of their law, or more specifically the Mosaic Law if they had any knowledge of that.

Laws are only binding on those who are alive.

What is the illustration? (vv. 2-3)

Marriage (v. 2) - context

“Bound” - tied to; “released” - no longer, abolished

What does this mean more specifically?

Adultery (v. 3) - violation

This is the specific violation of the Mosaic Law (Exodus 20:14; Numbers 5; Deuteronomy 22; Leviticus 20), and possibly other law codes.

1 Corinthians 7:39 ESV

A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord.

All of this is applicable before the death of the spouse, but not after.

So the law is binding (v. 1), but death eliminates that (vv. 2-3).

What is the application? (v. 4-6)

Another spiritual death for the believer (remember 6:1-11).

Notice what has happened (v. 4)…

Died in Christ to the law

Belong to Christ, not the law

And, why it has happened (v. 4).

Not to live according to our own whims

But to produce.

How do we bear fruit for God? Not by the law (v. 5).

“In the flesh” - not in Christ; something of the past

“Aroused by the law” - how sinful desires are provoked by (aggravated by) the law will be expanded in 7-11.

This is all that we were - flesh, sin, law, death; but notice the contrast...

How do we bear fruit for God? … But, by the Spirit (v. 6).

This is a radical change that Paul has mentioned before (2:29; 5:5).

Paul will say more about the Holy Spirit (chapter 8) because this is a great assurance for the believer.

But think of the difference in motivation and capability and application.

THIS IS SOMETHING THAT THE BELIEVER IS CAPABLE OF!

We were not capable of keeping the law before we were in Christ.

But now we are capable of bearing fruit for God by serving in the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:25).

Galatians 5:25 NASB95

If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.

Benediction: Romans 11:33–36 “Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! “For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?” “Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?” For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.”

Scripture Reading: Galatians 5:16–25