The Spiritual Law and the Carnal Me Romans 7:14

Paul the apostle told the people in Rome,“sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful”, and in chapter seven and verse fourteen of Romans, Paul told his readers how “the law is spiritual: but I am carnal” where we read:

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

The verse begins, “For we know that the law is spiritual: ” Paul began with the words, “for” which means “even as, indeed, no doubt, seeing then, verily and therefore” “we know” which means “Paul, his companions and his believing readers understand, perceive, notice, discern and discover” “the law” or “the rule producing a state approved of God” “is spiritual” which refers to “divinely supernatural, regenerate and religious”. Paul shared how “God's law” is “supernatural and regenerate”.

The verse continues, “but I am carnal, sold under sin.” Paul added the words, “but” which is a disassociation conjunction that means what is about to be written takes precedence over what was just stated “I am carnal” which means “Paul is fleshly and under the control of the animal appetites”, “sold” or “delivered over willingly to the mastery, control and love” “under sin” which means “beneath missing the mark, erring and being mistaken”. Paul knew he was prone to do things according to his “fleshly nature” that was in “bondage and slavery” to “missing God's mark of perfection”.

When we think through these words of Paul, we see how he recognized the “supernatural” value of “the law of God”, but he also knew his “flesh” was in deep contrast to the obedience of it. “The law of God” was and is “perfect”, however, the “carnal” or “animal nature” of people is not. Therein is where the problem lie, and Jesus was the answer to that problem. Jesus Christ came to earth as a man, lived a sinless life compliant perfectly to God's law, and died on the cross for everyone else who could not keep it. He was “raised” from the grave three days after His death, and now He offers “eternal life” to everyone who “trusts in, relies upon and believes in” Him. Jesus “fulfilled” the “spiritual law”, and believing in His “finished work” brings “carnal” people into a relationship with God.

Next time Paul tells his readers, “that which I do I allow not”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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