For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sin, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death. But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.
Commentary:
Sinners are condemned by the law, the law keeper can’t live up to it, and the person with the new nature finds his or her obedience to the law sabotaged by the effects of the old nature. When a person dies to the old life and belongs to Christ, a new life begins. Unbeliever’s mindsets are centered on their own personal gratification. Those who don’t follow Christ have only their own self determination as their source of power.
People try to earn their way to God by keeping a set of rules, attending church, doing good deeds, and obeying commandments. All they earn for their efforts is frustration and discouragement. Keeping the rules, laws, and customs of Christianity doesn’t save us. Jesus Christ will free you to serve him out of love and gratitude. Christ’s love will truly set you free, from merely any external code. We now serve not by obeying a set of rules, but out of love for God. Let the reality of Christ’s power lift you up to real victory over sin. Christ who has conquered sin, promises to fight by our side.