Romans 7:1-25

Key Verse: 7:25a

• AN ILLUSTRATION FROM MARRIAGE (1-6)

1. To whom is Paul speaking in these verses? What does it mean to be committed to the law? What are the limits of the law’s authority over a person?
2. Read verses 2, 3. Why does Paul use the law of marriage as an example? In what sense had he been married to the law? According to the law, how can the bonds of marriage be dissolved?
3. Why did Jesus save us and make us his own bride (4b)? What is the fruit of the new union? (Ro 5:1, Gal 5:22,23; Jn 15:16) What kind of fruit did we bear when we were under the law? Why? What is the difference between serving in the new way of the Spirit and serving in the old way of the law?

• FAITH GROWS THROUGH SPIRITUAL STRUGGLES (7-24)

1. Is the law sinful? (7, 12) What is its function? (7,13, 3:20; Gal 3:24) Which commandment defeated Paul? Why did he say that the commandment brought death to him? How is the 10^th commandment different from the others?
2. Read verses 14-20.What is the struggle that goes on inside one who wants to do what is right? (Heb 12:4) Why is it good and necessary to struggle with sin (Ro 7:8a; Ge 4:7b)
3. What do these verses teach about the nature of man? About why Paul speaks of life as a spiritual battle? (1 Ti 1:18; 6:12; 2 Ti 4:7) Why is it important to struggle with God rather than with men?
4. Read verses 21-24, 25b. What are the 2 spiritual principles at work within us? Why does Paul delight in God’s law? What is the war that is going on inside him? What is his cry? (24)

• JESUS CHRIST, THE ONLY SAVIOR (25)

1. What is the only way out of this defeated situation? What is Paul’s cause for thanksgiving? What can we learn here?