| SUMMARY: |
There would be those who would be tempted to conclude at this point, especially some Gentiles, that the Law was a bad thing, that it was sinful. The Apostle, therefore, deals with the question, is the Law sin? He declares certainly not! It is holy, righteous and good. |
| I. Introductory Question and Answer |
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VERSE 7:7 |
| A. The Questions: |
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| 1. First: |
What shall we say then? |
(7a) |
| 2. Second: |
Is the Law sin? |
(7b) |
| B. The Answer: |
May it never be! |
(7c) |
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| II. Discussion |
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VERSES 7:7-11 |
| A. The Law Defines Sin: |
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| 1. The Principle Stated: |
On the contrary, I would not have come to know sin except through the Law; |
(7d) |
| 2. The Example Stated: |
for I would not have known about coveting if the Law had not said,
“YOU SHALL NOT COVET.” (Exodus:20:17) |
(7e) |
| 3. The Example Expanded: |
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| a. The Subject: |
But sin, |
(8a) |
| b. The Means: |
taking opportunity through the commandment, |
(8b) |
| c. The Result: |
produced in me coveting of every kind; |
(8c) |
| 4. The Conclusion: |
for apart from the Law sin is dead. |
(8d) |
| B. The Law Empowers Sin: |
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| 1. The Conditions Contrasted: |
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| a. Before the Law: |
I was once alive apart from the Law; |
(9a) |
| b. After the Commandment: |
but when the commandment came, sin became alive and I died; |
(9b) |
| 2. The Discussion: |
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| a. The Results Contrasted: |
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| (1) The Intended: |
and this commandment, which was to result in life, |
(10a) |
| (2) The Actual: |
proved to result in death for me; |
(10b) |
| b. The Reason Given: |
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| (1) The Subject: |
for sin, |
(11a) |
| (3) The Means: |
taking an opportunity through the commandment, |
(11b) |
| (3) The Result: |
deceived me and through it killed me. |
(11c) |
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| III. Conclusion |
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VERSE 7:12 |
| A. Stated: |
So then, the Law is holy, |
(12a) |
| B. Restated: |
and the commandment is holy and righteous and good. |
(12b) |