Have you ever sat in a classroom and listened to an instructor go over a topic that is a little beyond your thinking? I know this will come as a shock to all of you, but I have been in that exact predicament before. I remember sitting in an atmospheric science course at Texas Tech and wondering just how in the world anyone could follow what the teacher was saying. Cloud density was determined by this equation UNLESS this happened, then it was determined by this equation.
I’m trying to imagine Paul addressing his audience and explaining to them that that are not bound by the old law. We have the benefit of believing in Jesus Christ and the added benefit of a written history. It is much easier for us to understand that Jesus established a new authority. The old law was dead. Paul uses an example of the death of a husband to explain the position of a Jew to the law after the death of Christ — Romans 7:1-6. He points out that just as a woman is not bound to a dead husband any longer, so are Jewish Believers not bound to keeping the law after the requirements of the law were fulfilled by Christ on the cross because of his death. In other words, the Old Testament law is like an dead husband — no hold, no authority any longer. This example would definitely resonate with the Jews of that time, but you can imagine how difficult that would be to grasp.
Unfortunately, some modern-day Christians point to these verses to justify their belief that the Old Testament is unnecessary. I believe that way of thinking is wrong and very dangerous. I look at these verses and am thankful that I am no longer a slave to the old law. I am thankful for my marriage to Christ Jesus and now “serve in the new way of the Spirit.” Romans 7:6
May God bless you and keep you this week!
Matt
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