1. The first half of Romans 7 , which we studied on December 12 th , talks about the Law . Although we can't be made righteous by the Law, it is still good; any weakness is in our flesh. January 2, 2011 Only through the knowledge of right and wrong can people realize and acknowledge Our need for a Savior.

2. 9 For I was alive without the Law once: but when the Commandment came, sin revived, and I died. Before Paul came to an understanding of the Law, maybe as a child or as a youth , But even more as a self-righteous Pharisee , He lived free from the bondage of guilt. But when the Holy Spirit convicted Paul, showing him how far short he fell of God's Intent , The Spirit of the Law , It killed his pride and self-righteousness, And brought him to repentance .

3. 10 And the Commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death. Deuteronomy 30 15 See, I have set before thee this day life and good , and death and evil; 16 In that I command thee this day to love the Lord thy God, to walk in His Ways , and to keep His Command-ments and His Statutes and His Judgments , that thou mayest live … All who would love the Lord, and live His Way Would have life and good ; blessing !

4. But Paul said, "I found it to be unto death." Why? Because he had been living in his own self-righteousness.

5. 11 For sin, taking occasion by the Commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me . 12 Wherefore the Law is holy, and the Commandment holy, and just, and good. 13 Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin , that it might appear sin , working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the Commandment might become exceeding sinful . Sin is the hidden enemy within the camp, who wreaks havoc until discovered and killed. Like an unknown poison , sin works death in us until we discover it and get rid of it.

6. How is sin discovered as sinful? By the Righteousness that is in the Law, when we are convicted of the Truth by the Holy Ghost. 13c that sin by the Commandment might become exceeding sinful. Human nature won't recognize sin as sinful ; We sugarcoat sin, but the Holy Ghost by the Word of God can reveal it as it is. People will say , "Well I'm a good person." That's because they don't see sin as sinful .

7. 14 For we know that the Law is Spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. God is the Giver of the Law; He is Spirit , therefore the Law is Spiritual . But, in our human nature , we are carnal, Sold under sin ! (NIV) 14 We know that the Law is Spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin.

8. 15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. I hate gossip, but sometimes I find myself spouting it or listening to it with glee.

9. I hate covetousne $$ , but I find myself wanting $tuff I do not need. (NIV) 15 I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. I hate to be angry, and yet I find myself yielding to ugly emotion.

10. "Why did you do that?" "I don't know." (NIV) 15 I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.

11. 16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the Law that it is good. 17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. The fact that I hate sin and don't want to do it, is admission that the Law is good ; sin is evil. The fact that I want to do good -- God's Will -- is admission that God's Way is good and my way is evil.

12. 19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. He said it twice, and the emphasis is needed. We are no better than the Apostle Paul; We are no better than one another .

13. As a pastor, I want to help people live blessed lives, but so often I make them mad instead. If you ask me , "Why did you do that?" "I don't even know how I did that." It was my intention to help.

14. 20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. 22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man : 23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. As Christians, we are two men -- the inward man born of God's Spirit, And the flesh man , born of our mama and daddy.

15. There is a battle in my mind.

16. 24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? 25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord . So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin. As long as we live in these mortal bodies , we will face the struggle of the inward spiritual man against the carnal nature of our flesh.

17. This is not a copout or loophole for those who would claim to be Christians, but live sinful lives. A child of God wants to live to please his Father. The struggle is genuine and sincere. If there is not really a struggle within you; If you enjoy sin instead of hating it ; You need to be born again .

19. Friday, January 7, 2011 at 7:00 P.M. God's Idea of a Good Time. All styles of Gospel Music: country, blues, western swing, rock, bluegrass, jazz, plus comedy, and The Word.