The Law and the Human Problem
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Rev. (Rtd.) Osei Kwabena Nkrahene | Thursday, August 20, 2026 | Romans 7:1–6
KEY VERSE: “The law is binding on a person only as long as he lives.” — Romans 7:1 ESV
MESSAGE:
After showing us in Romans 6 that believers have been set free from sin’s dominion, Paul now begins a new section in Romans 7. Here, he turns our attention to freedom from the Law and introduces a principle his readers would readily understand: the Law is binding on a person only as long as he lives. This raises an important question as we enter the chapter: Is there something wrong with the Law from which we need to be freed?
The Law being discussed is the Mosaic Law, and Paul is not suggesting that there is anything evil about it. Scripture speaks highly of God’s Law, and Paul himself will later stress that “the law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good” (Romans 7:12). The Law reveals God’s righteous standard and makes us conscious of sin.
The problem, then, is not the Law itself but the human condition on which the Law operates. The Law exposes what sin has done to us, but it cannot give sinful humanity the power to meet God’s righteous demands. As Paul begins to explain our freedom from the Law, he is preparing us to see more clearly why we need the saving work of Christ. The Law shows us what is right, but only Christ can give us the life and strength to walk in God’s will.”
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
Do not depend on keeping a code to produce the life God desires. Look to Christ for the strength to live according to God’s will.
PRAYER:
Father God, help me understand my need for Christ and depend on Him for the strength to live as You want me to. Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING
Day 232 Isaiah 13–15 — The Lord’s Judgment Against the Nations
DAILY word study: BINDING The word translated “binding” comes from the Greek kyrieuō, meaning “to rule over,” “have dominion over,” or “exercise authority over.”
In Romans 7:1, Paul uses kyrieuō to describe the Law’s authority over a person during life. His emphasis is on jurisdiction. The Law carries real authority, and Paul begins the chapter by establishing that death changes that relationship. This principle prepares the way for what he will explain as Romans 7 unfolds.
Reflect on this:
The Law’s authority helps you understand your need for Christ. Depend on Him for the life God desires.
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