Romans 7:7, The Worth of the Law

Romans 7:7 What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.

The Apostle Paul now states the worth of the law. The law reveals our sinfulness. That we are plagued with the deadly disease of sin. Recall the Apostle Paul testified in Romans 3:20 “Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.” Galatians 3:11a, “But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God…” Indeed, the law lets us know that we’re sinners.

There was a rich young ruler who came to Jesus seeking the way to eternal life. Jesus said to him, “If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me..” (Matthew 19:21)

Jesus gave the young man the ultimate test. Jesus knew that this man was covetous. He loved his material wealth. By asking him to sell his all his goods, Jesus was forcing this man to examine his own heart and determine his first love. What or Who does he love utmost? With all his qualifications, this young man did not truly love God with all his heart. He had an idol in his heart – that is his possessions. This is his god. He clung on to it dearly for his life or may I say for his destruction.

Matthew 19:22 gave the young man’s response to Jesus’ question, “But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.” This is the question posed before you by the blessed Spirit through His Word – Is there any idol that you are clinging on to in place of God? Truly, we see that one idol cherished in the heart may ruin a soul forever.

Jesus showed this young man his besetting sin and with his weak point exposed, he was vulnerable. He could not stand the test. Truly, Paul said rightly, “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” (1 Timothy 6:10) Bible reminds us of Judas Iscariot, Ananias and Sapphira who were judged by God because of the sin covetousness.

The law exposes our sin, leads to our repentance, when we come to Christ for forgiveness and cleansing. This is the worth of the law. Amen.