Romans 7:16, The Law Is Indeed Good

Romans 7:16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.

The Apostle Paul acknowledges that the law is indeed good because it warned him against yielding to temptation and sin against God. As the psalmist testified, “Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counsellers.” (Psalm 119:24) The word of God is valuable to him because it helps him to navigate and keep clear of the landmines of life.

He understood that if he sinned, he is culpable. He is without excuse. The Holy Spirit by the Word brings conviction to his heart giving it no rest until it surrenders. He has an awakened conscience, sensitive to sin. This heightened spiritual awareness is the mark of spiritual maturity.

The tender heart of such a man is well described in Psalm 119. He understood that the good laws of God were key to finding spiritual victory against sin. As you read through all 176 verses, notice that the psalmist is crying almost throughout the whole psalm. Indeed, life is full of trouble, tears and sorrow because this is a fallen world that we live in. The struggle against sin is very real. Yet there is peace, hope and joy in the psalmist’s heart. What is his secret? It is the Word of God that keeps and sustains him through his every temptation and trial. Take time to read through this psalm. Take note of the different terms used to describe the various aspects of God’s Word. Psalm 119 is an acrostic psalm with each of the 22 sections of eight verses beginning with succeeding letters of the Hebrew alphabet. This is done to facilitate learning — it is a memory aid. The psalm is written in thanksgiving to God for the blessings that come from embracing the good Word in a believer’s life. The psalmist praises God for giving him His Word and is resolved to allow the Word of God to guide his life. How about you? Is God’s Word an integral part of your life?

May the Lord help us to know His Word and allow the good Word to bless our lives with holiness. Amen.