FREED FROM THE LAW

FREED FROM THE LAW

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Romans 7:1-6

Key Verse: "But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter." (Romans 7:6, KJV)

Supporting Texts: Galatians 2:19-21; Galatians 3:23-29; Ephesians 2:14-16; Colossians 2:13-17; Hebrews 8:6-13; John 1:17.

Description: Through our union with Christ, believers have been released from the condemnation of the Law and are now empowered to serve God through the Holy Spirit.

INTRODUCTION
Romans 7:1-6 explains the believer's new relationship with the Law after salvation. The Apostle Paul uses the illustration of marriage to show that death changes legal obligations. Just as the death of a husband releases a wife from the legal bond of marriage, believers have died with Christ and are therefore released from the Law as a means of obtaining righteousness before God.

This does not mean that God's Law is evil or unnecessary. The Law revealed God's holy standard and exposed humanity's sinfulness, but it could never save sinners or give them the power to obey God. Instead, it pointed people to their need for a Saviour. Through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, believers have entered a new covenant based on grace rather than legal observance.

Being freed from the Law does not give Christians permission to live carelessly. Rather, it enables them to serve God in "newness of spirit." The Holy Spirit now writes God's law upon the heart, empowering believers to obey God willingly out of love instead of fear or legal obligation.

1. DEATH WITH CHRIST RELEASES BELIEVERS FROM THE LAW
Union with Christ has changed the believer's legal standing before God.

a) The Law Has Authority Over The Living (Romans 7:1)
The Law exercises jurisdiction only while a person remains under its legal obligation.

b) The Marriage Illustration (Romans 7:2-3)
Paul uses marriage to demonstrate that death ends a legal covenant and establishes freedom from its obligations.

c) Believers Died With Christ (Romans 7:4)
Through Christ's death, believers have died to the Law as the means of justification.

d) United To The Risen Christ (Romans 7:4)
Having died with Christ, believers now belong to Him and live for His glory.

Biblical Example: The veil of the Temple (Matthew 27:50-51). At Christ's death, the veil was torn from top to bottom, symbolising open access to God through Christ rather than through the old covenant system.

2. THE LAW REVEALED SIN BUT COULD NOT SAVE
God's Law exposed humanity's guilt but lacked the power to transform the human heart.

a) The Law Reveals God's Holiness (Romans 7:5)
The Law demonstrates God's perfect standard and exposes human sinfulness.

b) The Law Cannot Justify (Galatians 2:16)
No one can be declared righteous through keeping the Law.

c) The Law Points Us To Christ (Galatians 3:24)
The Law serves as a tutor leading sinners to recognise their need for Jesus.

d) Only Christ Removes Condemnation (Romans 8:1)
Freedom from condemnation is found only through faith in Christ.

Biblical Example: The rich young ruler (Mark 10:17-22). Although he sought to keep the commandments, he discovered that outward obedience alone could not save him because his heart was not fully surrendered to God.

3. BELIEVERS NOW SERVE GOD IN THE NEWNESS OF THE SPIRIT
The Holy Spirit enables believers to obey God from transformed hearts.

a) Released To Serve God (Romans 7:6)
Freedom from the Law allows believers to serve God with joyful devotion.

b) The Holy Spirit Writes God's Law On The Heart (Hebrews 8:10)
God's will becomes an inward desire rather than an external burden.

c) Walk By The Spirit (Galatians 5:16)
The Holy Spirit empowers believers to overcome the desires of the flesh.

d) Serve With Love Rather Than Legalism (John 14:15)
Obedience flows from love for Christ rather than fear of punishment.

Biblical Example: The Apostle Peter (Acts 2:1-41). After receiving the Holy Spirit, Peter was transformed from a fearful disciple into a bold preacher who joyfully served Christ.

4. FREEDOM IN CHRIST PRODUCES SPIRITUAL FRUIT
God sets believers free so that their lives will bear lasting fruit for His Kingdom.

a) Bear Fruit Unto God (Romans 7:4)
Believers are called to produce lives characterised by righteousness and holiness.

b) Remain Connected To Christ (John 15:4-5)
Fruitfulness depends upon continual fellowship with Jesus.

c) Manifest The Fruit Of The Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)
The Holy Spirit develops Christ-like character within believers.

d) Live For God's Glory (Matthew 5:16)
Our good works should point others to our heavenly Father.

Biblical Example: Barnabas (Acts 11:22-24). Filled with the Holy Spirit and faith, Barnabas lived a fruitful life that encouraged many believers and advanced the Gospel.

CONCLUSION
Romans 7:1-6 teaches that believers are no longer under the Law as the means of obtaining righteousness. Through union with Christ, we have died to the Law and entered into a new covenant relationship with Him. We are justified by grace through faith and empowered by the Holy Spirit to live lives that please God.

Therefore, let us not return to legalism or self-righteousness, nor misuse our freedom as an excuse for sin. Instead, let us embrace the liberty Christ has purchased for us, walk daily in the power of the Holy Spirit, and bear abundant fruit that brings honour and glory to God.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, thank You for delivering me from the condemnation of the Law through Jesus Christ, in Jesus name.

2. Lord, help me to live daily in the freedom that You have given me, in Jesus name.

3. Father, fill me continually with the Holy Spirit and empower me to serve You faithfully, in Jesus name.

4. Lord, remove every spirit of legalism and self-righteousness from my life, in Jesus name.

5. Father, help me to obey You from a heart filled with love and gratitude, in Jesus name.

6. Lord, produce the fruit of the Spirit abundantly in my life, in Jesus name.

7. Father, strengthen me to remain steadfast in Your grace and truth, in Jesus name.

8. Lord, let my life continually glorify You and draw others to Christ, in Jesus name.

9. Father, preserve me from every form of spiritual bondage and deception, in Jesus name.

10. Lord, help me to serve You in the newness of the Spirit all the days of my life, in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You shall continually enjoy the freedom that Christ has purchased for you.

2. Every spirit of condemnation and legalism is broken over your life in the name of Jesus.

3. The Holy Spirit shall empower you to serve God with joy, faithfulness, and excellence.

4. You shall bear abundant spiritual fruit that glorifies the name of the Lord.

5. Every attempt of the enemy to draw you back into spiritual bondage shall fail.

6. You shall grow daily in grace, wisdom, and the knowledge of Jesus Christ.

7. The Lord shall strengthen you to walk faithfully in the power of the Holy Spirit.

8. Your life shall continually reflect the character and holiness of Christ.

9. You shall remain steadfast in God's grace and fulfil His divine purpose for your life.

10. From this day forward, you shall serve God in the newness of the Spirit, walk in the liberty of Christ, bear lasting fruit for His Kingdom, and finish your Christian race with joy, in the mighty name of Jesus.