Romans 7:11

Memory Verse

For the sin taking opportunity through the commandments thoroughly deceived me and through it, it killed (Romans 7:11).

Paul is writing about dealing with the sin nature—that aspect of our being which strongly desires to manifest the qualities of the flesh for its own gratification. Although the definite article ("the") is often omitted in English translations, it is present in the original Greek for a reason. Paul is not referring to sin in a general sense, but to a specific entity—the sin nature.

The commandments, though rational in themselves, do not grant us victory over the sin nature. On the contrary, the sin nature exploits the commandments to deceive us, seeking to assert control, for the law gives it strength (1 Corinthians 15:56). The term death refers to separation, not annihilation. When we attempt to live by law, it separates us from who we are in Christ in our activities—resulting in death—and makes it impossible to live out the Christian life.

It is easy to fall into a pattern of negativity, focusing on what we are not to do, rather than on doing the things of God. When we act as righteous ones—yielding our members to righteousness—the sin nature loses its strength. Indeed, we are not to violate the standards of the Mosaic Law; however, we do not live out from that law, for we live out from faith, by grace. Therefore, rather than berating ourselves with constant “do not” commands, let us focus on who we are in Christ and be righteous.