A synopsis of the sermon delivered by the Rev. David L. Hicks at St. Paul’s Reformed Episcopal Church on Sunday, March 23, 2003, Lent III. Please read Exodus 20:1-17 and Romans 7:13-25.

There are parts of the Bible that are easier to understand than others. Romans chapter seven is not one of the easy parts. Christians have debated for centuries as to what exactly Paul is trying say here. Is he speaking of his life before knowing Jesus Christ, or is describing his life as a Christian struggling with sin? Rather than getting bogged down in the details of these questions, it seems best to consider this chapter in light of some of Paul’s overarching concerns in the book of Romans. Paul is concerned to explain here and elsewhere the purpose for God’s giving the Old Testament law and to show the powerlessness of humanity to conform to it.

Previously in the epistle to the Romans, Paul explained that the law exposes the sinfulness of all those who come in contact with it. Is something, therefore, wrong with the law because it brings about such a negative result? Not at all, the apostle tells us. The problem is with us. The law simply exposes what is there and magnifies it so that it may be clearly seen. “It was sin producing death in me through what is good [the law], in order that sin might be shown to be sin, and through the commandment might become sinful beyond measure” (7:13).

Dentists often give children tablets to chew after brushing their teeth. The tablets react with any remaining plaque and food particles and expose the neglected areas by turning bright red or pink. The tablets do not create the problem; they expose and magnify what is already there in order to convince the child that he or she needs to do a better job of brushing. So it is with God’s law. On of the reasons for giving it is to show us the extent to which we have departed from God.

Paul is also keenly aware that we are unable to correct the problem of sin in our own power. “I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate…Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?” (7:15 & 24). Humanity likes to think that its problems arise from conditions outside of itself. The ills of society are blamed on poverty, the failure of the educational system and host of other situations. Individually, people blame parents, missing the “lucky break” or mistreatment by others as the culprits. Certainly these things do produce a set of problems, but the real problem lies far deeper. It lies within the heart of man.

Thankfully, God does not leave us in this predicament. Jesus Christ rescues us from the law of sin and death (7:25). He does not just come as an example. Showing someone how to do something is no help if the person is powerless to perform the task. Rather, Christ not only gives us an example to follow, but he gives himself to us. Through the Holy Spirit, Christ dwells in us and produces in us the kind of heart and mind that are pleasing to God. He begins this work in our lives now, and lets us struggle with the sins that his law exposes – he allows the red dye to show where we have not brushed. Yet, we have the assurance that someday this work will be brought to completion. What we are powerless to do, God is able to do. As Paul says elsewhere, “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6). 
Amen.