Romans - Pauls Autobiography Part 1

Since it has been several weeks since we looked into the book of Romans, I will refresh your memories concerning what we have been learning from this book. We have learned the truth that all men are sinners before the Lord and that men are in need of a Savior, chapters 1-3. We have learned that true righteousness, and salvation come only through the exercise of faith, chapters 4-5. We have learned that in Jesus Christ, we are dead to sin and to the Law, chapters 6-7a. Most recently, we discovered that we have been liberated from the Law of God by our death with Christ on the cross and that we are no longer married to the Law, but are married to Jesus and are free from the Law. These are blessed truths!Let’s read from God’s Word!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.8 But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin was dead.9 For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died.10 And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death.11 For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me.12 Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.13 Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful.In the verses before us this evening, Paul is going to illustrate his teachings about the Law of God by sharing with us an intimate look at his own life. In these verses, and through to the end of the chapter, Paul gives us his spiritual autobiography.