What do we do about the problem of "indwelling sin"? The Law was given to deal with the acts of sin committed, but what does a man do about desires coming from the flesh? What does one do about a principle of sin that dwells in the flesh and resists the "law of God"? Before the work of sanctification can be realized in one's daily life, the principle of sin in the flesh must be effectively solved.
The "law of sin" is not overcome by the will or self-effort. The Law of sin which dwells in the flesh can also be referred to as "the old man", (Roman 6:6). One should notice that the law of sin finds its dominion in the body of man. The body is born of Adam and bears the nature of Adam. The only way for it to be free from the dominion of sin is to bury "the old man" with Christ, then sin in the body is no longer operative. This does not mean the flesh no longer exists, but that its power to rule over man is broken. This passage clearly sets forth the fact that the Law is ineffective in dealing with sin that dwells in the flesh of man. (Romans 7:7-25).
Is the Law sin? vs. 7.
No, the flaw is not in the Law, but in the sinful creature who lives under it. The Law is like its Giver, "holy and righteous and good," vs 12.
One comes to know sin through the Law, vs 7. (You shall not covet).
Sin comes in through desires of the flesh and refusing to deny oneself is to allow lust to take over. REFUSAL TO BE LIMITED IN ONE'S DESIRES IS THE VERY BASIS OF EVIL.
Conclusion: The Law came in to deal with covetousness. However, the result was "the commandment produced in me coveting of every kind; for apart from the Law sin is dead, " vs. 8. Sin lies dormant until activated by a command that brings restraint. It then gathers force to fulfill its desires.
The Law brings death, vv. 9-13
1) Where there is no Law, sin is not imputed, vs. 9.
2) Sin through the Law brought death, vs. 11.
3) The Law shows sin to be sin, vs. 13.
4) The Law basically is good, vs. 12.
Conclusion: The Law brings the sinner to face his sins. The result is condemnation and death.
The Law is spiritual, vs. 14.
It is spoken of as spiritual because its source is God.
Man is spoken of as flesh because his head is Adam.
1. The Law is made up of spiritual principles to follow.
2. In contrast, man finds himself the opposite, fleshly, weak and sinful.
So we have a conflict between the flesh and the Law. Flesh will not come under subjection to the Law of God.
Pilgrim
