Chapter Summary

The conflict of the flesh with the spiritual nature. Impossibility of victory through the law.

Discussion Questions for Romans, Chapter 7

1. Who is Paul addressing in verse 1? Why is it important to know the audience and the context of particular Scriptures?
2. Why do you think Paul uses the analogy of a "married woman" (HCSB) to explain the law? What is the significance of this in the context of his audience?
3. Do you think that Paul's explanation of the "law" (HCSB) is complex and confusing? Why do you think that it's so hard for us to grasp the meaning and purpose of the law?
4. What is the ultimate deliverance from our struggle with sin? In what specific ways do you lean on Jesus for deliverance of daily struggles?
5. What is the significance of Paul telling us to "bear fruit for God" (HCSB)? Why do you think that Paul uses so many agricultural references to explain our relationship to God?
6. How many times does Paul refer to sin as "seizing an opportunity" (HCSB)? How does this frame your understanding of the powerful and predatory nature of sin?
7. What is the significance of Paul saying that sin is "waging war" (HCSB) in his body? How do you approach our struggle with sin as a "war"? What does this say about the nature of the spiritual battle we are facing?
8. Who does Paul ultimately depend on to rescue him? In what ways might you be tempted to fight your battle with sin in your own power and strength? What would Scripture say about that perspective?
9. Why do we see Paul so internally conflicted about doing and not doing the right thing? In what ways can you relate with your internal struggle with sin? In what ways do you see victory or failure in that battle?
10. What is your understanding of "the law" (HCSB) in this passage after reading and studying it? Where does the law come from? In what ways do we or do we not follow the Old Testament law?

Key Words/Phrase

Sold under sin, v. 14.

Characters

God, Christ, Paul

Strong Verse(s)

4, 12, 13, 23, 24, 25.