19. Romans 7:1-6 - The Law and Relationship with Christ

In this passage, Paul uses the analogy of marriage to illustrate the believer's relationship with the Law continuely. Just as a woman is bound to her husband only while he is alive, so too are we bound to the Law only until we "die" to it through our union with Christ.

1 Or do you not know, brothers—for I am speaking to those who know the law—that the law is binding on a person only as long as he lives? 2 For a married woman is bound by law to her husband while he lives, but if her husband dies she is released from the law of marriage.  Accordingly, she will be called an adulteress if she lives with another man while her husband is alive. But if her husband dies, she is free from that law, and if she marries another man she is not an adulteress. 4 Likewise, my brothers, you also have died to the law through the body of Christ, so that you may belong to another, to him who has been raised from the dead, in order that we may bear fruit for God. 5 For while we were living in the flesh, our sinful passions, aroused by the law, were at work in our members to bear fruit for death. 6 But now we are released from the law, having died to that which held us captive, so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit and not in the old way of the written code.

I’ve realized that I often feel like I need to meet certain religious expectations—whether from other people or even from myself. It’s like I’ve been stuck in this mindset of needing to “do” certain things to earn God’s love and gain recognition from people. But this message reminds me that this isn’t how God wants me to live. I belong to Christ now, and it’s not about my performance anymore.

I will focus more on my relationship with Jesus, instead of trying to please people or meet religious standards. I will cultivate my relationship with God. When I feel uncertain about my worth or purpose, I will return to the truth that I belong to Christ.

When I think about my life, am I showing love, joy, peace, and patience? Or am I still struggling with impatience, selfishness, or anger? I’ve come to realize that I can’t produce this fruit by trying harder. It’s the Holy Spirit who changes me, and I need to rely on Him more.

Therefore, I’m going to spend more intentional time with God—through prayer and Scripture—focusing on letting the Holy Spirit work in me. When I feel like I’m not good enough, I’ll remind myself that I belong to Christ, and He’s the one who gives me the ability to bear good fruit. I’m going to ask the Spirit for help in areas where I struggle, like being patient and showing self-control.

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for setting me free through Jesus. Thank You that I don’t have to live under the pressure of meeting all these religious expectations but can live in the freedom of Your Spirit.

I confess that I often feel like I need to earn Your approval or meet others' standards. Help me to let go of that mindset and remember that I belong to You. Guide me to focus on my relationship with Jesus, rather than on trying to measure up.

Holy Spirit, I ask for Your help in growing in love, joy, peace, patience, and the other fruits of the Spirit. I know I can’t do this on my own, so I invite You to work in my heart. Help me to stay connected to Christ and trust that You will bring about the transformation I need.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.