How does the law of sin work to deceive and defeat us?
Orientation
The internal struggle with sin often leads to a deceptive confidence in our own ability to be righteous, which can veil us from Christ.
- The struggle is not just about temptation, but about the flesh's desire for self-justification.
- This can produce either pride in our perceived progress or despair at our failures.
- Both outcomes keep us at a distance from true reconciliation with God.
But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. (Romans 7:23)
— Romans 7:23
Clarification
God's holy law was never given to empower our flesh, but to expose our sin and drive us to Christ.
- The law's purpose is to reveal sin, not to be a guide for achieving righteousness.
- Sin exploits the commandment to incite rebellion and foster self-confidence in our efforts.
- This results in a carnal mindset and spiritual blindness, veiling the glory of Christ.
Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. (Romans 3:20)
— Romans 3:20
Structure
The biblical logic reveals that God uses our defeats to expose fleshly futility and lead us to rely solely on Christ's righteousness.
- The law functions as a schoolmaster to bring us to Christ.
- God orchestrates the internal struggle to wear down our self-confidence.
- The outcome is faith in Christ, who is our righteousness, sanctification, and life.
Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. (Galatians 3:24)
— Galatians 3:24
Weight-Bearing Prose
The core theological assertion is that the law of sin deceives by exploiting God’s holy commandment. It incites covetousness and rebellion, fostering a delusion that the law is a means to achieve righteousness through self-effort. This produces a carnal mindset, spiritual blindness, and a veiling from Christ’s glory, leading either to self-righteous pride or condemnation. This is the ministry of condemnation. God’s positive purpose in giving the law is to expose sin and human inability, serving as a schoolmaster to lead to Christ. The internal struggle is God’s means to orchestrate defeats that expose fleshly futility. The solution is not improved law-keeping but faith in Christ, who fulfilled the law and atoned for sin. He is our righteousness, sanctification, and life. Believers are called to renounce confidence in the flesh and embrace living by the Spirit, which is the new way of reconciliation with God.
Integration
Your struggle does not define your standing. Assurance is based on faith in Christ alone, not on your performance in the battle. Christ is your High Priest who intercedes. The defeats you experience are used by God to turn you from self-reliance to dependence on Him. There is no pressure to advance or achieve a higher state. Your position is secure in Christ, who is your righteousness. Rest in this. The goal is not to master the struggle but to be mastered by Christ. He is your life. This is a landing place of grace, not a challenge to overcome.