Sixth Sunday after Pentecost

 Sermon Text: Romans 7:15-25a

 Other Readings: Exodus 33:12-23 and Matthew 11:25-30



 

  1. There is a long-standing debate about these verses. On one side of the debate, commentators say that Paul is describing people before they are converted. On the other side of the debate, commentators say that Paul is describing himself (and, therefore, other Christians) after they have been converted. Whom do you think Paul is talking about. What proofs do you have?
     
  2. According to these verses from Romans 7, do you think we should say that people have a free will?
     
  3. Sometimes people try to excuse themselves from blame by saying, “The devil made me do it!” Here, is Paul trying to pass the blame by saying, “Sin made me do it!”? Explain your position.
     
  4. In our Gospel Reading from Matthew 11:25-30, Jesus talks about people who are “weary and burdened” (Matthew 11:28). In what ways does Paul fit that description, at least according to the way he describes himself here in Romans 7?
     
  5. What is a particular temptation / sin that you struggle with? Use this Sunday’s readings to help you say a prayer to our God who gives us rescue from temptation and sin.

 

  1. Paul is describing his personal struggle(s) as a Christian after conversion. This is illustrative of every Christian’s personal struggle(s) with sin after conversion. No one can truly “desire to do what is good” (v. 18) or “delight in God’s law” (v. 22) without first being converted by the Holy Spirit. Paul’s language here moved Martin Luther to describe Christians this side of heaven as “at the same time both sinners and saints.” Our rescue from this struggle comes in part at our death and in full at the Last Day.
     
  2. No, people do not have a free will–at least not in spiritual matters. You are free to go to McDonalds or Culvers for lunch, but that is something “beneath” you. When it comes to God and his will which are “above” you, you do not have the power by yourself to rise up and achieve that. As Saint Paul says, “I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature” (v. 18). But when Christ rules in our hearts and gives us the Spirit, we are empowered to delight in God’s law and do it, by the Spirit’s power, not our own.
     
  3. No, Paul is not trying to excuse himself. Several times he owns up to what is going on inside him and what he himself does. He even calls himself “wretched” (v. 24). Paul still accepts blame for his sin.
     
  4. Paul’s exasperated question in verse 24 is from someone who is worn out and burdened, spiritually speaking. He cannot do anything without God’s help. In the same way, when you realize your failings, when you feel your guilt, or even when someone else has burdened you, you can look to Jesus for rest and rescue!
     
  5. God give you rest from any guilt and power to win the war within! Have confidence that in Jesus Christ he freely provides both!