Why God’s Law Exposes Sin—and How Christ Sets Us Free
- Jack Selcher
- Sep 8, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
Summary
God’s law reveals sin we often cannot see in ourselves, exposing cravings that replace God’s authority. Though the law is good and reflects God’s character, sin deceives us and traps us in failure. We may desire to do right yet lack the power to obey. The problem is not the law but our sinful nature. Romans 8 announces the good news that through Jesus Christ, we are set free from sin’s cage.
Blind to Our Own Sin
God’s law equips us to recognize our neighbor’s sin! Meanwhile, our sin is invisible to us.
It blends into our chosen way of life. To others, however, our sin is dressed in fluorescent orange.
Cravings That Replace God
The law commands us not to covet (Romans 7:7). It condemns cravings that trump God’s authority. They could include power, position, prosperity, sports, shopping, video games, etc.
“But none of these things are bad,” you say. True. Wealth, for example, is not bad. Yet the rich ruler’s craving for it was more important than following Jesus (Mark 10:17-27). We can repeat his sin in a thousand diverse ways.
Our cravings for God-substitutes reveal sin within us. They overpower us. Fulfilling them is our consuming purpose.
The Purpose of God’s Law
We do not recognize the problem until the Holy Spirit, through the law, points to the sore spots. God’s law reveals sin and causes it to thrive and spring to life as wind drives a fire.
Spring to life? In Florida, a sign on a bridge said, “No diving off the bridge.” Many defied it. Officials replaced it with a sign that said, “Please don’t feed the sharks.” That worked!
Sin’s Deception and Our Inability
Sin deceives us. It makes us think we are good. Compared to what? To our standards, of course. But Jesus’ life is the standard.
God’s law is not the problem. It is good. It reflects God’s character. He gave it to bring life (Romans 7:10).
“Keep my decrees and laws, for the person who obeys them will live by them. I am the Lord” (Leviticus 18:5 NIV). God’s law is like a directional sign that points to abundant life, blessing, fulfillment, and happiness.
Sin deceives us. It promises those same things independent of God. The law provides a valuable service. It exposes sin, the mighty force within us in rebellion against God.
God’s law is not the problem. We are. We are carnal. Sin owns us (Romans 7:14). We are like an eagle in a cage. We have wings. But we cannot free ourselves from the cage of sin.
We know we should read our Bible, pray, fellowship with other believers, love and serve God and others, give generously, and share our faith in Jesus with others. Yet, we do what we should not. We do not do what we should.
Despite being determined to do what is right, we often fail. “For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature.” For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out” (Romans 7:18 NIV). Can you identify with that?
How Christ Sets Us Free
We are better at believing the Bible than living it. We are better at talking about what is right than doing it. Sin traps us in a cage. Romans 8 opens the door. Christ came to set us free! See additional free spiritual growth resources for Christians.
God has empowered me to write His Power for Your Weakness—260 Steps Toward Spiritual Strength. It’s a free, evangelistic, devotional, and discipleship e-book. Pastors have used it in Malawi, Mozambique, and Zambia to lead 7,590 people to Christ and teach the basics of Christianity to 17,681 people. I invite you to explore and use it in your setting.
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