Introduction: The remainder of chapter 7 is an explanation of verse 5 where Paul told us that sin was aroused by the law and brought death. So, the focus in these verses will be on the relationship between sin and the law which Paul presumed would be misunderstood by some. 7a What shall we say then? Is the law sin? Certainly not! –How do we know that Paul is talking about the Law of Moses here? 7b On the contrary, I would not have known sin except through the law. For I would not have known covetousness unless the law had said, “You shall not covet.” –The law sin. 8a But sin, taking opportunity by the commandment, produced in me all manner of evil desire. – Sin used the law to make us sin all the more. 8b For apart from the law sin was dead. –What does Paul mean by dead here? 9 I was alive once without the law, but when the commandment came, sin revived and I died. 10 And the commandment, which was to bring life, I found to bring death. – The law self-righteousness and placed a sentence on us all. –How can Paul say he was alive apart from the law? –When did the commandment “come” to Paul? –When it finally came and he truly understood the commandment, what did it do to him? 11 For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it killed me. – Sin used the law to sinners –How does sin deceive us? What does it get us to believe about sin? 12 Therefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy and just and good.