Sermon Outline 3.9.25

Title: You’re Not Married to Him Anymore

Text: Romans 7:1-6

Theme: In Christ, believers have died to the law’s demands and have been joined to Christ in a new relationship, not to live in legalism but to bear fruit for God.

I. Introduction: Shackled, Stranded, and Stuck
? Key Question: Are you walking in the newness of the Spirit or clinging to an old master?

II. The Law’s Lifespan: Limited and Lapsed (vv. 1-3)

• This is a simple but profound legal principle: Law only applies to the living. 
• Paul uses this to explain why we are no longer bound to the Law in Christ.
• The Law was a covenant made with Israel that points forward to Christ.
• Heb 8:13—the old covenant is obsolete
• The Law’s authority expires at death

? Galatians 3:24-25 – "The Law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian."

III. Liberated to Love the Lord (v. 4)

• Paul moves from the legal principle to the spiritual reality—we died to the Law in Christ.
• But notice, we are not just freed from something—we are freed for something.
• We died to the Law so that we could belong to Christ!
• Justification: We are declared righteous in Christ (Romans 3:28).
• Sanctification: We are now set apart to bear fruit for God (Romans 8:13).

? John 15:5– Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit.

IV. Legalism Stirs Sin, but the Savior Sparks Sanctification (vv. 5-6)

• The Law doesn’t sanctify; it exposes sin.
• When you give sinners a list of rules, they don’t get better—they get worse.
• The Law arouses rebellion, but Christ enables righteousness
• The Holy Spirit doesn’t just tell us what’s wrong—He gives us the power to obey.
• In Christ: The Spirit empowers obedience from within (Ezekiel 36:26-27).
• Are you modifying behavior to fit a system or being transformed by Christ?

V. Conclusion: Stop Serving a System—Start Savoring the Savior!

• Romans 7 marks a transition—the Law cannot save, but Christ alone brings life.
• Paul is laying the foundation for what comes next—the Spirit-led life in Romans 8
• Embrace grace, bear fruit, and live in freedom