Paul reminds us first that the Law is good. It’s not the source of sin; rather, it reveals sin. Like a mirror, the Law shows us where we fall short, exposing the depths of our brokenness. Without the Law, we wouldn’t even recognize the true extent of sin in our hearts.

Then comes the hard truth: sin brings death. Even though the Law reveals God’s holiness and guides us toward righteousness, our sinful nature twists it into rebellion. Paul vividly describes the battle within—a war waging between his desire to do good and the sinful tendencies that so often win out. “What I want to do, I do not do, but what I hate, I do.” It’s a cry of frustration that resonates with all of us.

But Paul doesn’t leave us there in despair. He points us to the solution, and here’s the hope we cling to as Christians: we desire deliverance, and it comes through Jesus Christ our Lord.

As we take a break for Christmas in our study of Romans, this message feels particularly fitting. The struggles of Romans 7 point us directly to the joy of the season—the coming of our Deliverer. Jesus entered our world not to condemn us for our sin but to rescue us from its grip. His birth is the beginning of our freedom, and His life, death, and resurrection are the fulfillment of the deliverance we long for.

So, as we prepare our hearts for Christmas, let us remember this truth: while the struggle between death and life is real, the victory has already been won. Christ has come, and He has set us free.