The Purpose of the Law

This seventeenth message from Romans is used by Paul to elevate the Law as holy and righteous and good - not as sinful. He begins with a CLARIFICATION regarding the purpose of the Law, as that which helped him to recognize sin for what it is. The Law's prohibitions exposed sin, revealing the principle that sin will always take advantage of the commandments to bring out sin of every kind. The CONSEQUENCE for Paul revealed the revival of sin, and resulted in spiritual inactivity. The reason that sin could take opportunity is because it deceived him spiritually and brought death to his activity as a believer. Paul's CONCLUSION regarding the Law was that: (1) it is reliable to bring separation between what is holy and unholy; (2) its requirements are always just, upright and fair; and (3) it produces results that are always beneficial and profitable toward eternity.