Now is different from that time ...

When were were our old self

Our body was the body of sin and we were slaves to sin (Rom. 6:6).

At that time

We let sin reign in our mortal body

So that we obey its evil desires (v. 12).

At that time

We offered the parts of our body to sin,

As instrument of wickedness (v. 13).

We used to offer the parts of our body in slavery to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness (v. 19).

At that time

Sin was our master,

Because we were under the law (v. 14).

At that time

We were slaves to sin,

Which was leading us to death (v. 16).

In short

When we were controlled by the sinful nature,

The sinful passion aroused by the law were at work in our bodies,

So that we bore fruit for death (7:5).

But now

We are new creation (2 Cor. 5:17; Eph. 2:15; Col. 3:10).

Now

We are not under law but under grace (Rom. 6:14, 15).

In order to redeem us under the law that we may receive the full rights of children

Through the crucified body of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who was born under law (Gal. 4:4-5)

Now (Rom. 6:21, 22)

We also died to the law (7:4) and to sin (6:2-4).

Now

We are not slaves to sin who were free from the control of righteousness (v. 20)

But we have been set free from sins (v. 22)

And are slaves to obedience and to righteousness (vv. 16-18).

Now

Our old self was crucified with Jesus

So that the body of sin is done away with,

That we should no longer be slaves to sin (v. 6).

‘We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death

In order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father,

We too may live a new life’ (v. 4).

Now

By dying to what once bound us,

We have been released from the law

So that we serve in the new way of the Spirit (7:6).

Now

It is God who works in us to will and to act according to His good purpose (v. 18; Phil. 2:13).

In short,

Now that we have been set free from sin

And have become slaves to God,

The benefit we reap leads to holiness,

And the result is eternal life (Rom. 6:22)

[After listening to the sermon on Romans 7:1-6 by our church retired pastor yesterday in Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting]