Pastor Marshall Ochs | FEBRUARY 15, 2026
In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Romans 7. In this chapter, Paul teaches that believers are no longer bound to the law but are made alive in Christ, moving from slavery to sin and death into freedom through the Spirit. Paul explains that the law itself is good but exposes and even provokes sin, revealing humanity’s need for Jesus to bring true freedom and power to obey. The chapter concludes by emphasizing that Christians now live under the “law of Christ”—loving God and others—and are empowered by the Spirit rather than trapped in the cycle of sin.
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Paul’s message in Romans 7 is directed toward the Jewish believers, emphasizing that the law itself cannot save them. The law, while important, does not have the power to deliver individuals from sin. It actually condemns those trying to keep the law because they cannot live up to it.
Have you had the realization in your life that there is no way you could be “good enough” or “work your way to heaven?”
Paul uses marriage to illustrate his point. When a spouse dies, the law of marriage no longer applies. The living spouse is allowed to marry another. In the same manor, when we accept Christ as our Savior, we have a life no longer bound by the law. We now have a life united – married to Christ. The law and the sin struggle of the inability to keep it no longer condemns us. Christ has set us free from that condemnation.
Have you accepted Christ as your Savior and still struggle with the feelings of shame or guilt? Jesus died to set us free from that shame and guilt! Let today be the day that you cry out to God and lay that down!
Paul explains that the law showed people what they should not be doing and yet, it only made them want to do it more. Sin took advantage of the law in this way. In Romans 7:14-8:2, Paul speaks to this very issue. The unbeliever’s life is centered around their own desires. The Christian’s life is centered around the desire to live for and please God. However, we cannot do this in our own power. It is through the power of the Holy Spirit that we live for Christ. He transforms us day by day to live for Him. Jesus sets us free from being slaves to sin.
Do you find yourself struggling with sin? Have you asked the Lord to help you lay it down and live for Him? Only He has the power to transform your life and set you free. You cannot do it in your own power.
We cannot keep living by a set of rules in our own power. We can live by the power of Christ in us which motivates us to gladly serve God and others. God’s law is to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength and to love others as yourself. If we make this our plea to God, He is faithful to answer.
Is this your desire? If so, pray to the Lord to transform your mind and set your desires on Him. Watch what He will do!