Sin takes opportunity through the Law to produce sin.

The faith of Christ takes opportunity through relationships to produce love. Romans 7:8 But sin, taking opportunity through the commandment, produced in me coveting of every kind; for apart from the Law sin is dead. We gain very helpful insight into the relationship between the Law and sin in verse 8 that will encourage us to hope and trust in future grace to love by abiding in Christ. Paul had incredible insight into how sin works with the Law. Without the Law, sin is dead. It has no power to live. Sin cannot live without the commandment from the Law. But with the Law, an opportunity exists for sin to produce every kind of coveting. Paul wrote more about this in the next two verses.  Today, from this verse we can see why we don’t want to be motivated by the “don’ts” of the Law. Instead, since we stand in grace before God, we can have confidence in future grace, namely, the grace to love that flows from the life of Jesus indwelling our mortal bodies. In Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, he concluded by bestowing a blessing from God, the Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.  Eph. 6:23-24: “Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ with incorruptible love.” You stand in grace by the favor of God, the Father, through the righteousness of the Son. You are joined with Jesus, so you live with Him today. You can expect the faith of Christ in you to take opportunity to work through love as God puts people in your life. You can expect future grace as you walk in love with Jesus. Acknowledgment: Music from “Carried by the Father” by Eric Terlizzi. www.ericterlizzi.com