The Apostle Paul was a Pharisee, meaning he was a highly regarded Jewish teacher of the law. He knew the law inside and out and he was determined to adhere to it, no matter how convoluted and complicated it got. The problem was, the harder he tried to keep it, the more he wanted to sin.

If you grew up in a strict legalistic environment, you can relate to this scenario. It’s human nature to want what we don’t have. To those who are told they aren’t allowed to dance, dancing sounds a lot more fun. To someone who is told not to covet, coveting becomes their number one struggle. This is why the Spirit of the law is death; the more we focus on what we can’t have or aren’t supposed to do, the more we die on the inside.

Without a doubt, this is the reason Paul emphatically states that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus! He has set you free, so live in freedom; walk with the Holy Spirit and enjoy your liberty. You are not perfect, nor are you completely innocent, but you are forgiven! The jail cell has been opened and your slate is wiped clean, so you can be free indeed!