What are the two concepts in Romans 7:6 about serving in newness of Spirit versus oldness of the letter?
Romans 7:6 contrasts serving in newness of Spirit with serving in oldness of the letter. The first is the believer's new nature under the Holy Spirit's guidance, where the law takes care of itself. The second is old Adam attempting to keep the law by fleshly energy, which is impossible and soon gives up.
Les explains Romans 7:6 in the context of the believer being delivered from the law, 'that being dead wherein we were held,' so that we should serve in newness of Spirit and not in the oldness of the letter. He asks what the two concepts are: will we live under the new nature, prompted and encouraged by the person of the Godhead, the Holy Spirit, or will we still try to satisfy old Adam? Old Adam can recognize that things like stealing are wrong, but he also knows he cannot keep the law anyway, so he soon gives up. The new nature does not have that problem. Under the Holy Spirit's guidance, we realize we cannot keep the law by the energy of the flesh; it is impossible. But when we let the Holy Spirit lead, guide, and direct us, the law takes care of itself. Les says the word 'newness' means exactly what it says—a whole new ball game—because when we become a believer and receive this new nature, it is a whole new ball game.
But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.
More Questions
What does it mean to serve in newness of spirit in Romans 7:6?
Serving 'in newness of spirit' means serving under the control of the Holy Spirit, under the control of the Word of God, and under the control of the Creator God Himself—not in the oldness of the letter or the law.
What does it mean to serve in newness of spirit and not in the oldness of the letter?
Paul's phrase about serving "in newness of spirit and not in the oldness of the letter" means believers are no longer under the demands of the Ten Commandments of Moses but are now under the control of the Holy Spirit.
What are the two concepts in Romans 7:6 about how a believer lives?
There are two contrasting concepts for the believer: living under the new nature prompted and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, or still trying to satisfy old Adam, who knows enough to think he should try to keep the law.