In this sermon from Romans 7, Pastor Ortiz continues a deep dive into Paul’s teachings about sin, grace, and the inner spiritual struggle that believers face. Beginning with a recap of Romans 6, he reminds us that Christians are no longer under sin’s power. When Paul writes, “God forbid,” it’s not merely a suggestion—it’s a divine boundary. Living in sin while claiming grace is a contradiction, like being both “fat and skinny.” Christians, through Christ, are called to live in spiritual freedom, no longer enslaved to their past.

Pastor Ortiz explains how Paul contrasts being slaves to sin versus slaves to righteousness. There’s no middle ground—we serve one or the other. Moving into Romans 7, Paul illustrates our release from the law using the picture of marriage. Just as death severs the legal bond between husband and wife, so too are we spiritually severed from the law through Christ’s death—and now “married” to Christ forever. This beautiful truth affirms our eternal security in Him.

Paul then anticipates a question: “Is the law sin?” He responds, “God forbid.” The law isn’t sinful—it’s a mirror, revealing sin. Without the law, we wouldn’t even know we were sinning. Pastor Ortiz likens this to a traffic ticket: we can’t be mad for being cited if we broke the law. Similarly, his story of a student being marked tardy, though only a minute late, shows how clearly defined standards reveal where we fall short—and they’re not meant to be taken personally.

He continues: sin takes advantage of the law, tempting us just because something is “forbidden.” Like a “wet paint” sign makes us want to touch the wall, sin exploits the boundaries. Paul reflects on this struggle, admitting how the law—though good—made sin more visible and, therefore, more deadly. It’s not the law that kills; sin does.

Pastor Ortiz shares a humorous but convicting personal story about being told by his doctor to lose 100 pounds. Initially offended, he was later convicted when his daughter innocently pointed out his “chins” in a photo. That moment spurred action. Just like physical health requires facing uncomfortable truths, so does spiritual growth. Many of us live in patterns of sin, not because we’re unaware—but because we’re too lazy, proud, or foolish to confront the truth. Real love tells the truth, even when it stings.

He also warns against Satan’s tactic of turning God’s rules into weapons. Sharing a personal story from his youth, he talks about missing out on an elite basketball opportunity because it conflicted with church. Friends ridiculed his choice, saying, “Church rules got you.” But he reminds us that living for God sometimes means sacrificing temporary opportunities for eternal values. Satan loves using guilt and mockery to twist God’s commands into burdens rather than blessings.

Drawing from Bro. Zeke’s message, he warns against letting the “traveler”—symbolic of temporary or fleshly influences—settle into our lives. The law, he concludes, is not the problem. Sin is. The law simply exposes sin and magnifies our need for grace. Like a flashlight, it reveals what’s been hidden in the dark.

In the latter portion of the chapter, Paul describes a raw, present-tense battle within himself: “That which I do, I allow not… what I hate, that do I.” Pastor Ortiz encourages believers by reminding them that even Paul—the Apostle—struggled with sin. This isn’t permission to live carnally but a reminder that we’re not alone in the fight. There’s comfort in knowing that the great Apostle Paul battled the same temptations, discouragements, and contradictions we face.

Finally, the message ends with a challenge: If you truly desire to grow and do better, you’re in good company. But if you have no interest in change, you may need to examine whether you truly know Christ. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about pressing forward, acknowledging where the law reveals sin, and growing in grace. Either you have victory in Jesus, or you’re still bound to your “old ex-husband,” sin.

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