Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 10
The teacher highlights Paul’s “switch”: first the law dies, then “you have become dead to the law,” and connects this with serving in “newness of the Spirit” vs “oldness of the letter”; what would “oldness of the letter” look like in a contemporary church that claims to be New Covenant, and what specific practices would show “newness” that actually produces the “righteous deeds of the saints”?
Another way to ask: Paul says both “the law died” and “you died to the law,” and he contrasts “newness of the Spirit” with “oldness of the letter.” In a church today, what would “oldness of the letter” look like, and what actions would show real “newness” that leads to holy living?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
According to the speaker, “oldness of the letter” is treating Christianity like a detailed rule-system that kills and burdens, while “newness” is living under Christ with the Spirit’s power so that real “fruit to God” and “righteous deeds” mark the church.
- He highlights the switch: Paul starts “the law has died,” then concludes “you have died,” giving a “double analogy” so believers grasp freedom either way.
- He quotes Romans 7:4’s purpose: to “bring forth fruit to God,” showing the goal is fruit, not mere compliance.
- On Romans 7:6, he explains “newness of the Spirit” vs “oldness of the letter” can mean “letter of the law versus the spirit of the law.”
- He says “we are delivered from… multitudinous commandments,” implying “oldness” looks like returning to that kind of detailed bondage.
- He warns: “The letter kills,” while the law’s “spirit… eternal truths” remain helpful (e.g., moral truths, Proverbs, most of the Ten Commandments).
- He defines the bride’s adornment as “righteous deeds of the saints… our Christian actions, how we live… give glory to him.”
- He contrasts covenants: the law “had no power” and “no indwelling of the Spirit,” but under Christ we have “indwelling… power… help of the church… forgiveness… through the blood of Christ.”