1. Law exposes the sinful nature (7-8)

The tenth commandment is 'Do not covet.' It is the only commandment directed toward our inner desires. A well-disciplined person might keep his hand from stealing, but he cannot keep his heart from coveting. Paul was an able and self-righteous Pharisee. But he realized that his heart was full of worldly ambition and covetous desires; he knew that he was a sinner. He could not solve his own sin problem, so he despaired. Then he met Jesus.

2. The commandment is righteous (9-13)

God is righteous, and his law is holy and good. But law has no power to cleanse one's heart and life from sin. Law only makes demands which cannot be met. A person who longs for righteousness only realizes how sinful he is. Paul uses strong language. He said, 'The good law killed me.' The law diagnoses sin; it is used by God to bring conviction of sin. But the law cannot solve our sin problem.

Application: Lord, I know that I am a sinner, unable to help myself. Thank you for forgiving me through the blood of Jesus.
One Word: Recognize sin as sin