8 But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin was dead. (Romans 7:8 KJV)
William Burkitt’s Commentary
Observe here, A concession or grant made by Apostle Paul that although the law was not the formal cause of sin, yet sin was an accidental event of the law through the depravity and corruption of our natures; lust or concupiscence in us being stirred up more strongly and breaking forth more violently in us by being prohibited and restrained by the law. As things forbidden to us are the more desired by us; the more the law would restrain sin through our corruption, the more it enrages sin: As the more you could dam up a torrent, the higher it swells. Thus sin takes occasion by the commandment to work all manner of concupiscence in us.
Learn hence, That such is the depravity and perverseness of our present natures, that there is found within us a propensity and inclination to all sin; and although the law of God does not give the least countenance to sin, yet sin takes occasion, from the restraints of the law to grow more impetuous and is the more irritated by being prohibited; and consequently it is not from ourselves but from God’s restraining grace that those evil inclinations which are in our hearts do not break forth in our lives.
The apostle adds, Without the law sin was dead: that is, without the knowledge and due consideration of the law, sin is comparatively dead: that is, the corruption of nature lies hid and is not so much known to be sin; nor had it so much power to terrify the conscience and to stir up inordinate affections, as after the law is known and duly considered.
Learn hence, that those who either know the word and law of God or do not duly consider it have very little sense of inward pollution. But their corruption lies, as it were, dead in them, and they in that without touching the conscience, or laying the soul under sensible apprehensions of its sin and danger: Without the law sin is dead. Sin in the conscience is like a lion asleep in his den; it awakes not, stirs not, terrifies and accuses not till the law of God rouses it; and then the sinner sees himself under the curse, and liable to perdition.