5. For when we were in the flesh--in our unregenerate state, as
we came into the world. See on
Joh 3:6
and
Ro 8:5-9.
the motions--"passions" (Margin), "affections"
(as in
Ga 5:24),
or "stirrings."
of sins--that is, "prompting to the commission of sins."
which were by the law--by occasion of the law, which fretted,
irritated our inward corruption by its prohibitions. See on
Ro 7:7-9.
did work in our members--the members of the body, as the
instruments by which these inward stirrings find vent in action, and
become facts of the life. See on
Ro 6:6.
to bring forth fruit unto death--death in the sense of
Ro 6:21.
Thus hopeless is all holy fruit before union to Christ.
JFB.
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