Romans 7:7 What shall we say, then? Is the law sinful? Certainly not! Nevertheless, I would not have known what sin was had it not been for the law. For I would not have known what coveting really was if the law had not said, “You shall not covet.”
Although the law causes the problem of sin to surface, it is not itself the problem. The law defines what sin is and so has an important role in the salvation process. The law reveals the deep human problems of rebellion and depravity. Paul draws up on the tenth commandment as an illustration. It is noteworthy that he uses this specific one. One possible reason is that coveting reveals the deeper issue of pride, self, and flesh. Coveting is when one desires what someone else has. Coveting craves more and thinks and plans ways to get it. The law agains coveting reveals this issue by setting up the boundary and definition. It shows that the human heart is depraved and contrary to love. People become objects and obstacles to obtaining and possessing what fulfills one’s desires. Coveting gives the false promise that if I had that thing (person, place, thing, objects, etc.), then I would be happy and fulfilled. Coveting reveals the deeper depravity that drives all other sins. Adam and Eve in a way coveting God’s wisdom. This coveting was driven by the false promise that they would be like God, knowing good and evil. It is significant how all of this theology fits together.
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