Audio Download

The Book of Romans, Part 17 – Life in the Spirit

[Study Aired October 31, 2023]

Rom 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 
Rom 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 
Rom 8:3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: 
Rom 8:4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 
Rom 8:5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 
Rom 8:6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
Rom 8:7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 
Rom 8:8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 
Rom 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. 
Rom 8:10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 
Rom 8:11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

In our previous study, we examined Romans 7:17-25 and how it is beautifully complemented by 1 Corinthians 15:50-58. Let’s break down the key points for clarity:

Limitations of Our Physical Nature: The passage “Flesh and Blood Cannot Inherit the Kingdom” highlight the inherent limitations of our mortal bodies when it comes to inheriting God’s kingdom. It underscores that our earthly nature, tainted by sin, falls short of the perfection required for God’s kingdom.

Rom 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

Transformation through Christ: “Transformation and Victory through Christ” describes a future moment when we as believers will experience a profound change, receiving incorruptible and immortal bodies. This transformation symbolizes the victory over sin and death that Christ made possible through his resurrection.

Sin as the Root Cause: “The Sting of Death is Sin” echoes the themes of Romans 7:17-25, emphasizing that sin is the root of the problem. The passage also recognizes the role of the law in highlighting and intensifying this dynamic.

Triumph through Jesus Christ: The section on “Victory through Jesus Christ” concludes with an expression of triumph and gratitude to God for granting victory over sin and death through Jesus Christ. This aligns with the message of hope and redemption in Romans 7 and assures us that our efforts in the Lord are not in vain.

In summary, Romans 7:17-25 delves into our struggle with sin, acknowledging the ongoing inner conflict. It emphasizes the need for Christ’s intervention to overcome our sinful nature. In contrast, 1 Corinthians 15:50-58 underlines our belief in the transformative power of Christ and the ultimate victory over sin and death. It assures us of a future transformation and eternal life in God’s kingdom. Collectively, these passages offer a comprehensive view of our journey, contrasting the enduring struggle with sin with the victory and hope that faith in Christ ultimately results.

The contrast outlined here is crucial in our Christian journey. It’s about the choice we make between following a worldly, fleshly mindset that leads to negative outcomes like death, and adopting a spiritual perspective that brings us life and inner peace. We’re going to explore the significance of being guided by the Spirit, grasp the opposition of the carnal mind to God, and embrace the transformative influence of the Spirit in our lives. This chapter sheds light on the path to a life filled with the Spirit of God and the promise of resurrection. It’s a life characterized by spiritual growth and freedom.

Romans 8 paints a vivid contrast between life in the flesh and life in the Spirit, revealing the remarkable liberty from the law of sin and death that comes through Christ. It elucidates how Christ’s redemptive work has fulfilled what the law could not, condemning sin in the flesh and enabling believers to live according to the righteousness of the law.

Rom 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 

Transformation through Christ: “Transformation and Victory through Christ” describes a future moment when we as believers will experience a profound change, receiving incorruptible and immortal bodies. This transformation symbolizes the victory over sin and death that Christ made possible through his resurrection.

Sin as the Root Cause: “The Sting of Death is Sin” echoes the themes of Romans 7:17-25, emphasizing that sin is the root of the problem. The passage also recognizes the role of the law in highlighting and intensifying this dynamic.

Triumph through Jesus Christ: The section on “Victory through Jesus Christ” concludes with an expression of triumph and gratitude to God for granting victory over sin and death through Jesus Christ. This aligns with the message of hope and redemption in Romans 7 and assures us that our efforts in the Lord are not in vain.

In summary, Romans 7:17-25 delves into our struggle with sin, acknowledging the ongoing inner conflict. It emphasizes the need for Christ’s intervention to overcome our sinful nature. In contrast, 1 Corinthians 15:50-58 underlines our belief in the transformative power of Christ and the ultimate victory over sin and death. It assures us of a future transformation and eternal life in God’s kingdom. Collectively, these passages offer a comprehensive view of our journey, contrasting the enduring struggle with sin with the victory and hope from which faith in Christ ultimately results.

As we continue into Romans Chapter 8, we embark on a profound exploration of the transformative power of life in the Spirit. The passage begins with a resounding declaration that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, provided they walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Romans 8 paints a vivid contrast between life in the flesh and life in the Spirit, revealing the remarkable liberty from the law of sin and death that comes through Christ. It elucidates how Christ’s redemptive work has fulfilled what the law could not, condemning sin in the flesh and enabling believers to live according to the righteousness of the law.

The contrast outlined here is crucial in our Christian journey. It’s about the choice we make between following a worldly, fleshly mindset that leads to negative outcomes like death, and adopting a spiritual perspective that brings us life and inner peace. We’re going to explore the significance of being guided by the Spirit, grasp the opposition of the carnal mind to God, and embrace the transformative influence of the Spirit in our lives. This chapter sheds light on the path to a life filled with the Spirit of God and the promise of resurrection. It’s a life characterized by spiritual growth and freedom.

Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

What a profound declaration we find in Romans 8:1! It unequivocally states that for those who are in Christ Jesus and walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit, there is no condemnation. In other words, there is no judgment, blame, or punishment awaiting us in the lake of fire. This verse reveals a truth that should bring immense comfort to us as believers. We are free from the shackles of condemnation through our faith in Christ.

Isaiah 43:25 I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.

Romans 8:33-34 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

Colossians 2:13-14 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross.

Hebrews 9:15 And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.

Romans 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

Verse 2 of Romans 8 explains a powerful principle. The “law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus” has granted believers freedom from the “law of sin and death.” This freedom means that the spiritual principles of life in Christ have overridden the consequences of sin and death. It is a liberation that every believer should deeply appreciate.

John 8:36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Galatians 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

2 Corinthians 3:6 Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.

Romans 8:3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh.

Verse 3 holds a critical revelation. The law, hindered by man’s weakness, couldn’t accomplish what was needed. So, God, in His infinite wisdom, sent His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh. Christ’s mission was to condemn sin in the flesh, to deal with its root cause. It is through His sacrifice that sin’s power is broken, setting the stage for the righteousness of the law to be fulfilled in us.

Romans 7:24-25 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.

Galatians 3:13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree.

Colossians 2:14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross.

Hebrews 9:26 For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.

1 Peter 2:24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

Romans 8:4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Verse 4 underscores the profound aim of Christ’s mission. The righteousness of the law, through His sacrifice, is realized in us. This realization is dependent on a fundamental condition: that we live not according to our sinful nature but according to the Spirit. It serves as a reminder that our alignment with the Spirit is indispensable for achieving this fulfillment.

Romans 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

2 Corinthians 3:6 Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.

Ezekiel 36:26-27 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.

Galatians 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

Romans 7:6 But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.

These verses collectively support the idea that fulfillment of the righteousness of the law is achieved through Christ’s work and the shift from living according to the flesh to walking in the Spirit.

Romans 8:5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.

This verse sets a clear demarcation between those who live in the flesh and those who walk in the Spirit. Those who prioritize the flesh are consumed with its desires, while those led by the Spirit focus on spiritual matters. It is a reminder that our thoughts and actions align with our predominant nature, whether carnal or spiritual.

Galatians 5:19-23 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies… But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith.

Romans 8:13-14 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

Galatians 6:8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

Romans 8:6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

This verse presents a stark contrast between a carnal mindset and a spiritual one. To be preoccupied with the carnal mind leads to death, not just physical but especially spiritual death. Conversely, to be spiritually minded brings life and peace. It highlights the profound impact our mindset has on our well-being and present mindset.

Proverbs 14:12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

John 6:63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.

Colossians 3:2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

1 John 5:12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.

Romans 8:7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.

This verse unveils a profound spiritual reality. The carnal mind is not merely neutral; it is actively hostile to God. It doesn’t willingly submit to God’s law, and in fact, it cannot do so. This enmity between the carnal mind and God’s ways is a stark reminder of the deep spiritual divide that Christ’s work seeks to bridge.

James 4:4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.

Romans 8:8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

1 Corinthians 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

John 3:6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

Ephesians 2:3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

Romans 8:8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

This verse underscores a fundamental truth. Those who are entrenched in the flesh, consumed by their carnal nature, cannot please God. The stark contrast between the flesh and the spirit reveals the necessity of spiritual transformation to find favor in God’s sight.

Hebrews 11:6 But without faith, it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Galatians 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.

1 Corinthians 10:5-6 But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.

1 Thessalonians 2:4 But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.

Colossians 1:10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God.

Romans 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

In this profound verse, Paul delineates the distinction between those who walk in the flesh and those who walk in the Spirit. It is a pivotal moment in the passage, emphasizing that believers, indwelt by the Spirit of God, belong to Christ. The presence of the Spirit within us is a defining mark of our identity as His. It signifies the transformative work that has taken place, turning us away from the dominion of the flesh and toward a life led by the Spirit. To be “none of His” underscores the significance of the Spirit’s indwelling in the our life as a believer, marking us as a true member of Christ’s body.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.

Romans 8:10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.

Here, the apostle Paul unveils a profound truth: Christ’s divine indwelling has a profound impact on our existence. Our old self, symbolized by “the body”, is considered dead because of sin. It is a recognition of our former state of separation from God due to sin’s influence. However, the presence of the Spirit within us is a testament to the life-giving righteousness that Christ’s sacrifice has provided. It’s a transformation from a state of spiritual death to one of life, where we now walk in the righteousness and holiness of Christ.

Colossians 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

Romans 8:11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

In this climactic verse, Paul illuminates the astounding work of the Spirit within us. The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead, signifying the ultimate victory over death and sin, now resides in us. This indwelling Spirit has the power to bring life even within our mortal bodies. It is a testament to the transformative and life-giving work of the Spirit. As believers, we anticipate the promise of resurrection, not just in the future but as a current reality in our lives, all because of the Spirit’s presence within us.

1 Corinthians 15:22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

Ezekiel 37:14 And shall put my spirit in you, and ye shall live, and I shall place you in your own land: then shall ye know that I the LORD have spoken it, and performed it, saith the LORD.

In these verses, we witness the transformative power of the indwelling Spirit, marking us as Christ’s own, bringing life to our mortal bodies, and assuring us of the hope of resurrection. It is a profound revelation of the Spirit’s work in our lives, pointing to the ultimate victory in Christ.

In this powerful passage of Romans 8:1-11, Paul draws a clear line between those who walk in the flesh and those who walk in the spirit. The verse boldly proclaims that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, provided they do not yield to the flesh but walk by the spirit. It is a declaration of the freedom from sin’s guilt and penalty believers in Christ now possess.

Paul further emphasizes the profound role of the spirit that not only liberates believers from the law of sin and death, but also fulfills the righteousness of the law within them. The spirit is the transformative agent, leading believers to a life governed by God’s desires rather than the carnal mind. It is a journey from death to life, from enmity with God to a harmonious relationship with Him.

John 4:24 God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth. (NASB)