Romans 8:1-13, Notes

Dear Study Warriors:
     If you are in our Sunday School class, would you please let me know that you received this Blog Update so I know I have your addresses correct, etc.  Thanks so much.  May God bless you as you continue to study and meditate on His word!  Blessings to you, Rich and Deb


                                      “Spirit-Led Living”

By Pastor Rich Paradis

Romans 8:1-13

 

As we move forward in our study of the letter to the Romans, we now find ourselves at one of the high points of the entire epistle. We have considered the antidote to the poison (the Gospel), the poison itself (sin), justification by faith, and now we are thinking through the incredible doctrine of sanctification. Paul has led us by way of a very tight, logical case through each of these areas. The chapter will be no different as we consider the believer’s life led by the Spirit and its opposite, the life led by the things of the flesh. Let’s look together and make applications.

 

 

Words used frequently in the passage:

Flesh = 13

Spirit = 12

God, Christ Jesus, Christ, Him, His, = 16

Death, Die = 7

Live, living, life, dwells, alive = 10

 

 

I.                    A Summary of Romans 3:21-7:25    Romans 8:1-4

a.       If one were making a direct connection from the end of Romans 7 only to the “therefore” that starts chapter 8, he or she might be very confused. Paul has just shown us the battle that is going on in the believer’s heart as he fights to live a life that honors God. He did it by way of a very transparent look into his own life and the battle with trying to do right in his own power versus dependence on the power of God within him to win over sin and its trajectories.

                                                               i.      I read a great quote this week that I think relates to this battle. It said, “the unsaved person must be strong to be strong, while the believer in contrast must be weak to be truly strong.” In other words, we can’t win this battle in our own strength. We will need the strength of our Savior to win over ongoing sinful patterns in our lives.

b.      As we open chapter 8, we are not looking at a “therefore” that only connects to that just before it. We are looking at a connection to the last 4+ chapters of this letter. And in this connection, we are going to see the connection between our  justification and our sanctification moving forward.

c.       Verse 1 is so powerful and so full of meaning. Following the “therefore”, we are led to a great truth. That is, there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Let’s break the sentence apart to wring some of the meaning from it:

                                                               i.      “there  is no condemnation” – What an incredible statement of truth and comfort! The enemy (through many means) will try to convince you that condemnation is all around you. (See Vs.34) It comes in the form of legalism. It comes in the form of judgment from others. It even comes from inside the believer. But the Bible tells us right here that there is no condemnation, or damnatory sentence that can be levied against…

                                                             ii.      “those who are in Christ Jesus” – The believer is given a great benefit in the opening words of this passage. The Law was able to point out, stimulate, and even condemn sin. But it could not provide the answer to, “how do I escape this condemnation?”

1.      Some interesting questions arise from this verse that again provide a review to that which we’ve already considered in the book of Romans:

a.       How do I escape this condemnation?

b.      How do I get “in Christ Jesus”?

c.       How could this happen if our salvation was based on our actions instead of our acceptance of His actions?

d.      Verse 2 continues the thought with the explanation. The controlling power of the indwelling Holy Spirit is the key for the believer that is moving forward in his practical sanctification. 1 Corinthians 15:45 tells us that Christ is that life-giving spirit that made this possible. The work of Jesus Christ at the cross and in His resurrection will be intricately tied to our ongoing sanctification. This “spirit of life in Christ Jesus” is contrasted with the law of sin and of death that is the controlling power of sin which eventually brings death. The result of living in Christ is “being set free”. What a powerful thing to consider. We are not being set free to do it our own way; we are being set free to do it His way! How was this freedom gained?

e.       Verse 3 goes on to say that what the Law couldn’t do, God did. Paul demonstrated with his own life in the previous section that the flesh is weak. But God sent His Son, not in sinful flesh, but in the likeness of sinful flesh as an offering for sin. With that offering, he condemned sin and fleshly desire. A few things are worth noting:

                                                               i.      Our Savior was not sinful – He was sent “in the likeness” of sinful flesh. That is, He looked like sinful mankind.

                                                             ii.      “Sinful flesh” is that life that is merely human nature apart from divine influence. This life is prone to sin and opposed to God.

                                                            iii.      An offering had to made for the sins of mankind – God is not uninterested in sin. It must be judged.

f.        Verse 4 reminds us again that the law is not gone from the life of the believer. It is not a part of salvation, but it is an ongoing moral and ethical guide. The believer’s life is now led by the Spirit. He or she doesn’t walk “by flesh”, but by the Spirit of life, Christ.

 

II.                 An Explanation by Contrasts    Romans 8:5-11

a.       In Verse 5a, we are introduced to the one who live their lives according to the flesh, the unregenerate. This  person has set his or her mind on the things of the flesh. What are these things? Galatians 5:19-21 gives us a pretty good start to a list.

b.      Verse 5b continues with the contrast to this person noted above. The contrast is found in the person living according to the Spirit. This person finds his or her joy in living by the things of the Spirit. What are these things? Again, Galatians 5 offers us some insight. Look at Galatians 5:22-25 and you will see a good start at a list related to this life.

c.       Verse 6 will give us another contrast between the life lived for the flesh versus the one lived in the Spirit. Verse 6a tells us that the one living for the flesh will have his mind set on flesh. Look at the result of living this way…death. Death here is noted to be “all the miseries arising from sin, which would at least include a loss of life consecrated to God and the blessings of that life found here.

d.      Verse 6b shows us the contrast to this above-noted lifestyle; life and peace. Death versus life and peace. The choice seems easy.

e.       Verse 7-8 turn up the heat exponentially. It says that the person living their life with a mindset of “flesh first” is actually hostile to God. Do you ever think of sin as “being hostile” to God? Look at James 4:4 for an additional verse that shivers the heart of one considering this “life lived for fleshly desires”. This life is not even interested in the law of God. This life cannot please God…

f.        Verse 9 reminds the reader of his or her position in Christ. Unlike the one who lives for the “flesh”, the believer is “in the Spirit”. Again, it is noted that the difference between positions is salvation which is found only in Christ. In contrast to the one noted above, the believer lives in one of the great results of his or her regeneration; new power over temptation and sin.

g.       Verse 10 notes that the body still subject to physical death, but the believer is “alive” with the righteousness of Christ.

h.       Look at Verse 11. There is a great view of the Triune Godhead in Spirit-Led living. It says that the Spirit of Him who raised Christ from the dead (the Father) dwells in you. Jesus Christ is noted as the One who was raised from the dead for our salvation. And the blessed Holy Spirit is given to dwell in those who are “in Christ”.

 

III.               What shall I do?    Romans 8:12-13

a.       It is interesting to note again the addressees of this letter. It is “brethren”, those who are in Christ but continue to struggle with the same things that Paul himself noted in the previous chapter.

b.      Verse 12-13 seem to have an implied question and answer in them. The question is, “who am under obligation to?” And Paul takes no time in answering that question. He says that we are not under obligation (one held by duty) to the flesh or the lifestyle of those living for the flesh. That will spell nothing but death. On the other hand, we who are in Christ are to live in obligation, or duty, to the Spirit. How do we do this? By putting to death the deeds of the body, those things that demonstrate our allegiance to fleshly pursuit. If we do this, life is the result. This life is a sanctified, set apart life that glorifies the One who purchased this life for us.

 

IV.              An Application For All Of Us

a.       Regeneration in Christ by the Spirit of God is intimately correlated with the mutual indwelling of the believer, the Spirit, and Christ. In this connection, we see both justification and sanctification being demonstrated before our very eyes.

Poem and Notes for Romans 7:14-25

Last Sunday in SS one of our members brought recited a poem that dealt with the two natures we have been studying about in Sunday School.  We thought we'd send it on to everyone.

Two natures beat within my breast,

One is foul, the other blessed.

One I love, and one I hate,

But the one I feed will dominate.

 

 

Also here are the notes from Romans 7:14-25

 

“Paul’s Self-Analysis”

By Pastor Rich Paradis

Romans 7:14-25

 

Paul continues his discussion from Vs.1-13 in the passage before us. The question before us in the previous passage was “Is the Law sin?” It was concluded that the Law was not sin, even though sin found a pathway through the Law because of our sinful natures. The previous passage was written in the past tense, but in the passage before us the verbs become present tense. Paul will give us an incredibly transparent look into the life of the believer, with its struggle between two conflicting natures.

 

Words that are used often in this passage:

Law = 9

I / Me = 24 and 7

My or Myself = 5 and 1

Doing / Do = 5 and 8

Sin = 5

 

Questioning the passage:

How does the opening statement of Vs. 14 continue the thoughts of the previous 13 verses?

What is the struggle that Paul is having? Why is he having it?

Is this a struggle common to man, or is it something specific only to Paul?

Is Paul ducking personal responsibility in Vs. 17, or is there an important theological truth being shared here? (See 1 John 3:6)

Is Paul saved or unsaved? Explain your answer using the passage as a whole.

What is the purpose of Paul’s exclamation is.Vs.24?

What is the answer to Paul’s question / exclamation in Vs.25?

What is the answer to living the conflicted life straddling our two natures?

I.                   The “Spiritual” Law Versus “Fleshly” Paul    Romans 7:14

a.       Verse 14 opens with an interesting comment, “We know…” Who is this “we”? The “we” of this passage are the believers receiving this important letter. The unbeliever would not come up with the conclusion of Vs. 12, stating that the Law was “holy, and righteous, and good.”

b.      But Paul continues his statement by admitting that in addition to this knowledge of the Law and its goodness and his position as a believer, he is “fleshly”. He is human. He is made of flesh. But he is also admitting that this “fleshiness” is sold into bondage to sin. In a very real sense, Paul is admitting that he is still a slave to sin’s presence in his life. How could this be? I thought when I got saved; sin ran away from me and had no effect on me and my daily life? Is Paul’s situation something that is “his problem”, or is his problem a problem that is common to all mankind? How does the admission of this problem in Paul’s life interface with the conversations that we have had about our position in Christ?

c.       Romans 6:6 told us that our old self was crucified with Him in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin. Some question as to whether this could even be spoken by a believer, but he is not admitting that he is not saved. He is admitting that there is a conflict going on within him regarding sin and its presence and power in him on a daily basis. In this very admission, we begin to see our connection to this passage and its contents.

d.      In this continuing discussion of the doctrine of sanctification, we are introduced to the “now, and not yet” of sanctification. When we were saved we were positionally sanctified, that is we were “set apart” for God’s usage. That happened at the moment of our salvation and was a completed work. Additionally, there began a process of practical sanctification, where more and more of our lives are being given over to the lordship of Jesus Christ. This work is not yet completed. So in a very real way, we are “now” sanctified positionally, and “not yet” sanctified practically. We are positionally in the right place, while still awaiting complete sanctification from the present power of sin in our daily lives.

 

II.                Paul’s Self-Analysis    Romans 7:15-23

a.       Paul begins his self-analysis by admitting that he doesn’t understand what he’s doing. Almost like a kid that has been caught doing something wrong, he tells his readers that “doesn’t understand” what is going on.

b.      Verse 15 gives us some insight into his position as a believer when he says that he is not practicing what he would “like” to be doing. The power of sin is still present in his life, creating a conflict that Paul is struggling with.

c.       Verse 16 reminds us that even as Paul is struggling, rebellious and disobedient at times, he knows that the law is essentially good and an important part of his life.

d.      In Vs. 17, Paul does not try to escape moral responsibility. He is merely admitting the hold that sin has on him as it “dwells” in him, having its influence on him and his daily life.

e.       Verse 18 has Paul seemingly increasing in his understanding of his dilemma. He notes that there is nothing good in him, at least not in his flesh. He is not saying that he has nothing good in him because we know that as a believer the blessed Holy Spirit indwells us. He is merely noting the absence of anything good related to his own flesh. But I love the following statement; the “willing” is present in me, even though doing good is not. Can you relate to that statement? I am willing, but I am weak.

f.       Verse 19-21 goes on to restate the fact that Paul seems to be going the opposite direction from where he wants to go. He wants to do good, but he continues to fail. He is not failing because of his position in Christ; he is failing because of the battle between the two natures that indwell him. Evil is present in him and he wants to do right. He is a believer that is struggling through a battle. This battle will indeed be with us until the very presence of sin is accomplished in glorification following our physical death.

g.      Verse 22-23 goes on to say that even in this battle Paul is joyfully in agreement with the law of God in his heart. While this is what is going on in his mind, there is a different war waging in his body (his members). And this war has taken him prisoner to the law and its penalty.

 

III.             Paul’s Conclusions    Romans 7:24-25

a.       Verse 24 has Paul’s conclusion as it relates to him and this battle that is waging within him. He calls himself a “wretched man”. What an incredible analysis to put on oneself. He doesn’t try to skirt the issue or to explain away his attitude and heart. He merely calls it what it is: wretched!

b.      The verse continues with a question. If I can’t help myself because my wretchedness, who can? Who can set me free from myself?

c.       Verse 25 answers Paul’s question before summarizing the entire passage. First of all, he answers the question: Jesus Christ is the answer to this dilemma. If you find yourself unable to beat your own passions and sinful actions, call on Jesus!

d.      And to summarize the passage, Paul says that indeed there are 2 natures that are in battle against one another. There is our sinful nature, trying to reclaim the ground lost positionally when we were saved and there is the law of God helping us to move forward in the process of practical sanctification.

 

IV.             An Application For All Of Us

a.       There are two natures at work in all believers, one that is moving forward for Christ and one that is trying to return to our previous position of enslavement and bondage.

b.      The answer to “how to win” is not to be found in ourselves; it is found in Jesus Christ our Lord.

c.       Do you have a persistent sin that enslaves you? Give it over to Christ…He can make all the difference in the world!