Romans 8
-The unique and unadulterated qualities of the Spirit-filled
life are the emphasis in this amazing and hope-inspiring chapter of Scripture.
Paul makes his turn from the self-centered and egocentric past into a
transformed future for everyone who receives the Spirit of life that sets us
free from the Law of sin and death erasing any condemnation and weakness of the
flesh (Romans 8:1-3a). This Spirit of life comes from the indwelling Spirit of
Jesus Christ, thus the phrase “in Christ” is important for us to meditate on
and consider for our Christian walk in this world (Romans 8:1, 2, 9, 10, 11,
38-39). This is a hallmark phrase for not only Paul, but all in Scripture
depicting the new spiritual birth and ongoing relationship we have with our
Savior (John 3; 15; 16:33; 17:20-23, 1 Peter 1:3; 3:18; 5:10, 14, 2 Peter 1:8,
Jude 1:1). We are now at one with Him and He is in us as believers to sanctify
and seal for the day of redemption (John 17:19, Acts 26:18, 1 Corinthians 1:2;
6:11, 2 Corinthians 1:22, Ephesians 1:13; 4:30, Hebrews 10:14-23).
-Once the Spirit of life has come in and changed us we no
longer have to walk as people of flesh, consumed with our natural desires and
temptations. We now walk in newness of life according to His Spirit who
controls and dominates our thoughts, words, and actions for the perpetuation of
His Kingdom and a victorious-peaceful life in Him. This is the life that
pleases our God as it dies to sin and lives in Him! *Application* We have no
power in us to do good apart from the Holy Spirit that indwells us. Everyone
has the Spirit working on them to convict and do right (kind of like the
cartoon depiction you see with the angel on one side and the devil on the other
trying to convince in a particular decision, John 16:8). But, only the believer
has the indwelling Holy Spirit based on their yieldedness and surrender in
faith. This is the power to overcome evil with good as It fills us and
dominates our lives (Romans 12:21). He is the One who puts to death the deeds
of our natural body (Romans 8:13). It truly is “by the Spirit.”
-If you have the Spirit, you have life and will not fall
back into the spirit of slavery in fear (Romans 8:15). Your spirit will bear
witness with His Spirit that you are a child of God through adoption as sons
(or daughters for females). This relationship is familial and we can always cry
out to our Heavenly Daddy as heirs with Christ Jesus. This at times will be a
life of suffering as we see here in Scripture (Romans 8:17-25), but it is a
life of hope that we will one day be glorified with Him just as He was in His
resurrected state (1 Corinthians 15). This is a life of patient endurance that
relies on prayers of intercession from the Spirit of God in our weakness
(Romans 8:25-26). His promise is to intercede for us with groanings too deep
for words that will help us comply with His will in whatever particular
circumstance knowing that all things are working together for good for those
that love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:26-28).
-Paul gives us, in what my opinion is, the most important
section in Scripture in determining the interpretation of election and the
sovereign will of God as to predestination (Romans 8:29-30). Paul, being led by
the Holy Spirit, gives us the proper order written down in the halls of
eternity past as to salvation. Notice in his description that he begins with
God’s foreknowledge. God is omniscient (knowing all things) and has perfect
knowledge of everything we will think, say, and do during the course of our
lives. In other words, He knows every decision and choice that we will make even
before we make it. Based on that knowledge, He predestines (this is not
deterministic) whom will be conformed to His Son’s image (the first born among
many brothers in the spiritual sense, this is not to say we are co-equal with
Jesus Christ, but co-heirs, let this be clear, Romans 8:17). The predestination
of God, based on His complete foreknowledge of the end from the beginning,
initiates the call on one’s life. Those who are called, again with His
all-knowing capacity to discern thoughts and intentions and perpetuation, in
faith accept His deliverance, which brings on justification (again, this is a
legal term declaring the person innocent of all wrongdoing). The justified have
His Spirit and will be glorified upon departure from this earth to life with
Him eternally.
-Because of this fact, Paul finishes this section with an
emphatic exhortation that spells out just how God is for us and will never
leave us or forsake us in this journey through life with all its peaks and
valleys giving us all things that we need. Through Him we are conquerors
because He loves us (Romans 8:37)! Nothing will separate us from this love of
God in Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans
8:38-39)! *Application* Live in Christ by His Spirit.
Verses to Memorize-
Romans 8:1, 9, 28
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