Thus far in Paul’s letter to the Roman churches we learned about God’s judgment versus sin and the fact His judgment was just since all have sinned and fallen short of His glory.
The apostle Paul also taught us that Adam’s sin brought us death while Jesus’s death brings life to those who believe, repent and confess that He is the Lord, the savior by which we can become heirs to the kingdom of God.
As we continue our study of Paul’s letter to the Romans we now find strength through the Spirit which enables believers to defeat sin.
“1Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.” (Romans 8:1-2)
Following up on the argument made in the previous chapter Paul confirms there will be no condemnation to those who believe in Christ sin through Him we are delivered from sin which leads to death. Through Christ we are set free and promised eternal life in heaven.
“3 For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man, 4 in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit.” (Romans 8:3-4)
Offering His only son as a living sacrifice God delivered hope to all men, that through acceptance, repentance and confession all those who believe in Jesus Christ would be saved from death and given life.
Jesus did more than fulfill prophecy, He lifted the dead. Through Him and strengthened by the Holy Spirit we are empowered to defeat sin as we battle against our carnal natures on a daily basis. It is by the Spirit we will conquer sin and grow in righteousness as we work out our salvation.
“5 Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.” (Romans 8:5)
Here Paul separates the saved and the unsaved. Though both are indeed sinners, those not saved, not in Christ live according to their sinful nature, they are headed for both physical and spiritual death, headed for hell. Those saved have accepted Jesus as their Lord and savior, these are among those who have the Holy Spirit dwelling within them, these are headed to heaven.
“6 The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; 7 the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so.” (Romans 8:6-7)
Paul uses the Greek “phroneō” (mind) which involves a decision making process by which the unsaved fill their minds with what they desire as carnal creatures as opposed to the saved who allow their minds to overflow with things acceptable and glorifying to God.
“8 Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God. 9 You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.” (Romans 8:8-9)
While those who deny God His glory cannot please Him, those in Christ who choose to be controlled by the Holy Spirit do indeed please and glorify God. To those will come a great in inheritance, a place in heaven and the gift of eternal life.
Only those who believe in Christ, repent of their sins and confess Christ is Lord will inherit a place in His kingdom. The rest will burn for all eternity in the lake of fire, in hell, a real place where there is whaling and gnashing of teeth.
“10 But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness.” (Romans 8:10)
Our bodies will inevitably die but our spirit is alive in Christ based on righteousness, a process by which we are sanctified through works according to the will and word of God. By faith we are born again in Christ, through works we are made righteous as we bring glory to God.
“11 And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.” (Romans 8:11)
The same almighty God who lifted us Jesus from the dead will raise us from the dead also. Through the Holy Spirit that lives within all believers God will show His mercy and deliver us from death, the wage for our sins.
“12 Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation—but it is not to the sinful nature, to live according to it. 13 For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, 14 because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” (Romans 8:12-14)
Paul now confronts us with the ultimate responsibility, that we should live according to the Holy Spirit, that we should obey this Spirit and allow Him to guide our footsteps, to set our minds, to flow from our lips. Through this we are promised eternal life, our inheritance from our Father in heaven.
“15 For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.” (Romans 8:15-17)
Through the Holy Spirit we are saved from death by our Father whose unconditional love spreads onto all His creation.
Those in Christ are God’s children while those not in Him, those who deny themselves the inheritance are enemies of God. Only those who believe in Jesus, repent of their sins and confess Christ is Lord will inherit a place in the kingdom, a place in heaven. Let us pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives and for your servant Paul,
We praise you Lord for his wisdom and for his works through this scripture,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we grow in you through the teachings of your faithful apostle.
Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your word, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.
We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com
