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Presented, February 29, 2004 pm
WALKING ACCORDING TO THE SPIRIT
Romans 8:1-11
As we continue our study of the book of Romans, we now come to chapter 8. Another chapter that has sparked great discussion and differences in belief. In this lesson we will notice the context of the first half of this chapter followed by some lessons we can learn from it.
The Context
A. The first few verses are believed by many to be a summary of what Paul has said thus far about our justification by God’s grace through our faith. In times past we have extensively studied these passages noting that all men are guilty of sin (1-3) and that through God’s grace by sending Jesus Christ to die, our sins are forgiven. (3:24-26, 5:12-21, 6:23, etc.) Our part in receiving forgiveness is described in terms of our faith (ch. 4-5) considering examples such as Abraham and David which we have noted was an obedient faith that did whatever God commanded. Furthermore Paul has established 1) That we cannot continue in sin so that God’s grace may abound (6:1-14). 2) That we cannot sin because we are not under physical law (such as the Law of Moses) but under grace (6:15-7:6). 3) Furthermore, the Law of Moses is NOT sin (7:7-12), though it condemned sin. 4) The Law, being good, was not what produced death (7:12-25), it was breaking the law that led to hopelessness. That brings us to chapter 8 where Paul is concluding all of this.
B. Concerning the word Spirit in chapter 8.
Without question, this chapter is challenging, because contextually, the word spirit (pneuma) has reference to several different things throughout this chapter. At times it refers to our spirit – or the will or mind that drives us and at other times it has reference to the Holy Spirit. There is also the Spirit of God and the Spirit of Christ. And there is the Word as a product of the Holy Spirit (vs. 2). What I say in this lesson is MY understanding at this time. It is possible that with further study, I might change my interpretation. Thus I encourage you to study this context and put all things together, and come to a conclusion about what the various uses of this word means and where. BUT I will say this, regardless of the use of Spirit in various verses, the overall message is clear – WE OUGHT TO WALK ACCORDING TO THE SPIRT AND NOT ACCORDING TO THE FLESH!
C.
Vs. 1 – There is therefore now no condemnation (a
verdict of condemnation) to those who are in Christ Jesus -
As opposed to those who are NOT in Christ – one who is carnal and sold under
sin, a wretched man (7:14, 24)
a. These do not walk according to the flesh – a reference to sinful appetites
b.
But they walk according to the Spirit. This is
describing one who desires to follow after God instead of his fleshly desires
and he does so (see 7:25).
My understanding here is leaning toward the mind of man as opposed
to his flesh. In other words, he has made up his mind that he is going to
follow God. AND his direction is according to the dictates of the Spirit of God
(i.e. His Word) which is mentioned in vs. 2.
NOTE: The KJV, NKJV and perhaps other versions use a capital “S” here
indicating a belief that it has reference to the Holy Spirit. Maybe it does,
but in the original all letters were capital letters, so there is no
distinction.
D. Vs. 2 – The law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus
a.
What is the law of the Spirit of Life? It would be
that law which gives us life in Christ Jesus, namely the word of God.
Compared to the Old Law which was described in chapter 7 as “a law of death”
because it did not give ultimate direction toward one’s salvation, the New Law
gives us hope once and for all – and that is in Christ Jesus (He died for us)
Lesson: We need the word of God to put us on the right path – 2
Timothy 3:16-17; 2:15; Hebrews 6:12-14 – With “solid food” our senses our
trained so that we can discern between good and evil.
b. The Spirit is He who revealed this law to us via the apostles, etc. – John 16:13, etc.
c. This law has made us free from the law of sin and death – indulging the sinful appetites
E. Vs. 3 – A verse that contrasts the Old Law and the New Law
a. What was the fault of the Old Law? One of its major weaknesses was that it could NOT take a way sins (cf. Heb. 10:1-4, etc.) Why was it weak through the flesh – because it required PERFECT obedience –which man WILL NOT do (Romans 3:23).
b.
But God took care of that “flaw” by sending Jesus, in
the likeness of sinful flesh (NOTE it does not say His flesh was sinful – but He
came in the likeness [similitude – Strong; a figure, image…representation -
Thayer] of flesh.) of it.
Lesson: The point being Christ became human thereby being able to
understand us and appease God’s demands – Philippians 2:5-8; Hebrews 4:15
c. He came “on account of sin” – for the sake of sin. RE: Every verse that talks about Jesus dying for our sins
d. He condemned sin in the flesh – The word condemned means to pass judgment against or to find guilty and pronounce sentence. – In Jesus’ coming, God pronounced judgment against sin in the flesh – He declared sin worthy of judgment. AND then He provided the remedy (2 Corinthians 5:21; Galatians 3:13, etc.)
e. The whole point of this verse is our hope
F. Vs. 4 – In condemning sin in the flesh, Jesus fulfilled the righteous requirement of the law
a.
What is that righteous requirement? The law called for
condemnation of those who broke it, and reward for those who obeyed it. But it
also provided means through which sins could be forgiven – namely sacrifices,
etc. However, these sacrifices were not permanent – Hebrews 10:1-4.
Thus as Jesus came, He died once and for all satisfied God’s demands – Romans
3:25, Colossians 2:13-14, etc.
b. It is fulfilled in those who walk according to the spirit rather than the flesh. We notice here that the word “walk” means the direction one chooses or the manner of one’s life. Here is one who with his mind he serves the law of God rather than following his lustful passions (1 John 2:15-17; 3:4-9 – we cannot sin and please God)
c.
Lesson: Here we have a reminder of the
two paths that are continually presented throughout scripture.
We must never forget that we are at war – 2 Corinthians 10:3-6.
We are wrestling, not against flesh and blood, but against principalities,
powers, etc. (Ephesians 6:10-11).
Galatians 6:16-18 tells us to not walk after the flesh to fulfill its lusts.
Vs. 19-25 describe the two sides as “the works of the flesh” vs. the “fruit of
the Spirit”
d. Let us never forget that Satan is doing all that he can to pull us away from God and toward him.
G. Vs. 5 – BECAUSE, (gar) the way you live is dictated by what you think.
a. You are either living according to the flesh or according to the Spirit – the use of spirit here is still in context with what we have said thus far – your will which is based upon God’s word.
b. Lesson: Notice that one can CLAIM to follow God all day long, but if his actions are contrary to that, he is NOT following God – 1 John 2:3-4, 5:2-3; Matthew 15:11, 17-20, etc.
H. Vs. 6-8 – Gives us the importance of this
a. To be carnally minded – following after the flesh – is death (cf. Romans 6:23)
b. To be spiritually minded – brings both life (as opposed to death) and peace – the true inner peace we have because we are at peace with God.
c.
Vs. 7-8 explain the importance of this contrast –
namely the fact that the carnal (fleshly) mind is enmity (at odds, the actions
of an enemy) against God.
Lesson: You HAVE to make a choice. You cannot straddle the fence
and be pleasing to God.
The flesh CANNOT be subject to the Law of God – it stands opposed to what God’s
law is – James 4:4 says that to be friends with the world is to be at enmity
with God. Jesus taught you cannot serve both – Matthew 6:24. How many in this
life want BOTH?
d. Notice clearly that those who are in the flesh (following worldly lusts) CANNOT please God.
In all of this the point is HOW ARE YOU GOING TO LIVE YOUR LIFE? Are you going to give into and serve your fleshly desires, or are you going to serve God with the Spirit? The servant of God needs to choose the latter.