Thoughts from Romans 8

As usual, my sermon notes from 2 July 2020 refer to a single verse: Romans 8:6. However, it is seldom a good thing to take a single verse and comment on it until we've placed it in context. As with many chapters in the Bible, chapter 8 begins in the middle of a thought. We can tell that because Paul writes:

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. (Romans 8:1-2 KJV)

From the Pulpit Commentary Expository on Romans 8:2:

The designation of this new law is in marked opposition to that in which the ἐγὼ (ego) was before said to be held; we have life in opposition to death, and the Spirit in opposition to the flesh, as well as freedom in opposition to captivity. The Spirit is, in fact, the Divine Spirit, taking possession of what is spiritual (now at length brought into view) in the inward man, making him partaker in the Divine life, and able to serve God freely. The expressions used bring out strikingly one essential distinction between Law and Gospel, viz. that the principle of the former is to control and discipline conduct by requirements and threats; but of the latter to introduce into man's inner being a new principle of life, whence right conduct may spontaneously flow.

We learn in chapter 6 how mankind had been slaves to righteousness - living by the Law as given to Moses, which teaches what is sinful. Christ, however, brought the message of God's grace through faith:

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16 KJV)

Peter explains this and Luke is inspired to include it in Acts:

But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they. (Acts 15:11 KJV) (Do read that whole chapter to understand this statement was made to followers of Christ questioning the addition of other followers. Always a learning process.)

Paul mentions it in his inspired epistles:

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV)

Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, (2 Timothy 1:9 KJV)

Back to Romans 8:

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: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. (Romans 8:3-4 KJV)

The Law given to Moses was right, and when followed provided righteousness to men - but mankind is pretty much driven by a sinful nature that follows what the "flesh," or personal desires we have. Through Christ, God's grace is provided and the Holy Spirit accompanies us on our journey throuigh life.

That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 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. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. (Romans 8:4-8 KJV)

So - why would we want to be guided by the Spirit?

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. (Romans 8:9 KJV)

I've accepted His invitation to be His. I have faith in His Grace. Come, read more and more about God and His work with mankind.