Now, We Meet the Law’s Righteous Requirements by Living by the Spirit (Romans 8)

"For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh,God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit." Romans 8:3-4 (NIV)

Context

In Romans 5:12-21, Paul introduced his readers to two humanities: one living “in Adam” and one “in Christ” (discussed on Day 6 of the study). Keep this context in mind as you read today’s contrast of living “according to the flesh” versus “according to the Spirit” in Romans 8.

As well, it will be helpful to distinguish between two phrases Paul uses:

• In the flesh = specifically refers to when a person is cut off from God’s Spirit and controlled by the principles and values of this world
• In the body = the way human beings come into contact with the physical world; the body is susceptible to sin but redeemable, and able to submit to the reign of the Spirit

Observation

In Romans 8:1-17, Paul makes a major contrast between living “according to the flesh” versus “according to the Spirit.” Notice what he says about each lifestyle.

He then goes on to declare that our new life in the Spirit is not threatened by:

• Suffering (Romans 8:18-25);
• Weakness (Romans 8:26-27);
• Present circumstances (Romans 8:28-30); nor
• Anything that comes against us (Romans 8:31-39)

Interpretation

If we place Paul’s contrast of living according to the flesh versus the Spirit in the context of his earlier description of the two humanities, we can say this:

In our old life “in Adam”:

• The law was powerless to change us because it was weakened by the flesh (Romans 8:3).
• We lived according to the flesh with minds set on what the flesh desires (Romans 8:5).
• Governed by the flesh, which is hostile to God, we did not submit to God’s law and so died (Romans 8:6-8).
• We did not have the Spirit of Christ because we did not belong to Christ (Romans 8:9).

In our new life “in Christ”:

• There is now no condemnation because the law of the Spirit sets us free from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:1-2).
• We live according to the Spirit with minds set on what the Spirit desires (Romans 8:4-5).
• Our minds are governed by the Spirit, which produces life and peace (Romans 8:6).
• The Spirit lives in us and gives life to our bodies (Romans 8:9-11).
• We have no obligation to live according to the flesh (Romans 8:12-13).
• We are co-heirs with Christ and the Spirit testifies that we are God’s children (Romans 8:14-17)

What are the readers learning from this chapter about:

• The power of the gospel?
• God’s Spirit?
• Their identity?
• The future in store?

How do you think they would feel after reading Romans 8? What are some practical ways they could respond to these incredible truths, especially as relates to the tribalism afflicting the congregation?

Application

What does Romans 8 teach you about:

• The power of the gospel?
• God’s Spirit?
• Your identity?
• Your future?

Along with having your mind renewed to these truths, is there a practical response you can make to them?