Ready and Unashamed

A Study on the Epistle to the Romans by Pastor Claude T. Stauffer

Sanctification in the Spirit – Romans 6:1 – 8:39

ROMANS 8:1-39 More Than Conquerors

The material in Romans 8 is a response to the condition described by Paul at the end of Romans 7 where he is inspired to testify:

Romans 7:22-25 – “For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man.23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.24 O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?25 I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin.” [1]

Jesus and our relationship with (i.e. “in”) Him is the only avenue of escape and deliverance from the war between the natures that rages within us. The path of sanctification in the Spirit and deliverance from this embattled condition is what follows in Romans 8.

“There is therefore now . . .”

Romans 8:1a – “There is therefore now . . . [2]

Notice, the italicized words “There is,” were inserted by the translators for grammatical purposes, but in the original manuscript of the Greek this section starts off simply with the word, “therefore.”

Whenever you see the word, “therefore,” the student of the bible should ask, “What is ‘therefore,’ there for?” In this case it links what follows with what Paul has previously spoken about. In other words, those who are in Christ, in the Spirit, relying by faith in Christ’s completed work, and not trying to please God in their own fleshly strength, are not condemned.

What Paul speaks of here is the “now” of the believer. Paul has described the “wretched” state of trying to live the sanctified life by keeping a set of rules or “law” in one’s own strength. He “now” turns to the present possibility ready to be received by faith by every believer.

“No Condemnation”

Romans 8:1b - “There is therefore now no condemnation . . . .” [3]

What is “condemnation”? “Condemnation” (Greek KATAKRIMA- Strong’s # 2631 - katavkrima katakrima, kat-ak´-ree-mah) here means, “an adverse sentence or verdict; condemnation, punishment.” [4] Condemnation is the result of sin (Matthew 12:37; 27:3; Romans 5:18-19). Condemnation is an adverse sentence pronounced by a judge. It is the declaration and pronouncement of “guilty!” at a court proceeding that has reached its determination stage.

Who is condemned?

Before we consider who is not condemned, we should consider who is condemned. The Bible says that those who are living in sin, who have yet to accept Jesus by faith as their Savior and Lord, are under condemnation. This is a truth spelled out clearly throughout the Bible. Read just a few of the scriptural support for such a statement:

Matthew 12:34-37 - “Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.35 “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things.36 “But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment.37 “For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” [5]
John 3:18-19 - “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.19 “And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.” [6] (See Matthew 25:41-46)
Romans 5:12,16,18 – “Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned— . . . 16 And the gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned. For the judgment which came from one offense resulted in condemnation, but the free gift which came from many offenses resulted in justification. . . . 18 Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life.” [7]

Humanity is therefore born under condemnation, (though I believe an infant or young child, should they die, are not condemned to eternal death but through the blood of Jesus are saved eternally due to their innocence or inability to reason, understand or grasp the gospel to receive it; this would be true of mentally challenged people as well) and should they persist in their sin rejecting Jesus they will die in their sins and be sentenced to eternal death, separation from God in hell at the Great White Throne Judgment (Revelation 21).

Degrees of Condemnation

The Bible also tells us that there are degrees of condemnation. Those who have been given greater opportunity via greater time and revelation knowledge of the gospel, yet still persist to rebel and refuse Jesus and the gospel, those are under greater condemnation. Jesus said this in reference to the religious Pharisees who had the scriptures that spoke of Him yet persisted in rejecting Him, and He spoke it regarding those who had seen Him work and do miracles and remained hardened against Him:

Matthew 11:20-24 – “Then He began to rebuke the cities in which most of His mighty works had been done, because they did not repent:21 “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.22 “But I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the day of judgment than for you.23 “And you, Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, will be brought down to Hades; for if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day.24 “But I say to you that it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment than for you.” [8]

Matthew 23:14 - “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. Therefore you will receive greater condemnation.” [9] (See Matthew 5:20)
Jude 4 – “For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ.” [10]

Indeed Paul was inspired to warn of this truth earlier in Romans when he was inspired to write:

Romans 2:1 – “Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things.” [11]

Hypocrites, or those who say one thing and live another, those who know the truth, do not follow it themselves but hold others to it, their condemnation is greater.

No Condemnation

Jesus said He didn’t come into the world to condemn the world but to save it, but those who reject Him are condemned already:

John 3:16-18a - “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.17 “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.18 “He who believes in Him is not condemned; . . .” [12]

Hearing and heeding the word of the Lord, believing in Jesus, is the only way to everlasting life and escape from judgment. Jesus said:

John 5:24 - “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.” [13]

These verses tell us that through faith in Jesus the Son and His word we can pass out from under the condemnation that sin brings, out from under the specter of judgment that is rightly and justly due the sinner, in can pass into “life,” eternal life. That is a profound verse.

Condemnation versus Conviction

We need to recognize the distinction between condemnation and conviction. The Holy Spirit convicts the sinner of their sin and exposes to them their need for salvation and a Savior, Jesus Christ. Conviction is aimed at drawing a person to God in hope. While the sinner is under the condemnation of God’s righteous judgment, God does not wield that condemnation to punish the sinner but rather refers to it as a warning to bring them home to Him.

Satan on the other hand uses condemnation to isolate and push people away from God, to discourage, demolish, and if possible destroy people. Satan uses condemnation and guilt like a battering ram and bludgeon to make bloody the one who sins but seeks an answer to their sinful state. Therefore it can be said, GOD CONVICTS THE SINNER OF SIN SEEKING TO SAVE HIM; SATAN CONDEMNS THE SINNER ABOUT SIN AIMING TO DESTROY HIM.

Those who ADMIT/ACKNOWLEDGE their sin before God and ACCEPT by faith that Jesus paid the penalty for sin on the cross in our place, are brought into a place where they are declared justified and have “no condemnation” as far as God is concerned. We need to see Christ on the cross for us, obtaining salvation for us.

No Condemnation “In Christ Jesus”

Romans 8:1c – “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, . . .” [14]

Notice that according to Romans 8:1 that there is no condemnation for those who are “in Christ Jesus.” Paul does not make allowance or present the possibility that condemnation brought by sin can be escaped through any other means than to be “in Christ Jesus.” There is no mention of good intentions (works), Buddha, Hindu gods, self-realization, Mary, the “god” within (New Agers), Allah, Muhammad, or any other option. Being “in Christ Jesus” is the ONLY WAY to escape the condemnation of God on the sinner.

This may sound repugnant in our day and age when the cult of toleration is the religion of the masses, it may not be acceptable to those who are willing to throw truth to the wind in favor of “keeping the peace” via a false acceptance; but that Jesus is the only way is the God revealed truth that if ignored leads to more condemnation.

This is not just an opinion of the author, but is supported by numerous scriptural evidence. Verses that support the exclusive necessity of being “in Christ” to be saved from condemnation are Romans 8:1 and:

John 10:1,7,9 - “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. . . 7 Then Jesus said to them again, “Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. . . 9 “I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.” [15]
John 14:6 – “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” [16]
Acts 4:10-12 - “let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole.11 “This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’12 “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” [17]
Acts 13:38-39 - “Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man [i.e. Jesus Christ] is preached to you the forgiveness of sins;39 “and by Him everyone who believes is justified from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses.” [18]
Galatians 1:3-10 – “Grace to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ,4 who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father,5 to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. 6 I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel,7 which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ.8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed.9 As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.10 For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.” [19]

There is simply no other way to find relief from the guilt of sin, forgiveness for our sin and the just condemnation due us because of it, than to come to Jesus by God’s grace through faith in Jesus. Jesus is the only way.

Why Is Jesus The Only Way?

First, Jesus is the only way because He alone was qualified to go to the cross and pay the just penalty for humanities’ sin. He alone did not sin, but was blameless and therefore he when He went to the cross and gave Himself as a sacrifice for our sin and died, God pronounced His sacrifice acceptable and sufficient to meet His just requirements for the penalty for sin. God pronounced Christ’s sacrifice as acceptable and sufficient by way of the resurrection. Peter was inspired to write:

1 Peter 1:18-21 – “knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers,19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.20 He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you21 who through Him believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.” [20]

This could not be said of Buddha, Muhammad or any other human in history. (In fact the Koran testifies to the sinlessness of Jesus.) Only Jesus could go to the cross for you and me.

Second, the Father provided no other way. The night before Jesus went to the cross, He prayed in Gethsemane to the Father that if there was or could be any other way to work the salvation of humanity let it be. But the Father offered no other way. The gospel record indicates this in the following words:

Matthew 26:36-39,42,44 – “Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to the disciples, “Sit here while I go and pray over there.”37 And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed.38 Then He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me.”39 He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.” . . 42 Again, a second time, He went away and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done.” . . . 44 So He left them, went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.” [21]

Not once, not twice, but three times Jesus made this petition to the Father and each time the silence of the Father asserted “there is no other way Son.”

To say there is another way is to deny the Father, deny His word, and to minimize and blaspheme the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Not only that, but to present an alternative to Jesus to reach a state of “no condemnation” is to present a false gospel and false hope to the lost that will ultimately lead to their eternal condemnation in hell. Jesus is the only way.

Third, God provides one way so there can be no doubt. If there are many ways or undefined ways to attain to “no condemnation” then there can be no certainty. God doesn’t want us to be in doubt or uncertain about how to remove our condemnation. God keeps it simple so that there can simply be no mistake or doubt in regards to freedom from condemnation in His Son. There is only one way out from under the press of condemnation and that gives us assurance. The Bible supports this when it states:

John 5:24 - “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.” [22]
1 John 5:13 – “These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.” [23]

The single solitary way provided by God to “no condemnation in Christ Jesus” provides us with a clear and certain assurance of our salvation. There is no better way than Jesus; there is no other way, period.

In his book New Wine and the Babylonians Vine author Roger Oakland makes the following comment:

“. . . in 1986, at Assisi, Italy, the Vatican hosted may of the world’s religious leaders in a special day of prayer for peace. Buddhists, Hindus, animists and “Christians” of various denominations gathered together by invitation of the pontiff from Rome. All prayed to the gods or goddesses of their choice. The pope who had called for this gathering never presented the gospel of Jesus Christ. Maybe that would have been a hindrance to the unity for peace that he was endeavoring to attain. . . On of the ways that Satan deceives people is to convince fallen man that he gospel has no validity. However, another effective way is to confuse the message so that people think they understand the gospel, when really do not. . . . The way to eternal life is very narrow. The wide way is the path of deception and there are many who travel this road. Jesus clearly said that He alone was ‘the way,’ the ‘narrow way.” ” [24]

Jesus said:

Matthew 7:13-14 - “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it.14 “Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. . .” [25]

Jesus is the One who tells us that there is only one way to find relief from condemnation, Himself; we have to take Him at His word.

“In Christ Jesus”

The phrase, “in Christ Jesus” or “in Christ” is a very important phrase in Paul’s writings. “In Christ Jesus” refers to the position and relationship we have with God through faith in Christ Jesus.

The phrase “in Christ” occurs 13 times in the epistle to the Romans (3:24; 6:11,23; 8:1,2,39; 9:1; 12:5; 15:17; 16:3,7,9,10). In Paul’s writings, “in Christ” occurs 84 times. “By Christ” occurs four times in Paul’s writings (1 Corinthians 1:4; Galatians 2:17; Ephesians 3:21; Philippians 4:19). The phrase “through Christ” occurs five times in Paul’s writings (2 Corinthians 1:5; 3:4; Galatians 4:7; Philippians 4:7,13). “In Him” occurs 24 times in Paul’s writings. “”Through Him” occurs 7 times in Paul’s writings (Romans 1:5; 5:9; 8:37; 11:36; Ephesians 2:18; Colossians 1:16; 3:17). These are all phrases which point to a relationship between Jesus and the believer.

“Every spiritual blessing . . . in Christ”

The importance of the phrase “in Christ” is seen in the way it is used in Paul’s epistle to the Ephesians where it states:

Ephesians 1:3 – “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,” [26]

All our spiritual blessings come to us “in Christ,” that is, in our relationship with Jesus Christ. What are some of these blessings?

A Christian’s faithfulness is determined in terms of faith “in Christ” (Ephesians 1:1).
We are chosen “in Him” before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4).
“In Him” we have redemption (Ephesians 1:7).
God’s will and purpose are realized “in Christ” (Ephesians 1:10).
“In Him” we have an eternal inheritance (Ephesians 1:11).
We receive the seal of the Spirit when we trust “in Him” (Ephesians 1:13).
God’s glory is praised “in Christ” (Ephesians 1:12).
God’s power is realized “in Christ” (Ephesians 1:19-20).
Our position in heaven is “in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:6).
We see the exceeding riches of His grace “in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:7).
Christians are “created in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:10).
We have access to God “in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:13).
“Through Him” we have access by one spirit to the Father (Ephesians 2:18).
Gentiles partake of God’s salvation promise “in Christ” (Ephesians 3:6).
God’s eternal purpose is accomplished “in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 3:11).
“In Him” we have boldness and access to God (Ephesians 3:12).
We receive forgiveness of sins “in Christ” (Ephesians 4:32).

Jesus said:

John 10:10b – “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” [27]

We come to realize and experience the abundant life Jesus promised through our abiding relationship with Him. Which leads us to another term we should consider that expresses our relationship with Jesus.

Abiding “in Christ”

Another word used to describe our relationship with Jesus is the word “abide.” Jesus said:

John 8:31-32 – “Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.32 “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” [28]

· John 15:1-11 – ““I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. ² Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. ³ You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. ⁴ Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.⁵ “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. ⁶ If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. ⁷ If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. ⁸ By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. ⁹ “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. ¹⁰ If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. ¹¹ “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.” ^[29]

“Abide” is translated from the Greek term MENO (Strong’s # 3306 - μένω) which occurs 120 times in the New Testament and of those occurrences it is translated 61 times “abide,” 16 times “remain,” “dwell” 15 times, “continue” 11 times, “tarry” nine times, “endure” three times, and translated miscellaneously five times.” ^[30] The word "abide" therefore means we stick to Jesus and we stick to Jesus by faith or trust in Him. In the above verses we see that Jesus defined His disciples as those who stick to His word (John 8:31; 15:7), stick to Him (John 15:4,5,6,7), and stick or abide to His love (John 15:9,10). Jesus tells us that abiding in Him and His word makes Him full of joy and puts His joy fully in us (John 15:11).

“In Christ” and Jesus call to “abide” in Him are equivalent ways to refer to a saving personal relationship with Him. AS YOU ARE “IN CHRIST JESUS” YOU ARE UNDER “NO CONDEMNATION.”

Do Not Walk According to the Flesh

Romans 8:1d – “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, . . . .” [31]

The one who is not condemned is the one who doesn’t walk in their flesh. We saw in our study on justification in Romans 3:19-5:21 that salvation is not based on a person’s works or personal effort, but the same is true of sanctification. The person who relies on their own understanding, their works, keeping the law and being religious will get no further in their walk with the Lord than to feel like a “wretched man” (Romans7). Those who walk according to their flesh are those who pursue God religiously and if you ever speak to one brought up in a religious environment they are always bound and burdened by guilt rooted in a fear of condemnation. They fear condemnation because they believe their righteousness is based on something they do. They walk around feeling condemned when in truth, in Christ Jesus, they are not. The one who walks in their flesh and trusts in a religious way of relating to God is motivated by guilt, fear and condemnation and that is very sad because such a person will never realize the abundant life Jesus promised (John 10:10). Don’t walk according to your flesh, it isn’t worth it. There is a far better way.

Life According to the Holy Spirit

Romans 8:1e – “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.” [32]

Now we come to the crux of this great chapter, it begins from the very first verse when it says, “according to the Spirit.” This great chapter is all about living the sanctified life by the Spirit.

It is only when you live your life according to the Holy Spirit that you will be set free from the condemnation of sin. Without the Spirit you always fall short, get frustrated and ultimately fail spiritually. Life in the Spirit is the only way to be more than a conqueror.

Jesus said that the Holy Spirit would “abide” with us forever:

· John 14:15-16 - “If you love Me, keep My commandments. ¹⁶ And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever” ^[33]

What a tremendous promise and blessing. When Jesus said “another Helper,” the term He used for “another” is the Greek term ALLOS (Strong’s #243) which means another of the same kind. In other words, when Jesus promised that “another Helper” would come, He was saying another just like Him. The Holy Spirit is just like Jesus in divine nature and Godhood and Jesus promises the presence of the Holy Spirit to the believer. The Holy Spirit abiding with us forever! And as we continue in our study of Romans 8 we’ll see just how great a blessing this is, to have the Holy Spirit abiding with us forever.

But having received forgiveness and freedom from condemnation in Christ Jesus, and the promised abiding of the Holy Spirit, what about the ongoing war of the natures within the believer that we saw in Romans 7? Is there power to help there? How can we ADVANCE in our relationship with Jesus?

Two Principles

Romans 8:2 – “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.” [34]

“Law” here is used as a principle, just as it is in Romans 7:21,23. There are two principles mentioned here, one brings life, the other death.

The law [principle] of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus

This principle is one that is guided by and led by the Holy Spirit. We need only look at the book of Acts to see such a principle lived out by disciples. THE HOLY SPIRIT IS THE ONE WHO ENABLES US TO RELATE TO AND INTERACT WITH JESUS IN THIS “IN CHRIST” RELATIONSHIP.

This Spiritual relationship is referred to in the following verses of Hebrews where reference is made to the promise of a New Covenant made by God through Jeremiah (Jeremiah 31) is given:

Hebrews 8:7-13 – “For if that first covenant had been faultless, then no place would have been sought for a second.8 Because finding fault with them, He says: “Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah—9 “not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they did not continue in My covenant, and I disregarded them, says the Lord.10 “For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.11 “None of them shall teach his neighbor, and none his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them.12 “For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.”13 In that He says, “A new covenant,” He has made the first obsolete. Now what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.” [35]

The New Covenant in Christ is a covenant of the heart, it is INTERNAL not merely EXTERNAL; it is IN THE SPIRIT NOT MERELY IN OUR FLESH; it is a RELATIONSHIP, not merely a religion. John described it like this:

1 John 1:1-4 – “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life—2 the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us—3 that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.4 And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.” [36]

It is the Holy Spirit who personally puts God’s word in our minds and writes it on our hearts. That we are to relate to God ín the Spirit” was clearly stated by Jesus who said:

John 4:23-24 - “But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him.24 “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” [37]

We meet God in the realm of the spirit (human beings are created to function trichotomously spirit/soul/body). How does God communicate with our spirit?

Relating to God in the Realm of the Spirit – The Battle

The Spirit of God communes with us in the area of our spirit. It is the Holy Spirit who resides in the believer. He is a Helper sent to bring the presence and truth of Jesus into the believer’s heart. The Holy Spirit tells us about Jesus and brings the presence of Jesus to the believer (John 14-16). We know Jesus by the Spirit’s revealing Him to us.

The Holy Spirit bears witness and speaks to our spirit, which results in a thought-type voice or idea communicated from our spirit to our conscious soul/mind. Our flesh at the prodding of Satan may plant sinful thoughts in our mind but that is when we need to by faith yield ourselves to the Spirit. Paul refers to this when he is inspired to write:

2 Corinthians 10:4-5 – “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds,5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,” [38]

We know thoughts that contradict God’s word are not from God. In the Spirit we must discern between thoughts from our flesh or the devil and those from God. It can be difficult to discern between our thoughts and those from God.

Peter – An Example of the War Within

Remember Peter and his difficulty discerning what was from God and what was from the devil? In the space of a few moments Peter received God’s revelation and then was deluded by a Satanic thought:

Matthew 16:15-23 – “He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”16 Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”17 Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.18 “And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.19 “And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”20 Then He commanded His disciples that they should tell no one that He was Jesus the Christ. 21 From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day.22 Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, “Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!”23 But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.” [39]

Now you might respond to the above by saying, “Wait a minute, that was before Pentecost and Peter’s baptism with the Spirit.” But if we look in Galatians we see Peter confronted by Paul after Pentecost because Peter had waffled on the issue of the relationship between Gentiles and Jewish believers (Galatians 2:11-21). The war within us between flesh and Spirit is something we need to be alert to and keep tabs on throughout our earthly lives.

God’s Promise to the Tempted

There is a verse in Scripture that gives one of the most practical and blessed promises of God in the entire bible. God is patient with us knowing this difficulty we have to discern His voice from our own or Satan’s. In Christ, there is no condemnation. God will seek to direct us and protect us from Satan and ourselves. Walking in the Spirit is being attentive to the Spirit’s warnings. Paul was inspired to write then a tremendous statement on God’s practical promise saying:

1 Corinthians 10:13 – “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” [40]

In the Spirit we don’t fight God, we surrender to Him. God is working in us (Ephesians 2:10; Philippians 2:13). Over time we learn to be sensitive to the Spirit’s voice and discern between the Spirit, our flesh and the devil. We will see more on this relationship as we continue in this chapter 8 of Romans.

Made Free

Paul says, “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.” The three word phrase, “made me free” is translated from one Greek term ELEUTHREO (Strong’s #1659 ελευθερόω [eleutheroo /el·yoo·ther·o·o/]) which occurs 7 times in the New Testament and is translated, “make free” six times, and “deliver” once. 1 The idea of this term is to convey the thought of setting one at liberty; liberating; freeing a person from domination or the dominion of sin. ^[41] The verses using this term (besides its occurrence in Romans 8:2) are as follows:

· John 8:32 – “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” ^[42]

· John 8:36 – “Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” ^[43]

· Romans 6:18 – “And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.” ^[44]

· Romans 6:22 – “But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life.” ^[45]

· Romans 8:21 – “because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.” ^[46]

· Galatians 5:1 – “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.” ^[47]

Life in the Spirit is lived in a close fellowship with God. Life in the Spirit is lived in God’s presence moment by moment. It is not a life lived with SELF as lord and master, but it is a life where the SPIRIT is Lord and Master. Life in the Spirit is not lived in one’s own strength; it is lived in the power of the Spirit. The law of sin and death is binding and causes bondage. Trying to keep laws as a means to justify or sanctify leads to bondage. There is no worse condition than to be seeking God in one’s own strength because the person who does is doomed to frustration and failure from the start. We saw the futility of this in Romans 7. When we contrast the two principles and receive God’s offer of life in the Spirit, we are “set free” from the deficiencies of the law that exposes sin and leads to death and are liberated to the glorious experiences of the Spirit.

The Law [principle] of Liberty

James called this the “law of liberty”:

James 1:25 – “But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.” [48]
James 2:12 – “So speak and so do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty.” [49]

The “law of liberty” is a particular title coined by James to refer to God’s word. “Law” here is a principle for life. The law that liberates is a principle for life whereby the believer no longer lives in self-dependent rule or law keeping, but lives in the power and enabling of the Spirit.

Jesus pointed out the burden of trying to keep the law or rules as the outcome of the Pharisees legalistic teaching:

Matthew 23:4 - “For they [Pharisees who were religious and legalistic] bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.” [50]

On the other hand it was Jesus who said:

Matthew 11:28-30 - “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.29 “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.30 “For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” [51]

When we come to Jesus in the Spirit we find rest for our souls. Life in the Spirit is liberating and that is why it is called a law of liberty.

A Pastor Who Found Rest in Jesus

This is one of the greatest truths I have come to learn as a pastor. I have not always lived or pastured according to the principle of life in the Spirit. When I first began to pastor I relied for the most part on human wisdom that showed it self for example in church growth strategies, demographic studies, statistical analysis, programs, and any other method to get my church to grow that was possible. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not against church growth. Growth for the sake of growth (to have a “big” church) is more a definition of cancer than God’s will for His church. But a healthy church will grow as sheep are fed and get strong on the word of God. Healthy sheep reproduce! But when I relied on my smarts and strategies to operate a church that were rooted in the secular marketing world, all I found was a financial drain and frustration. God allowed me to exhaust my earthly fleshly resources and bottom out so that I would cry out to Him. And when I cried out to God, He showed me how He works. God works in and by the power of the Holy Spirit. The best diagram and outline for how a church should be run is found in the book of Acts and in Acts we find a church empowered and guided by the Spirit. Come to Jesus, be filled and empowered in the Spirit and you will realize your fulfillment in Him.

Let me say I am not the pastor of a mega church and don’t feel as though I have failed in any way as a result of this. It is God’s church and I believe He determines the size and composition of each church. God is the one who grows the church by adding the saved and multiplying disciples (Acts 2:42,47; 6:7; 7:17; 9:31; 12:24). Success for the pastor (or anyone else for that matter) is not based on factoring numbers; it is based on being faithful to God, trusting in Him, and doing things His way. I don’t know what the future holds for the church I pastor, (I’m open to the Spirit’s leading). I do know that the Spirit has hold of me and is using me and that is enough for me. I pray my church grows in the Spirit and numerically, but not to use numbers to build my ego or confirm my calling, or to be able to boast of success, but because numbers mean souls saved and disciples multiplied to bring more and more glory to the Name of Jesus. It is the love of Christ in the Spirit that compels me in my ministry (2 Corinthians 5:14-15).

The church belongs to Jesus, it is not mine or yours or anyone else’s. He is the One who builds His church (Matthew 16:18). Realizing this brings rest to your soul. I have come to rest in Jesus. That doesn’t mean I vegetate like a pastoral coach potato. On the contrary, I do my best and trust Him for the rest and that attitude brings me rest for my soul. I once heard a pastor say that there is no reason for clergy burnout. Clergy burnout is a sign of doing ministry in one’s own strength. That will lead to burnout and exhaustion. But when the pastor is resting in Jesus, the burden of ministry is lifted and one can minister freely in the power and direction and production of the Holy Spirit. So if you’re a pastor or really whoever you are, if you’re struggling in life, come to Jesus and find rest for your souls. Let His grace overflow you and make you what He wants you to be (1 Corinthians 15:10). Let Jesus liberate you from your burden of carnal bondage.

In Christ we are set free from the condemnation that was due the sinner under the law. In Christ we are set free from the futility of trying to be righteous in our own strength by keeping the law. Remember what we noted from Jesus words earlier? Jesus said:

· John 8:31-32 – “Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. ³² And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” ^[52]

Not only are we freed from condemnation regarding sin through our abiding in Jesus, but also when we are abiding in Jesus words the Spirit uses them to free us from the bondage of sin and flesh. How sad it is that some Christians live in a felling of condemnation and guilt due to trying to live by laws or rules. Such legalism and religion is counterproductive to the spiritual life God wants to work in the believer.

The law [principle] of sin and death

People are not sinners because they sin; they sin because they are sinners. Humanity is by nature children of wrath and under the influence of Satan (2 Corinthians 4:4; Ephesians 2:1-4). The wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23). Those who reject the Spirit and try to be righteous in their own strength are doomed to frustration and failure and are not acceptable to God. Jesus referred to such as blaspheming the Holy Spirit:

Matthew 12:31 - “Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men.” [53]

If this is true of the sinner who seeks God in their own strength, in their own way apart from the Spirit revealed way of God, how silly and sad it is when believers try to use ways other than in the Spirit to live the sanctified life (Galatians 3:1-3).

Legal Stoning or Spiritual Light?

These two principles (law of sin and death and law of life in the Spirit) or ways of looking at life are best illustrated in the following situation Jesus dealt with:

John 8:1-12 – “But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives.2 Now early in the morning He came again into the temple, and all the people came to Him; and He sat down and taught them.3 Then the scribes and Pharisees brought to Him a woman caught in adultery. And when they had set her in the midst,4 they said to Him, “Teacher, this woman was caught in adultery, in the very act.5 “Now Moses, in the law, commanded us that such should be stoned. But what do You say?”6 This they said, testing Him, that they might have something of which to accuse Him. But Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground with His finger, as though He did not hear.7 So when they continued asking Him, He raised Himself up and said to them, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.”8 And again He stooped down and wrote on the ground.9 Then those who heard it, being convicted by their conscience, went out one by one, beginning with the oldest even to the last. And Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.10 When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, “Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?”11 She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.”12 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” [54]

Here we see the stark contrast between those who coldly seek to condemn and destroy the one in sin based on law (John 8:5), and Jesus who seeks to forgive and deliver from sin in the Spirit. The law of sin and death is a law perpetrated and used by sinners against sinners (John 8:6-9). Jesus on the other hand, showed the woman forgiveness and instructed her to, “go and sin no more” (John 8:11). The way to have victory over sin is not by legalism, but by walking in the light of Jesus (John 8:12; 1 John 1:7).

Following the Spirit in Life

The way of the Spirit cannot always be put down in simple easy to follow steps. That is true because the way of the Spirit is a relationship. How many of you who are married have followed a step-by-step outline with your spouse as you have grown in your relationship together? You may have set down plans such as, “In five years we’ll have our first home; in six years we’ll have our first child; in eight years our second child.” You may have even set up your lives by a plan on into retirement. But you know what, life doesn’t work like that. There are unexpected forks and bumps in the road. That’s what makes life, life! That is why you need to let the Lord set your life in order and follow Him step by step moment by moment. In Proverbs it states:

Proverbs 16:9 – “A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps.” [55]

To live by the principle of life in the Spirit doesn’t mean we don’t make plans, but it does mean all our plans are tentative and open to the Spirit changing them. James wrote:

James 4:13-16 – “Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit”; 14 whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.15 Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.”16 But now you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil.” [56]

Life in the Spirit is constantly surrendering to God with the words, “If the LORD wills.” The Spirit leads us from point “A” to point “B” but what I have learned is that the journey from point “A” to point “B” is just as valuable as getting to the destination because the Spirit uses the journey to conform us to Christ-likeness and make us ready to arrive at our destination and all God has for us.

Remember Why the Law Was Given

The Law was not given to make one righteous; it was given to reveal clearly to us our sinfulness and need of Christ. The Law is a “tutor” to lead us to Christ (Galatians 3). A person may have cancer and not know it. If they go and have a regular checkup and a spot or sing of cancer is found and identified, then they know to go to a doctor for help. The Law shows us we need spiritual help and the Doctor is Jesus. The law reveals our deadness, but the law of Christ sets us free, it heals our sin problem. The law of sin and death is a law of works based on what I do; the law of Christ is a law of grace and is based upon God’s work, what Christ has done for us. The law couldn’t and can’t make a person righteous, it can’t remove our guilt, it doesn’t motivate us to keep it and it has no power to help people keep it; only in Christ can these things be accomplished.

The Weakness of the Law

Romans 8:3-4 – “For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” [57]

The phrase, “what the law could not do,” refers to the impotence of the law to make one righteous, remove guilt, and empower to keep it. The reason Jesus came was because the law could not save or make a person righteous.

The reason the law is impotent is that the law is “weak through the flesh,” the law is kept in one’s own strength and depends on us (i.e. “the flesh”). God’s standard of righteousness is perfection (Matthew 5:48); therefore, if a person wants to try to be righteous by keeping the law, they must keep it perfectly without flaw or even mistake (Galatians 3:10; James 2:10). One slip up and one is guilty of the whole law and unrighteous. The Bible says:

James 2:10 – “For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all.” [58]

Through Jesus, who came in the flesh as representative Man, “sin in the flesh” was condemned on the cross, in that all our inadequacies that resulted in sin were judged on the cross by being placed on Jesus. On the cross, “the righteous requirement of the law, “was “fulfilled” in that what we could not do, Jesus did for us. Those who do not rely on their own attempt to be righteous, (“who do not walk according to the flesh”) and heed and accept by faith this message brought by, “the Spirit” have found the answer to the problem of condemnation for sin. That answer is that Jesus did on the cross for us what we were too weak to do for ourselves by trying to keep the law. Paul was inspired to say it this way in another epistle:

Galatians 3:10-13 – “For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them.”11 But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident, for “the just shall live by faith.”12 Yet the law is not of faith, but “the man who does them shall live by them.”13 Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”),” [59]

Once having put faith in Jesus, we need to walk by faith in the Spirit. Paul now moves to a discussion on this.

“God did” –The Strength of God

Paul says that what the law couldn’t do, “God did.” Similarly, what the law could not do for us, God did for us. Here we see the primary difference between life under the law and life in the Spirit. THE PRIMARY DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LIFE ACCORDING TO THE LAW AND LIFE ACCORDING TO THE SPIRIT IS THAT THE LAW STRESSES AND RELIES UPON WHAT I MUST DO, LIFE IN THE SPIRIT STRESSES AND RELIES UPON WHAT GOD HAS DONE FOR US IN CHRIST AND WHAT HE CONTINUES TO DO DAY BY DAY.

The Bible tells us that God is the one working in and through us and tells us this over and over. Below are a few verses that tell us this:

Ephesians 2:10 – “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” [60]
Philippians 1:6 – “being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;” [61]
Philippians 2:13 – “for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” [62]
Romans 8:26a – “Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses.[63]
Jude 1 – “Jude, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, 1 To those who are called, sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ:” [64]

The human being is inherently inclined to the religious, a “what must I do to be saved,” mentality. And even after one is saved the believer needs to grow out of this mentality and learn to walk by trust in the Holy Spirit and God’s promise to work in us.

A Decision on Your Mindset

Romans 8:5 – “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.” [65]

The Holy Spirit is “God,” He is the third Person of the Triune Godhead. When a person accepts Jesus as their Savior and is born again, the Holy Spirit comes to reside in them bringing the presence of Jesus home to them and He begins to work a change in them. This change is very drastic and apparent. Paul was inspired to describe it in the following way:

2 Corinthians 5:17 – “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” [66]

The change worked by the Spirit is most clearly seen in the new believer who is changed from sinner to saint. This change is most apparent in the way it changes a persons’ thinking. The person who has been born again has a flip-flop in priorities and interests. The things they dwelt on before they were saved don’t hold the same value or interest after they are saved. That is what Paul discusses in Romans 8:5.