Masterclass: Romans 8

About The Law

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. — Romans 8:1-2

When God’s people lived under the Old Covenant, they were at risk of condemnation upon any infraction of the Law. Because of people’s sin nature, that meant there was a whole lot of condemnation!

But the verses above tell us that there is no condemnation for those who have put their faith in Jesus as their Lord and Savior. The Law had the power to condemn, but Jesus alone has the power to save.

We also heard in Romans 7 that the Law “stirs up the flesh.” When humans are placed under any sort of law, there is a fleshly and innate desire to break that law. That’s the core of all sin — pride which makes man desire to be his own god. Disobedience. We just don’t like to be told what to do! 

Live in Accordance With The Spirit

Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. — Romans 8:5-6

Where is your mind set, and what does that reveal about what ultimately controls you? Nobody lives perfectly by the Spirit, but are you more often living in the Spirit or by the flesh? Maybe this verse will spur us to listen more closely and submit ourselves to the Spirit. We should cast off the desires which stem from our sinful nature and instead make the Spirit our leader.

If you are a believer, then the Spirit of God is in you, and He will sanctify you as you desire to become more like Christ.

The Glory To Come

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. — Romans 8:18

A Christian is blessed with the truth of an eternal perspective. Since we know the true God and since He has given us revelation regarding the afterlife, we can orient ourselves around that unchanging truth. God’s Word shows us just how short life is compared to the eternity that awaits believers in heaven. We learn from Paul, above, that even our sufferings today will pale in comparison to the glory that is to come.

This is great news! It encourages us to look forward to how wonderful heaven will be, and to find relief in the fact that our suffering is temporary. But, it also brings urgency. Only during this time before Jesus’ second coming do we have the chance to share the Gospel and play a part in changing the eternal destination of the people around us. This truth can bring us the comfort and security we need to keep boldly pressing on for the sake of the Kingdom of God, unafraid of the temporary power of evil and death, which Christ has conquered.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. — Romans 8:28

In the meanwhile, we know that God works all things together for good. Now, that does not mean that all things are good. Plenty of things in Scripture and in the world and in our daily lives are evil. But we can be sure that, even when it’s impossible to see or understand, our perfect and all-knowing and all-powerful God is in control, and He knows what’s best. He can take what man intends for evil, and bring something good from it.

Nothing Can Separate Us From His Love

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. —1 Romans 38-39

This chapter ends with this beautiful truth which many Christians have found boldness and refuge in throughout the church’s history. See how strong our God’s love for us is! See how far He will pursue us. Join us in memorizing this Scripture this week, so that it will live in your heart.

Resources:

One Voice // Part 4: Growing Up // Jason Hale

Rolling Hills // Do Good Local // Summer Challenge

As You Go Podcast // Romans 8 & 9 // Chloe Haddad