The Epistle to the Romans
Lesson 14
Special English Version

Righteousness Realized

Reading Assignment: Romans 8

Introduction
It is widely accepted that this lesson involves the greatest chapter in the whole Bible. Without question, Romans is the clearest and most complete presentation of the gospel of Jesus Christ! And Romans 8 gives the best understanding of that gospel.
Because of the depth of this glorious chapter, it will take both lessons 14 and 15 to explain it. Lesson 14 will cover Romans 8:1-17. Lesson 15 will cover the balance of the chapter..

Another illustration of our oneness with Christ is found in Romans 7:1-6. Then in Romans 7:7-25 we read about Hindrances to Sanctification

Importance of this Lesson

• It is important to understand that in this chapter the apostle Paul revealed the power of the Holy Spirit for the first time in the book of Romans. Only once before does Paul mention the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5). In this chapter, Paul mentions the Holy Spirit 19 times. Why?
• Remember that up to now, Paul wrote about our justification through the shed blood of Christ. He wrote that Christ died in our place (Romans 3:21-5:11). He also wrote about our sanctification through our total union with Christ (Romans 5:12-7:6).
• Here, in this remarkable chapter, Paul calls attention to the POWER we need to live as people Christ justified and sanctified.

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The Lesson

I. SOME CONSIDERATIONS ABOUT ROMANS 8 – RIGHTEOUSNESS
We find this word 36 times in Romans. Paul declares and explains righteousness through this whole epistle.

1. Remember the outline we suggested in lesson 2. In this chapter we see:
   1. God accomplished righteousness for the believer – Romans 8:1-17.
   2. Righteousness Perfected – Romans 8:18-39.
2. A basic outline for the entire chapter might well be:
   1. God’s POWER to live a justified, sanctified life – the Holy Spirit – Romans 8:1-17.
   2. God’s PROMISE of future glory – Romans 8:18-25.
   3. God’s PURPOSE in His election of grace – Romans 8:26-30.
   4. God’s PRESENCE to guard us so we will not be separated from Him for all eternity. Romans 8:31-39.
3. In Christian experience, this chapter comes AFTER:
   1. The work of Christ on the cross on our behalf – Romans 3:24-26.
   2. Sin has been judged and put away – Romans 5:8-10.
   3. Believers are considered as people who died with Christ to sin and the law. All believers are buried with Him and all believers are risen with Him to newness of life – Romans 6:3-4.
4. In this chapter, the believer is seen as:
   1. “Under grace” and no longer as slaves. They are no longer under the law – Romans 8:2.
   2. God’s elect involved in a glorious purpose – Romans 8:28-29.
   3. People who “arrived” at home – at last!
      (Know each reference and what it shows about the believer.)
      1. His sins are gone – Romans 5:20.
      2. The law is behind him – Romans 6:14.
      3. Christ forgave him, redeemed him, and justified him – Romans 3:23-26.
      4. God accepted the believer now as his full son. The believer is now one who inherits all God’s riches and glory – Romans 8:14-18.
      5. He is now united to Christ and nothing can separate him from Christ – Romans 8:35-39.

II. EXPOSITION OF ROMANS 8:1-17
In order to make the following truths simple to understand, we are presenting the following outline for this section of the chapter:

• Cancelled Condemnation – Romans 8:1
• Complete Control – Romans 8:2-4
• Clear Contrasts – Romans 8:5-14
• Confirmed Children – Romans 8:15-17

1. Cancelled Condemnation – Romans 8:1 – There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus…. The phrase, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit was probably inserted here by a scribe or copier. Our position and security “in Christ” do not depend upon our “walk” (the way we live) but upon God’s sovereign grace and purpose. The words are inserted correctly in Romans 8:4 where the fulfillment of the righteousness of the law is dependent on whether or not we live after the Spirit.
   1. …no condemnation…in Christ Jesus…, is a clear statement of fact. It needs no explanation.
   2. This is glorious news for the soul that trembles but still trusts. The prisoner of fear has now been released. He is no longer guilty. God took away the record of his sin. All fear of condemnation is gone.
   3. You might not completely understand grace and still you might FEEL condemned, however your feelings do not matter. It is God’s WORD that matters. You must believe what God says.
   4. No condemnation – why?
      1. God says so therefore I believe it!
      2. Our sins have been judged and removed by the substitutionary and vicarious work of Christ (which means in my place and on my behalf).
      3. Paul stated seven times that righteousness has been put on the believer on the basis of simple faith. (See Romans 8:4 for one of these.)
      4. The law has been fulfilled in Christ. Christ met the righteous demands of the law for us. Christ removed the curse of the law and we are now under grace (Romans 6:14).
      5. Because now we are in Christ Jesus. The phrase “in Christ” is one of Paul’s favorites and he uses it 28 times in the Epistle of Ephesians too. Because Paul is the only one who uses it we call it a “Paulinism.” How did we get to be “in Christ?”
         1. The Holy Spirit baptized us into Christ – 1 Corinthians 12:13; Romans 6:1-4.
         2. We are in Christ by death, burial, and resurrection.
            1. We were crucified with Him – Galatians 2:20.
            2. We were buried with Him – Romans 6:1-4.
            3. We are now “risen with Him” – Colossians 3:1.
      6. Because of His marvelous grace, God sees us and accepts us today, as “in Christ Jesus.”
      7. Paul wrote to the Ephesians that we are now “accepted in the beloved” (Ephesians 1:6). We are seated with Him “in heavenly places” (Ephesians 2:6). It is in this place that all the believers have their hope, security, safety, preservation, acceptance and assurance. These possessions are not ours as a result of WHAT we are but WHERE we are. The place we are is IN CHRIST.
2. Complete Control – Romans 8:2-4
   1. The Bible teaches that redemption is by blood and power.
      1. Israel was redeemed by blood – Exodus 12:12-14.
      2. Israel was redeemed by power – Exodus 14:1-31.
      3. In Romans 3:21-5:11 Christ redeemed us by blood.
      4. In Romans 8:2-4 Christ redeemed us by power.
   2. It is important to learn the different ways Paul used the word LAW in Romans.
      1. The law of faith – Romans 3:27
      2. The law of the mind – Romans 7:23
      3. The law of sin – Romans 7:23,25
      4. The law of Moses – Romans 3:19 (the Ten Commandments)
      5. The law of the Spirit of Life – Romans 8:2
   3. Every time Paul talks about law, with the exception of the Ten Commandments, Paul means a belief that controls the believer and is unchanging.
   4. Romans 8:2 – For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus….
      1. The word for could be translated “because.” We find this word 17 times in this chapter and it always gives the reason for the statement just made.
      2. Here is a belief that is unchanging, dependable, and controls the life of every born-again believer.
      3. Here is a law that frees us from condemnation.
      4. Here is RIGHTEOUSNESS REALIZED.
      5. Here is POWER – power that sets us free from the condemnation and the controlling influence of sin. It is POWER that makes the LIFE that is IN CHRIST, and the righteousness put on the believer by grace, real in his daily life.
   5. Romans 8:2 – free from the law of sin and death.
      1. Here we have a belief that is unchanging and controls the body and behavior of all unbelievers.
      2. Paul talks about law in Romans 7:23. He says it has power to hold us in slavery. This is true about every person who is not “in Christ.”
   6. Romans 8:3 – For what the law could not do….
      1. This is the Law of Moses. The weakness of our flesh under the control of the law of sin made it impossible for us to fulfill the righteousness of God.
      2. God had to find another way.
         1. He SENT His Son – John 3:17.
         2. …in the likeness of sinful flesh… – a reference to Christ’s sinless and perfect humanity.
         3. …and FOR sin… – that is, for the purpose of destroying the power of sin (Hebrews 9:26).
         4. …condemned sin in the flesh… – that is, God judged and condemned sin at the cross and destroyed its power.
   7. Romans 8:4 – That the righteousness of the law….
      1. Here Paul was not writing about righteousness that God puts on the believer when he believes in Christ as Savior (Romans 3:22). That is our position in Christ. God sees us clothed in the righteousness of Christ. Here Paul had in mind righteousness for christian living – the practice of obeying what God commanded.
      2. God has never surrendered His laws. Today the LAW still reveals His righteous will.
      3. The problem is HOW? How can we do what the “flesh” can never do (Romans 8:3)? By walking after the Spirit. The word after is “kata” in the Greek and means “under control of.” So, when we walk under the complete control of the Holy Spirit, He fulfills the righteousness of the law in us.
3. Clear Contrasts – Romans 8:5-14
   1. Romans 8:5 – Here is the difference between the control of the flesh and that of the Holy Spirit. Remember the word after means “control.” The flesh controls a sinner. The Spirit controls a born-again believer.
      1. Concerning the difference between the control of the flesh and of the Spirit, please read Galatians 5:19-23.
      2. The words “do mind” mean that a person has determined to do something!
      3. Every person determines within himself whether he will obey the flesh or the Spirit.
   2. Romans 8:6 – Here is the contrast between the carnal-minded person and the spiritually minded person. To set ones mind on carnal or sinful things means certain death – both physical and eternal separation from God. Outside of Christ, every person is “dead in trespasses and sins” (Ephesians 2:1). If such a one dies without Christ, eternal death awaits him (Revelation 20:14). Those “in Christ” who obey the Spirit, possess and enjoy the fullness of Christ’s life (1 John 5:12; John 1:16,10:28). They possess the peace of God, which “passes understanding” (Philippians 4:7; John 14:27).
   3. Romans 8:7 – When a person is without Christ living a sinful life, and he obeys the things of the flesh, it is certain death BECAUSE:
      1. Such a mind is enmity against God. It actually fights against God (Romans 7:23).
      2. Such a mind is not controlled by the will of God. It is stubborn, rebellious, and unwilling to obey.
      3. Such a mind can never obey the law of God.
   4. Romans 8:8 – So then they that are in the flesh (unsaved) cannot please God. No contributions to the church, no religious ceremony, no good deeds for other people, no ability of your own or great ability of your mind can earn salvation for you. Think about it. It is absolutely impossible to gain God’s favor or to get to heaven unless you are “in Christ.”
   5. Romans 8:9 – But ye are not in the flesh…. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
      1. Here is the difference between those who possess the Holy Spirit and those who do not.
      2. Here is a KEY verse, a very important verse – a verse to which all born-again believers in Christ can look with assurance and joy. What does it say?
         1. It clearly says that in Romans 8:5-8 Paul made a difference between believers and unbelievers, those who allow the flesh to control them and those who allow the Holy Spirit to control them. But YE are not in the flesh…. “if so be” has the idea of “because” and should read “because the Spirit of God dwells in you.”
         2. It clearly states that if you are a Christian, the Holy Sprit dwells in you (Romans 8:16).
         3. Last of all, it says that if the Holy Spirit is not in you, you are without Christ and unsaved.
   6. Romans 8:10 – And if Christ be in you… The “if” is not meant to show doubt. It is clear from verse 9 that the meaning is “because Christ is in you.”
      1. Verse 1 announces the wonderful truth that we are in Christ. Read Colossians 1:28 and 2 Corinthians 5:17.
      2. In this verse, Paul declares an even more glorious fact – Christ lives in us! The Holy Spirit makes the presence of Christ in us real. Read Colossians 1:27, Galatians 2:20, and 2 Corinthians 13:5.
      3. Paul called this wonderful fact “the riches of the glory of this mystery.” It shows our perfect and complete union with Christ. I am His and He is mine. I am in Him and He is in me.
      4. …the body is dead because of sin… Remember, our bodies have not yet been redeemed (Romans 8:23)...the law of sin… is still in my members (Romans 7:23). All death, physical and spiritual, results from sin. The body is dead to God and to all things spiritual. The body will die physically (Ezekiel 18:4,20; Romans 6:23).
      5. …but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. It is the work of the Spirit to give life
         (John 6:63). Through the Holy Spirit our spirits come alive (John 3:6; Romans 8:16), and the Holy Spirit makes Christ’s righteousness ours by faith (1 Corinthians 1:30; Romans 4:5). We know that that righteousness is in us because the power of the Holy Spirit is present in us (Romans 8:4).
      6. This verse clearly makes a difference between our spiritually dead bodies with our living spirits.
   7. Romans 8:11 – Here is a positive statement that the same Spirit who raised Christ’s body from the dead (Romans 1:4; 1 Peter 3:18) will someday raise us physically from the grave. This will complete our redemption (Romans 8:23).
   8. Romans 8:12-13 – Paul said, “I am debtor” (Romans 1:14). We all are in debt to God for His grace and to Christ for His great sacrifice and salvation. But we owe the flesh nothing so we
      should not obey its desires (Galatians 5:24). By the power of the Holy Spirit we can put the old body of sin to death and actually consider it as dead (Romans 6:11-13; Colossians 3:5-17). Here, again, is a difference between those who only say they have the Spirit but obey their sinful flesh, and those who are truly born-again and obey the Spirit. It is a difference between “Ye shall die” or “ye shall live.”
   9. Romans 8:14 – For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, THEY are the sons of God. Here is evidence that real Christians do not obey the sinful flesh! Praise God that the Holy Spirit leads us every day of our lives.
4. Confirmed Children – Romans 8:15-17
   This precious passage of scripture looks at all believers as children of God. What does it say?
   1. It says that we have “received the Spirit of adoption.” All true believers are children of God in two ways:
      1. Officially by adoption – Galatians 4:1-7.
      2. By regeneration (born again) through the Holy Spirit – John 3:5-6; 1 Peter 1:22-23; Titus 3:5.
   2. As a child of God “we cry Abba Father.” Note Galatians 4:6-7. “Abba” is a Hebrew word. The word for father is pateer, a Greek word. In Christ, the wall of partition is broken down (Ephesians 2:14-16). Believing Jews and Gentiles are now one in Christ. Both cry Father in their own language and the Lord hears them. Christ used this expression in Mark 14:36. “Abba” suggests the cry of a child who recognizes his father for the first time.
      Note again Galatians 4:6-7.
   3. It says that our spirits are assured of salvation by the Spirit Himself (Romans 8:16). We now have a double blessed assurance. We received the word (Acts 2:41), and we have the assurance of that word within us (1 John 5:10-11). Now, in addition, God sends His Spirit into our hearts, witnessing to us and assuring us personally and instantly that we are children of God.
   4. Romans 8:17 is so inspiring it is difficult to understand. We are evil, unworthy sinners, but God saved us by His grace that has no limits (Ephesians 2:8-9). Because we are children of God, we are His family. We are unworthy, but all that God owns awaits our enjoyment. But to add that we are “joint heirs with Christ” makes our future joy beyond understanding. God, in His great love and grace, makes us equal inheritors with the King of kings and Lord of lords, Jesus Christ. Christ is the truly righteous One who alone is worthy. If so be that we suffer does not limit future glory to those who endure particular suffering. Romans 5:2, 2 Thessalonians 1:10, and Colossians 3:4 make it clear that we all will share in Christ’s glory. As members of Christ’s body (1 Corinthians 12:26), we all share in the sufferings of that body wherever and whenever it happens, but we will also share in the glory in the future.

Examination

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