Paul continues his theme, contrasting the two possibilities that people face in how they live: either according to the Spirit – that is, the Holy Spirit of God, which is promised to us – or according to their sinful and carnal natures. One leads to eternal life, the other to eternal death. There is no … Continue reading –>
“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” (Rom. 8:5-6). Dwell on these texts. What basic message comes through from them? What do they … Continue reading –>
However good, the “law” (the ceremonial law, the moral law, or even both) cannot do for us what we need the most, and that is to provide the means of salvation, a means of saving us from the condemnation and death that sin brings. For that, we need Jesus. Read Romans 8:3-4. What did Christ do … Continue reading –>
“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit” (Rom. 8:1). What does “no condemnation” mean? No condemnation from what? And why is this such good news? “In Christ Jesus” is a common phrase in the Pauline writings. For a person to be … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: Rom. 8:1-17. Memory Text: “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit” (Romans 8:1). Romans chapter 8 is Paul’s answer to Romans chapter 7. In Romans chapter 7 Paul speaks of frustration, failure, and condemnation. In Romans chapter … Continue reading –>
Further Thought: “There is no safety nor repose nor justification in transgression of the law. Man cannot hope to stand innocent before God, and at peace with Him through the merits of Christ, while he continues in sin.” – Ellen G. White, Selected Messages, book 1, p. 213. “Paul desires his brethren to see that the great glory … Continue reading –>
Read Romans 7:21-23. How have you experienced this same struggle in your own life, even as a Christian? In this passage, Paul equates the law in his members (his body) with the law of sin. “With the flesh,” Paul says, he served “the law of sin” (Rom. 7:25). But serving sin and obeying its law means death (see Rom. … Continue reading –>
“If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me” (Rom. 7:16-17). What struggle is presented here? Using the law as a mirror, the Holy Spirit convicts a person that he or she … Continue reading –>
Read Romans 7:12. How do we understand this text in the context of what Paul has been discussing? Because the Jews revered the law, Paul exalts it in every way possible. The law is good for what it does, but it can’t do what it was never meant to do, to save us from sin. For … Continue reading –>
If Paul is talking about the whole law system at Sinai, what about Romans 7:7, in which he specifically mentions one of the Ten Commandments? Doesn’t that refute the position taken yesterday that Paul was not talking about the abolition of the Ten Commandments? The answer is “No.” We must keep in mind, again, that the word law for … Continue reading –>
