Further Thought: “The plan of salvation does not offer believers a life free from suffering and trial this side of the kingdom. On the contrary, it calls upon them to follow Christ in the same path of self-denial and reproach. . . . It is through such trial and persecution that the character of Christ is … Continue reading –>
How does Paul describe the new relationship in Christ? Rom. 8:15. What hope is found in this promise for us? How do we make it real in our lives? The new relationship is described as freedom from fear. A slave is in bondage. He lives in a state of constant fear of his master. He stands to … Continue reading –>
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 –>
