6/23/12

"THE EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS" Chapter Eight 




                      "THE EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS"

                             Chapter Eight

OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER

1) To appreciate the place the Holy Spirit has in the lives of
   Christians

2) To notice the power to overcome sin which is available in Christ

3) To realize the extent of God's love toward us

SUMMARY

In chapter seven, Paul described the dilemma of a man who becomes a 
prisoner of the law of sin which is in the members of his body.  In 
the last few verses, Paul made reference to the hope of liberation 
made possible by God through Jesus Christ.  In this chapter, Paul
amplifies on the freedom from sin found in Christ.

First, for those in Christ who are walking according to the Spirit, 
there is no condemnation for sin, for the death of Christ for sin has 
set us free from the law of sin and death by fulfilling the 
requirement of the law (1-4).  Second, by setting our minds on the 
things of the Spirit and not the flesh, we are able to enjoy life and 
peace, pleasing God (5-8).  And third, we now enjoy the indwelling of 
the Spirit of God, by whom we can put to death the deeds of the body 
and enjoy both present and future blessings as the children of God 
(9-17).

The blessings of being God's children are enlarged upon in the rest of 
the chapter.  Our present sufferings mean nothing in view of our 
ultimate redemption and revealing for which we eagerly and patiently 
wait (18-25).  We have the privilege of the Holy Spirit and Jesus 
interceding for us when we pray, which assures that all things will 
work together for good for those called according to God's purpose 
(26-30).  Finally, as God's elect we have the assurance that nothing 
can tear us away from God's love and that in all things we are more 
than conquerors through Him who loved us (31-39).

OUTLINE

I. IN CHRIST THERE IS FREEDOM FROM SIN (1-17)

   A. FREEDOM FROM THE CONDEMNATION OF SIN (1-4)
      1. Available to those in Christ, made possible by the law of the
         Spirit of life (1-2)
      2. An accomplishment not attained by the Law, but by the death of
         Christ (3-4)

   B. FREEDOM FROM THE POWER OF SIN (5-17)
      1. To those who set their minds on the things of the Spirit, not
         the flesh, pleasing God (5-8)
      2. To those who have the indwelling Holy Spirit (9-11)
      3. To those who by the Spirit put to death the deeds of the body
         (12-13)
      4. To those thus led, who are the children of God and joint heirs
         with Christ (14-17)

II. BLESSINGS OF BEING CHILDREN OF GOD (18-39)

   A. THE GLORY TO BE REVEALED IN US (18-25)
      1. Present sufferings don't even compare (18)
      2. The whole creation eagerly awaits for the revealing and
         glorious liberty of the children of God (19-22)
      3. We also eagerly wait with perseverance for this hope (23-25)

   B. THE HELP OF THE HOLY SPIRIT (26-27)
      1. Helps in our weakness as we pray (26a)
      2. By interceding for us as we pray (26b-27)

   C. ALL THINGS WORKING TOGETHER FOR GOOD (28-30)
      1. For those who love God, called according to His purpose (28)
      2. For such, whom God foreknew, He will carry out His ultimate
         purpose (29-30)

   D. GOD'S LOVE TOWARD HIS ELECT (31-39)
      1. God, who spared not His own Son, is on our side (31-33)
      2. Christ, who died for us, now intercedes for us at God's right
         hand (34)
      3. Through such love we are more than conquerors over all things
         (35-39)

WORDS TO PONDER

law of the Spirit of life - 1) possibly an expression referring to the
                            Gospel; or, 2) the law (principle)
                            involving the life-giving Spirit who aids
                            those in Christ to become free of the "law
                            of sin and death" in their members
                            (cf. 7:23 with 8:11-13)

the Spirit, Spirit of God, Spirit of Christ, Spirit of Him - various
   references to the Holy Spirit

the creation - various explanations are often given:  1) all of
               mankind; 2) only the saved; 3) the whole physical
               creation placed under the curse (Ge 3:17; 8:21;
               Re 22:3), using the kind of language found in Ps 98:7-9;
               148:1-14.

predestined - predetermined; note carefully in v. 29 that it is based
              upon "foreknowledge" (cf. 1Pe 1:2), and that which is
              predetermined is WHAT those in Christ are to become, not
              WHO are to be in Christ

elect - chosen; according to 1Pe 1:2, this election is based upon
        God's foreknowledge, not some arbitrary choice

intercedes - to make a petition on behalf of another; used of the Holy
             Spirit in v. 26-27 (interceding as a "translator"?), and
             of Christ in v. 34 (interceding as "defense counsel"?)

REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER

1) List the main points of this chapter
   - In Christ There Is Freedom From Sin (1-17)
   - Blessings Of Being Children Of God (18-39)

2) What is the main difference between the "law of Moses" and the "law
   of the Spirit of life"? (2-4)
   - The Law of Moses could not set one free from the "law of sin and
     death"

3) What is the result of setting your mind on the things of the flesh?
   On the things of the Spirit? (6)
   - Death; life and peace

4) Do the Scriptures teach that the Holy Spirit dwells in the
   Christian? (9-11)
   - Yes

5) How can we assure that we will continue to live spiritually? (13)
   - By putting to death the deeds of the body with the help of the
     Spirit

6) List briefly the blessings of being the children of God (14-39)
   - One day we will be glorified together with Christ
   - We have the help of the Holy Spirit
   - All things ultimately work for our good
   - Nothing can separate us from God's love