Romans Chapter 8
Previously Paul explained to us that we are dead to sin and to the law. In this chapter he will explain that because of our salvation and the freedom we have in Christ we now live according to the Spirit and not according to the flesh. The moment we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior we become indwelt by the Holy Spirit, and it is in Him that we live. Paul describes our life as being indebted to Him. Previously we were indebted to our own flesh, which no matter how good we tried to live our lives it would have resulted in eternal damnation. Now that we are in Christ our flesh has no hold on us. Christ has conquered death for us, and we will spend eternity with Him. Hallelujah!
Let's Reflect
1. To be “in Christ Jesus” holds a lot of weight. When God the Father looks at us and sees that we are now in Christ Jesus, there is no condemnation for us. Paul says we have been set free from the law of sin and death. Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Instead of being ruled by the law of death, what law are we now ruled by? This law has set us free.
2. We who have the Holy Spirit indwelling in us will set our minds on Him and not on our flesh. (Have you noticed He speaks to you when your mind wanders to temptations to sin?) Keeping our mind on the Spirit brings what to our life according to verse 6?
3. Here is an important fact regarding someone who is saved versus someone who is not saved – the Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead, dwells in that believer. We literally have been given life. Because we have this new life, we are debtors not to live according to the flesh. By having the Spirit living inside us we have put to death the deeds of the body and we will ________. Salvation is more than just a person saying, “I believe there is a God”, it is a complete surrender to the righteousness of Christ.
4. Paul tells us that when we are led by the Spirit (surrendered to Christ) we are called by a special name. What is it? See verse 14.
5. Because we are sons, we are also what?
6. Yes, there will be some suffering that takes place in this lifetime, but what will make it all worth it?
7. Paul talks about all of creation, the plants, the animals, everything is suffering as we wait for Christ to return as we “wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.” We are adopted into the spiritual family of God. But one day so will our bodies be adopted. What do you think that means for your body?
8. This body is still so weak and prone to sin, who can help us?
9. That famous verse is in this chapter. Verse 28 tells us that God is going to work all things together for good. Who is it that will reap the eternal good that God has planned?
10. Whether you believe in the doctrine of predestination or not, it is here in Paul’s writing. He explains that God has a plan, and that plan was that He foreknew those who would be conformed (saved and sanctified) to be made into whose image?
11. How do we know that God is on our side? See verse 31.
12. How much does Christ Jesus love you?
Devotionals
