Romans 8

Connection to previous section

Romans 7:25 “Thanks be to God-through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God’s law, but in the sinful nature a slave to the law of sin.”

Now Paul draws a conclusion from the end of 7.

That is where chapter 8 begins.Remember Paul is now talking about how

Christians should live, sanctification

Romans 8:1-17Christians are justified (declared not

guilty), and Christ lives in them

Romans 8:3“He condemned sin in sinful man.”

This phrase carries a double meaning. It can refer to Jesus, who as a human being took on himself our sins and so became a sinful man. It can also refer to us sinners. Jesus condemned sin in himself by suffering and dying for our sin, and at the same time, he condemned sin in us.

Romans 8:17“If indeed we share in his sufferings”—

The Greek construction used here does not set forth a condition but states a fact. An alternate translation could be “since indeed … .” The meaning, then, is not that there is some doubt about sharing Christ’s glory. Rather, despite the fact that Christians presently suffer, they are assured a future entrance into their inheritance.

Romans 8:1-17Explain each of these phrases, and describe

the difference between these two states:“the law of the Spirit of life”The Holy Spirit brought us to faith in Christ

and gave us life in him. The new life we have in Christ gives us peace and prompts us to serve the Lord.

“the law of sin and death”Our sinful nature uses God’s commands as its

tool to sin. The result is always death.

Romans 8:1-17Why was the law powerless to bring about our

salvation?The law could only tell us what to do and what not

to do, not help us do or not it. Because of our sinful nature, we could not obey the law. We could only sin against it more.

How did God bring about our salvation?God sent his Son. He alone kept God’s law

perfectly. When God condemned sin in Christ, he also condemned sin in us. (God did the impossible (for anyone else to do) when he condemned sin!)

Romans 8:1-17In verse 5 Paul says that what is on our

minds (and in our hearts) is based on whom we are following. What do we think about if our lives are ruled by the sinful flesh? What do we think about if our minds are led by the Spirit who has brought us to faith in Jesus?

If we are ruled by the flesh, we think about how we can sin. If we are led by the Spirit who has brought us to faith in Jesus, we think about doing what the Holy Spirit wants us to do.

Romans 8:1-17What is the end result of being ruled by each of

these powers?Being led by Christ leads to life and peace.

Being led by sin leads to death.We have been set free from the law of sin and

death, and we have received the Spirit of life. All this has been given to us by Christ. We must never think that since we are not condemned, we can go on sinning. Who now controls us?

We are controlled by the Spirit of Christ.

Romans 8:1-17Note the contrast Paul strikes between our flesh

and our spirit. Remember what the sinful nature leads us to do and how our new being fights against its desires (chapter 7:14-25). What becomes of our mortal bodies because of the sinful nature in us? What else do we see in us, and what results from that? What will happen to our bodies because Christ’s Spirit lives in us?

Our bodies are dead because of sin. But our spirits are pure and holy—and alive—because of Christ’s righteousness that we have by faith. Because the Holy Spirit lives in us, God will raise our bodies from the dead.

Romans 8:1-17If we are led by the Spirit and live by the

Spirit’s desires, what is true about us? (verse 14)

We are children of God.What does God’s Spirit lead us to know

about our relationship with God? (verses 14-17)

We do not have a God whom we must fear, but a loving father whom we can approach in boldness and confidence.

Romans 8:1-17The Lutheran church teaches a doctrine

called “total depravity”—that spiritually speaking there is nothing good in us. Some churches teach that there is some good within us, some quality that God loves and rewards. In which camp does Paul find himself?

Paul teaches that there is nothing good in our sinful nature. Nothing we do can please God. We are completely hostile toward him.

Romans 8:1-17What is the danger if we link good

works and faith too closely together? What is the danger if we separate them too far apart?

If we link good works and faith too closely, we may begin thinking that both contribute to our salvation. If we separate them, we may be giving in to Satan who wants us to engage in sin and so lose our faith.

Recap of Romans 8:1-17We have been redeemed by Christ.

We are not condemned, and we live according to the Spirit.

Paul continues linking together our faith and the way we live. Those who are led by God’s Spirit will want to keep in step with the Spirit.

Romans 8:18-39We live amidst sufferings and yearn

for eternal life We are God’s elect; nothing will

separate us from his love

Romans 8:20-21“Subjected to frustration . . .

bondage to decay”—Creation wants to praise and glorify God, but many things keep it from doing so. Disease, destructive forces of nature, and pollution all frustrate creation from living as God intended and from praising God for the many blessings he has poured out on it.

Romans 8:22“Groaning as in the pains of

childbirth”—This phrase not only expresses the pain felt by the creation. It also pictures the creation about ready to give birth to a new and perfect creation, brought forth by God. This will happen on the Last Day.

Romans 8:23“Firstfruits of the Spirit”—The Spirit

is the first blessing we experience as God’s people. In other places, Paul calls it a down payment guaranteeing that we will receive the rest of our inheritance.

Romans 8:37“More than conquerors”—Not only

are we not defeated by the sufferings that come our way, but they bring us blessings.

Romans 8:18-39When was the creation “subjected to

frustration?” Why was it subjected to frustration? Who subjected it?

At the time of the fall. God wanted people to look forward to a new heaven and earth. God subjected it because of sin.

What do we groan for?We groan for the day when our bodies will

be changed and made glorious.

Romans 8:18-39Why does the fact that we “hope” for our

deliverance support the reality that in this world we will continue to suffer?

Hope implies that we don’t yet have what we hope for. So we suffer now as we confidently wait for Christ to come again.

Who else groans? Why does he groan?The Spirit also groans, asking the Father

to bless us.

Romans 8:18-39For whom does God work for good in

all things?For those who love him, whom he has

called to faith.Verses 29 and 30 teach us that nothing

can stop God’s grace from doing its work in our lives. Explain how each of these terms or phrases teaches God’s unconditional grace in Christ.

Romans 8:18-39foreknew From all eternity God had you in

mind. He knew he would bring you to faith.predestined God predetermined that you

would be a believer.called In time, God called you through the

gospel and worked faith in your heart.justified God declared you not guilty by faith.glorified You’re glorified now. After judgment,

your body will become like Jesus’ body.

Romans 8:18-39who can be against us? Paul asks a

rhetorical question. “Nothing!” is the answer.

but gave him up for us all Since God gave you his Son, is there any doubt he will give you every good gift?

who is he that condemns? The answer is “No one!”

is also interceding for us Christ is at God’s right hand now, asking God to bless us.

Romans 8:18-39Why will none of the things Paul lists

in verses 28-39 ever separate us from God’s love?

Because Christ died for us and from all eternity God chose us to be his own by faith in Christ. We are God’s elect. We will not fall.

Romans 8:18-39When Satan points to difficulties and

says that they prove God is no longer with us, how can we answer him on the basis of verses 24 and 25?

We do not yet have the glory and perfection that will be ours, and so suffering is a part of life. God’s promise of suffering is coming true, so I know he will keep his other promises too!

Romans 8:28-39Romans 8:28-39 We Rejoice in the

Certainty Of Salvationa) It rests in God’s election (28-30)b) It is guaranteed by Christ’s love (31-

39)

Recap of Romans 8:18-39All creation suffers as it waits for the

day when Christ will return and replace this world.

In this beautiful section of Scripture, Paul makes it clear in a number of ways that nothing will separate us from God’s love in Christ

Recap of Romans 8Verse 1: No condemnation!Verse 28: No accidents!Verse 39: No separation!

Confessions of the Lutheran Church

Apostles’ CreedNicene CreedAthanasian CreedLuther’s Small and Large Catechism (1529)Augsburg Confession (1530)Apology of the Augsburg Confession (1531)Smalcald Articles (1537)Formula of Concord (1580)

Formula of Concord, Solid Declaration, Article XI: Election, 1580

[Paragraph 48] This doctrine also gives us wonderful comfort in crosses and trials, that in his counsel before time began God determined and decreed that he would stand by us in every trouble, grant us patience, give us comfort, create hope, and provide a way out of all things so that we may be saved [cf. 1 Cor. 10:13] …

Formula of Concord, Solid Declaration, Article XI: Election, 1580

[Paragraph 49] Likewise, Paul treats this matter in such a comforting way in Romans 8[:28-39], pointing out that in his intention before time began God preordained what sort of crosses and sufferings he would use to conform each one of his elect to “the image of his Son,” and that the cross of each should and must “work together for the good” of that person, …

Formula of Concord, Solid Declaration, Article XI: Election, 1580

… because they are “called according to his purpose.” On this basis Paul concluded with certainty and without doubt that neither “hardship nor distress … neither death nor life … will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus, our Lord.

Romans 9-11Doctrine of Predestination/ElectionDeep and Comforting DoctrineEasy to get wrong Keep this in mind: Election is only

talking about believers!!!!!!!!