Explore the BibleFor 4/19/2020

“Secured”

(Romans 8)

Pastor Shawn’ Teaching Video Link:

https://youtu.be/VklDcRqVaqM

(Pastor Shawn’s Teaching Notes – RESOURCE # 1)

Romans 8

New King James Version (NKJV)

Free from Indwelling Sin1 “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.”

Therefore – The result or consequence of the truth just taught. Normally it marks the conclusion of the verses immediately preceding it. But here it introduces the staggering results of Paul’s teaching in the first seven chapters: that justification is by faith alone on the basis of God’s overwhelming grace.

No condemnation – Occurring only three times the NT, all in Romans. Condemnation is the opposite of justification and refers to a verdict of guilty and the penalty that verdict demands.

Those who are in Christ – every true Christian, to be in Christ means to be united with Him.

**Interesting fact: In 8:2-30 The Spirit is mentioned nearly twenty times, where the Spirit was only mentioned one time in the first seven chapters.

2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.

For – the word for introduces the reason there is no condemnation for the believer; the Spirit has replaced the law that produced only sin and death, with a new simple law that produces life: the law of faith in Christ, the gospel.

Law of sin and death – The Law of God. Although it is good, holy, and righteous, because of the weakness of the flesh, it can only produce sin and death.

3 For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh,

What the law could not do – deliver sinners form its penalty or make them righteous. (Gal 3:21)

Weak through the flesh – because of the sinful nature of man, the law was powerless to produce righteousness.

His own Son – (Galatians 4:4-5) 4 But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born[a] of a woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.

In the likeness of sinful flesh – although in His incarnation Christ became fully man, He took only the outward appearance of sinful flesh, because He was completely without sin (Heb 4:15)

Condemned sin in the flesh – God’s condemnation against sin was fully poured out on the sinless Christ.

4 that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

Righteous requirement of the law – the thoughts, words, and deeds the moral law of God demands. The moral law finds its basis in the character of God presented in the ten commandments and in the condensed version of Jesus to love God and love others. Every unbeliever is still under its requirement of perfection and condemnation, until coming to Christ (Gal. 3:23-25) and every believer still finds in it the standard for behavior.

Fulfilled in us – although the believer is no longer in bondage to the moral law’s condemnation and penalty, the law still reflects the moral character of God and His will for His children. But what the written external code was unable to accomplish, the Spirit is able to do by writing the law on our hearts.

Not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit – “walk” refers to lifestyle, the habits of living and thinking that characterizes a person’s life. Since every true Christian is indwelt by the Spirit, every Christian will manifest the fruit He (the Spirit) produces in his life (Ga. 5:22-23).

5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.

Those who live according to the flesh – all unbelievers

Set their minds – Greek verb refers to a basic orientation of the mind, a mind-set that includes one’s affections, mental processes, and will. Paul’s point is that unbeliever’s basic disposition is to satisfy the cravings of their unredeemed flesh.

Live according to the Spirit – all believers

The things of the Spirit – things that bring honor and glory to God

6 For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

Carnally minded – means “of the flesh.” The person who is carnally minded is spiritually dead

Spiritually minded – describes every true believer. A mind set on the things of the Spirit.

7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be.

Enmity against God – the unbeliever’s problem is much deeper that acts of disobedience, which are outward manifestations of the inner fleshly compulsions. His desire is to gratify self no matter how outwardly religious or moral he may appear. Even the good deeds that unbelievers perform are produced by the flesh, for selfish reasons and from a heart that is in rebellion to God.

8 So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

The flesh – man’s unredeemed humanness. A person who operates only in sphere of fallen mankind. Never been born again.

9 But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.

Dwells – This refers to one’s own home. The Spirit of God makes His home in every person who believes in Christ.

If anyone does not have the Spirit… - When there is no evidence of His presence by the fruit He produces, a person has no legitimate claim to Christ as Savior and Lord.

10 And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.

the body is dead because of sin – the body is unredeemed and dead in sin

The Spirit is life because of righteousness – Paul is saying that if God’s Spirit dwells in you, the human spirit is alive and can manifest true righteousness.

11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.

Mortal bodies – the only remaining repository where sin finds the believer vulnerable.

12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh.

The flesh – sinful passions that sin generates through our bodies.

13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

Put to death the deeds of the body – Paul says that the Spirit provides us with the energy and power to continually and gradually be killing our sin.

John Owen wrote, “do you mortify (subdue by denial); do you make it your daily work; be always at it while you live; cease not a day from this work; be killing sin or it will be killing you.”

14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.

Led by the Spirit – believers are not led by subjective, mental impressions or promptings to provide direction in making life’s decisions. Instead God’s Spirit objectively leads His children through circumstances but primarily through: (1) illumination, divinely clarifying Scripture to make it understandable to our finite minds; (2) sanctification, divinely enabling us to obey Scripture.

Sons of God – When a person experiences the Spirit’s leading in these ways (illumination and sanctification) he gains assurance that he has been adopted into God’s family.

15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.”

Spirit of bondage to fear – because of their life of sin, the lost are slaves to their fear of death and their fear of final judgement and punishment.

Spirit of adoption – Spirit produced awareness of the rich reality that God has made us His children, and we can come before Him without fear or hesitation as our beloved Father.

Abba – an informal Aramaic term for Father, like the English form of “Daddy” or “Papa” It spells out tenderness, dependence, and a relationship free of fear and anxiety.

16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,

Bears witness with our spirit – the Spirit confirms the validity of our adoption into God’s family.

17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.

Heirs – we have been made an heir of God. We inherit salvation and God Himself (Lam. 3:24) “I say to myself, “The Lord is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in Him.”

Joint heirs – God has appointed the Son to be heirs of all things (Heb. 1:2). Every adopted child will receive the full inheritance Christ receives by divine right.

If we indeed suffer with Him – Proof of the believer’s ultimate glory is that he suffers. Whether it comes from mockery, ridicule, or physical persecution because of the Lord. 2 Timothy. 3:12 “Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”

18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

The glory revealed in us – this looks forward to the resurrection of the body and becoming like Christ, which is the believer’s eternal glory.Phil. 3:20 “But we are citizens of Heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for Him to return as our Savior.”

19 For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God.

The creation – this includes everything in creation except for humans. All of creation is personified to be, as it were, longing for the transformation from the curse and its effects.

The revealing – the “unveiling” when Christ returns. The resurrection of the body and becoming like Christ

20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope;

Futility – the inability to achieve a goal or purpose. Because of man’s sin, God cursed the physical universe (Gen. 3:17-19) and now, no part of creation entirely fulfills God’s original purpose.

21 because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

Delivered – Rev. 21:4-5 “4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”5 Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.”

22 For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. 23 Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body.

Firstfruits of the Spirit – the fruit which the Spirit produces in us now (Gal. 5:22-23) provide hope that we will one day be like Christ.

Groan – grief over our remaining sinfulness. (Psalm) 38:4 “My guilt has overwhelmed me like a burden too heavy to bear.”

Redemption of our body – not only the physical body, but all of man’s remaining fallenness.

24 For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees?

Hope – unlike the English word “hope,” the NT word contains no uncertainty; it speaks of something that is certain, but not yet realized. Without the clear and certain promises of the Word of God, the believer would have no basis for hope.

25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.

Perseverance – persistent in doing something despite difficulty or delay in happening

26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

Likewise – as the creation (vs. 22) and believers (vs.23) long for restoration, the Spirit does as well.

Groanings which cannot be uttered – This is a tough verse to understand and only mentioned this one time. John McArthur wrote, “This is Divine articulations within the Trinity that cannot be expressed in words, but carry profound appeals for the welfare of every believer. This work of the Holy Spirit parallels the high priestly work of intercession by the Lord Jesus Himself on behalf of believers.”

27 Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

Searches the hearts – Ps. 139:1-7 “O Lord, You have searched me and known me.2 You know my sitting down and my rising up;You understand my thought afar off.3 You comprehend my path and my lying down,And are acquainted with all my ways.4 For there is not a word on my tongue,But behold, O Lord, You know it altogether.5 You have hedged me behind and before,And laid Your hand upon me.6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;It is high, I cannot attain it.7 Where can I go from Your Spirit?Or where can I flee from Your presence?

The mind of the Spirit – no words are necessary because the Father understands and agrees with what the Spirit thinks.

28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

All things work together – God orchestrates every event in our life to accomplish both our present and eternal benefit

Duet. 8:15-16 “ He who led you through that great and terrible wilderness, in which were fiery serpents and scorpions and thirsty land where there was no water; who brought water for you out of the flinty rock; 16 who fed you in the wilderness with manna, which your fathers did not know, that He might humble you and that He might test you, to do you good in the end.”

29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.

More over whom He predestined – the final cause of the process of “foreknowledge” and “predestination” is to be conformed to the image of Christ. Justified and glorified.

31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? 33 Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written:“For Your sake we are killed all day long;We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.”37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

31-39 – Paul closes his teaching in Romans 8 with the believer’s security in Christ with a list of questions and answers for the concerns that his readers might still have. The result is a poetic expression of praise for God’s grace in bringing salvation to completion for all those who believe, a hymn of security.

EXPLORE THE BIBLE

Personal Study Guide

IN MY CONTEXT (pg.76) God provides eternal life to His children. God promises an eternal inheritance to His

children. God will one day restore His creation, fully

reflecting His glory. God will one day restore humanity so that

humans can function fully as His children. What does living by the Spirit look like?

What are some things you can do daily to live by the Spirit instead of the flesh? How can you incorporate these actions into your daily routine?

How would you describe your relationship with God? What steps do you need to take to improve your relationship with Him?

RESOURCE # 2

Romans, Lesson #8 Life Through the Spirit / Romans 8

Good Questions Have Groups Talkingwww.mybiblestudylessons.com

OPENHow nickname did you have for your grandfather, or, what do your grandkids call you?

DIG1. Romans 8. Read over this chapter silently. How would you

summarize the message of this glorious chapter?In 8:1–17, Paul shows that life in the Spirit is based upon the cross-work of Christ (v. 3), which results in freedom from the condemnation of the Mosaic law (vv. 1–2) and results in the satisfaction of the demands of the Mosaic law fulfilled by Christ and appropriated by believers through faith (v. 4). Those who have been freed from the law’s condemnation walk according to the Spirit, which is diametrically opposed to the walk that is according to the flesh. Paul contrasts these two walks in verses 5–13. The reason that believers will walk according to the Spirit is provided in verses 14–17, where Paul shows that all believers are led by the indwelling Spirit. This leading indicates their sonship (vv. 14–16), and this sonship is certain to include suffering (v. 17).Paul takes up the subject of suffering and glory in 8:18–30. It is the reality of the present age that both creation and believers groan and eagerly anticipate the reception of future glory. The intercessory ministry of the Spirit (vv. 26–27) and the certainty of the fulfillment of God’s plan (vv. 28–30) substantiate this hope. The final paragraph (vv. 31–39) summarizes

the magnitude of the blessings of justification. Here Paul explains that the elect are guaranteed future vindication in the final judgment (vv. 31–34) and present victory over evil based on the love of God (vv. 35–39). — Jonathan R. Pratt, “The Relationship between Justification and Spiritual Fruit in Romans 5–8,” Themelios 34, no. 2 (2009): 167–168.

2. What do we learn about God from this chapter?As surely as the seasons change, our heavenly Father will finish the job He has started in you. You have been predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son. Romans 8:29 says,

God knew what he was doing from the very beginning. He decided from the outset to shape the lives of those who love him along the same lines as the life of his Son. The Son stands first in the line of humanity he restored. We see the original and intended shape of our lives there in him (MSG).

Nothing, not even dead pods from a nasty old lifestyle, will stop His work in you. God always finishes what He starts. First Thessalonians 5:24 says, “Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass.”Do you see ugly things that are still in your life? Let your roots grow deep in His grace and watch the transformation. His grace really is sufficient! New life will replace dead pods of yesterday’s bad behavior. You will experience the grace walk as you trust Him, not as you try harder. — Steve McVey, The Grace Walk Devotional (Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers, 2013).

3. What do we learn about ourselves?Your Father says that He rejoices over you with an enthusiasm that causes Him to sing and dance. One Bible version paraphrases Zephaniah 3:17 like this:

The LORD your God has arrived to live among you. He is a mighty savior. He will rejoice over you with great gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will exult over you by singing a happy song (NLT).

God’s opinion of you is the final word on the subject. Don’t argue about your worth with the One who created you. Your value is a gift to you through Jesus Christ. His love for you has bestowed upon you a value that is breathtaking when you come to see it. Understand and believe that God

adores you and it will change the way you look at yourself and your life. After all, “if God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31 NIV).Will you believe the truth of your Father’s absolute adoration of you? A study of the life of the nation of Israel in the Old Testament shows that its behavior was inconsistent at best. Its obedience and faith waxed and waned throughout God’s dealings with her. To His glory, His grace continued to abound toward the nation despite its instable actions. In Isaiah 43:4, He said, “You are precious in My sight.” He goes on to say, “You are honored and I love you.” — Steve McVey, The Grace Walk Devotional (Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers, 2013).

4. What application do you find in this chapter?That is the declaration of God in the Old Testament toward His people, who had been disobedient again and again! Do you think that His affection and esteem for you is any less? Don’t let an adult perspective interfere with your faith in Him and His love for you.Cast off the cancerous cynicism of a jaded adult and embrace the simple faith of a child. Your Abba loves and adores you. If that is true, then everything else we face in this world is small by comparison. Ask your Father to help you mature in grace until you reach the place of the simple faith of a child. Believe the truth about yourself because the One who brought you into existence has said it is so. You are your heavenly Father’s child. You really are a beautiful child of God. To believe that isn’t prideful, because you’ve done nothing to make yourself become that way. He has done it all. So just thank Him and then walk in childlike confidence based on what He has told you about yourself. — Steve McVey, The Grace Walk Devotional (Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers, 2013).

5. Scan over the first seven chapters of Romans. What have we learned so far? How does this chapter fit into the context?After concluding his discussion of the ramifications of sin, law, and grace with respect to the believer, Paul moves on in his discussion to the results of justification begun in chapter 5.24 In returning to this topic he introduces a key ingredient touched on only briefly in chapters 5–7 (5:5; 7:6): the ministry of the Holy Spirit. In chapter 8 he organizes his discussion into three major sections (8:1–17; 8:18–30; 8:31–39). — Jonathan R. Pratt, “The Relationship between Justification and Spiritual Fruit in Romans 5–8,” Themelios 34, no. 2 (2009): 167.

6. Romans 8.1. What place does condemnation have in Christian living?For a long time, repentance carried emotional overtones for me that were all wrong. I felt that repentance meant, “You are bad, so you need to say you are sorry.” A call to repentance sounded like a message of condemnation. I’m glad to report that I have repented of that belief. I now see repentance as a change of belief, behavior, or attitude. Repentance is not about condemnation. Condemnation has no place in Christian living. As Paul wrote, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). Repentance is not about condemnation; it is about change. Repentance is the heart and soul of what it means to become a disciple. Teachers should regularly encourage people to repent. Because we are simply calling on people to change, we can do this in a rather matter-of-fact way. Whenever we encounter a belief or an attitude that is contrary to God’s truth, we should encourage people to repent of that belief or attitude. We should not be afraid to smile at someone and say, “I call on you to repent of your doubts about God’s love.” Of course, we should also talk freely about the beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors that we have repented of. Admitting that we sometimes need to repent of wrong beliefs and actions will make it easier for others to do so when they are called on to change.Repentance is not merely saying you are sorry. Being sorry is not enough. Repentance is a U-turn. If you were trying to drive north and mistakenly got on the freeway going south, being sorry about making the wrong turn would not be enough. Repentance is making the U-turn so that you’re headed the right way.In a thousand little turnings, we change from a sinner to a saint, from a rebel to a lover. Repentance should be a regular event in the life of every Christian. It must be a regular event for those who seek to become disciples of Jesus. Repentance is something that should happen in class because teaching is all about change. If we are not calling people to repent, we are not making disciples; at best, we are merely filling people’s heads.Josh Hunt, Disciplemaking Teachers, 1996.

7. What place does condemnation have in church life as you have experienced it?When I confess my sins, there are two things I don’t need to hear: condemnation and law. Condemnation has no place in Christian experience, and law never changed anyone. Many people—many Christians—don’t believe this. They believe in grace, for sure. But they believe in grace plus. Grace plus a little bit of condemnation. “There has to be balance.” Little bit of grace, little bit of condemnation. Balance. Baloney! There is no place in Christian experience for condemnation. None. It is all grace balanced with truth. No condemnation. Only grace and truth.Truth says if you keep sinning you will screw up your life. It will cost you. There may be consequences you don’t want to live with. But it will never call into question whether you are loved by God or me. That is grace and truth. Until we become skilled priests who can represent God to each other, there will be no saintmaking. We think confessing our sins to a priest is a catholic concept. It is not. It is a biblical one. Our difference with the Catholics is not over whether we should confess our sins to a priest. This is spelled out in scripture. Of course we must. Our difference with the Catholics has to do with who the priests are. We believe in the priesthood of all believers. We believe that we all can and should represent God to each other as priests.We are afraid to do this because we are afraid of condemnation. Confession is hard. It involves risk. It involves exposure. It involves exposing my tender insides to the possibility of condemnation. If I receive condemnation, however, I can be sure of one thing: I did not expose my tender inside to a priest. Rather, I have exposed myself to a son of condemnation, and we know who his father is.The truth is I will stay afraid of condemnation until I confess my sin. I will always wonder if I am really forgiven and accepted and loved until the real me comes out in the light and hears someone verbalize grace to me. This is the work of the priest—to verbalize grace. There is no saintmaking until the sinner comes into the light and a priest pronounces the words of grace to him: “On the authority of the very words of God, I pronounce you forgiven, clean and accepted, brother. Your sins are forgiven.” Ahhh! Grace is so sweet. — Josh Hunt, You Can Double Your Church In Five Years or Less, 2000.

8. Sometimes, condemnation doesn’t come from others, it comes from within. What are we to do when we feel self-condemnation?Self-condemnation is one of the subtlest forms of idolatry. The finished work of Jesus on the cross completely dealt with every sin of your lifetime. He has taken away your sins so thoroughly that it is as if you never committed them. He certainly doesn’t condemn you, and the sin that condemned you is gone. There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus—none.Self-condemnation comes when we judge ourselves, pass verdict on ourselves, and then impose a sentence on ourselves that requires self-contempt. The whole act suggests that we don’t really believe our sins have been completely dealt with by Christ. Self-condemnation comes when we choose to take guilt back upon ourselves and dole out punishment upon ourselves. It is an insult to the reality that the cross has set us free from such a curse.You may feel that refusing to live in self-condemnation is to take sin lightly. In reality, though, you are expressing faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ in effectively dealing with your sin. Thank God that your sins have been taken away, and glorify Him by refusing to act as if they haven’t. — Steve McVey, Grace Walk Moments: A Devotional (Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers, 2014).

9. Romans 8.5 – 6. What do we learn about Christian living from this passage?What you think about is important. In fact, in this text Paul asserts that whatever you set your mind upon will ultimately determine your behavior. If we set our mind on the sins of the flesh, it should come as no surprise when our behavior matches our mindset. We guarantee our own failure when we decide to overcome sin by concentrating on it.It will make no difference that we ask God to help us. God won’t bless our efforts to deliver ourselves from sin. He wants to use our futile efforts to achieve victory over sin to force our attention toward Jesus. As long as we try to gain victory through our behavior, He will patiently wait until we have exhausted all our efforts. Then He will do for us what we can’t do for ourselves. It is at that point that we are ready to receive His answer.Is there something you want to overcome? Stop focusing on it and set your mind on Christ. He will cause you to experience the freedom you

want. — Steve McVey, Grace Walk Moments: A Devotional (Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers, 2014).

10. Romans 8.15. Abba Father. What is that talking about?In Scripture there are many different names used to describe God. While all the names of God are important in many ways, the name “Abba Father” is one of the most significant names of God in understanding how He relates to people. The word Abba is an Aramaic word that would most closely be translated as “Daddy.” It was a common term that young children would use to address their fathers. It signifies the close, intimate relationship of a father to his child, as well as the childlike trust that a young child puts in his “daddy.”While most people, at least those who do not irrationally deny the existence of God, would claim that all are “children of God,” the Bible reveals quite a different truth. We are all His creations and under His authority and Lordship and will all be judged by Him, but being a child of God and having the right to truly call Him “Abba Father” is something that only born-again Christians are able to do (John 1:12–13). — Got Questions Ministries, Got Questions? Bible Questions Answered (Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2002–2013).

11. Can you think of—or find—other places where the word “Abba” is used?Of all the names of God, Abba most powerfully expresses the intimacy of the believer’s new relationship with the Father. In Romans 8:15 the apostle Paul wrote, “You did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by which we cry out, ‘Abba, Father.’ ” And in Galatians 4:5, Paul similarly writes about adoption as sons, teaching that “because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, ‘Abba, Father!’ ” In each context the name “Abba” is associated with our adoption by God. It is important to understand just what “adoption” involved in the first-century Roman world. The roots of Paul’s references to adoption lie in the Roman rather than Greek or Jewish world. In the Roman legal system, a father’s authority over his family was a fundamental reality. As a legal act, “adoption” transferred an individual from the authority of his old pater familias to the authority of the one adopting him. The New International Encyclopedia of Bible Words explains:

In adoption an individual’s old relationships were severed. Old debts and obligations were canceled. The person was placed under the authority of the father of his new family. The father was considered owner of all the adoptee’s possessions and was believed to have the right to control the adoptee’s behavior. The father also had the right of discipline and became liable for the new son or daughter’s actions. Each was committed by the act of adoption to support and to help maintain the other.

What does this mean for us who have been adopted by God? It means that we owe no allegiance to our old masters (cf. Gal. 3:26–4:7). We now owe total allegiance to God the Father, and all that we have is his. On his part, God commits himself to guide us and to discipline us, that we might bring credit to his household.For his part God has given us the Holy Spirit to guarantee our release from all that once enslaved us (Gal. 4:6–7). The Spirit’s presence assures us that at the resurrection we will experience fully every benefit belonging to God’s heirs (Rom. 8:23) (p. 21).With the legal relationship described above comes the most intimate of personal relationships, expressed in the name “Abba.” “Abba,” which was one of the first words uttered by a Jewish or Arab child, simply means ”Daddy.” — Larry Richards, Every Name of God in the Bible, Everything in the Bible Series (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 2001), 123–124.

12. What did Abba mean back in the day? You might see if your Study Bible has a note on one of the verses we just looked at. Calling God “Abba” is rooted in Jesus’ agony in the Garden of Gethsemane: “He said, ‘Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will’ ” (Mark 14:36).Abba was an ordinary family word of Jesus’ day. It conveyed intimacy, tenderness, dependence, and complete lack of fear or anxiety. Modern English equivalents would be Daddy or Papa.No Jew would have dreamed of using this very intimate term to address God. However, Jesus always used this word in His prayers (Aramaic abba or its Greek equivalent pater), with the exception of His cry from the cross.And Jesus instructed His disciples to use this word in their prayers as well. We are empowered to speak to God just as a small child speaks to his

father. — David Jeremiah, David Jeremiah Morning and Evening Devotions: Holy Moments in the Presence of God (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2017).

13. Romans 8.18. What place does suffering have in Christian living?The focus in Romans 8:1–17 was about how the Spirit gives life and grants sonship to believers. It began with a triumphal note of “no condemnation” (v. 1) and ended with a spectacular vision of believers being co-glorified with Christ (v. 17). The unstated question, though, is that if believers have been freed from the “law of sin and death,” why does death still engulf them? If believers have a share in the glory of Christ, where is this glory now?Paul anticipates this question and reminds his audience of the “not yet” of Christian hope and turns their gaze on the future horizon of divine glory. In the midst of the sufferings of the present time, there remains a longing for a future glory that will be revealed in us, which will redeem our bodies, heal the wounded creation, and seal our adoption. The gist of vv. 18–30 is that believers must walk in the footsteps of the Lord and travel the path of suffering before entering into glory (see 2 Cor 4:17). Moo is right that Paul “assumes the fact of suffering as the dark backdrop against which the glorious future promised to the Christian shines with bright intensity.” — Michael F. Bird, Romans, ed. Scot McKnight, The Story of God Bible Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2016), 275.

14. What good comes from suffering?Paul intimated this theme of enduring-suffering-into-future-salvation earlier at the beginning of Romans 5–8. Suffering is a cause of celebration because it produces a panoply of virtues like patience, character, and hope (see 5:3–5). The new element here in 8:18–30 is that Paul introduces the notion of glory. The purpose of persevering through pain is that at the end of it, believers “may also be glorified with him” (v. 17) and “be conformed to the likeness of his Son” (v. 29).In other words, the final goal is what we might call Christification or even Christosis.2 The meaning is that humanity will recover the glory lost in Adam by sharing in the glory arrayed in Christ. The divine purpose for humanity to reign over creation on God’s behalf is recovered by the Messiah and shared with his people. For believers the redemption of their bodies and the revelation of their sonship will be a cosmic event that will

spill over and lead to the renovation of the cosmos. In the meantime, however, Christians must exhibit a hope characterized by “patient fortitude”3 and rely on the Spirit’s intercession to get them through it. They do so knowing that the golden chain of salvation, from God’s eternal decision to our eschatological deliverance, is immutable, and it will bring believers into the glorified family of the Son of God. — Michael F. Bird, Romans, ed. Scot McKnight, The Story of God Bible Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2016), 275.

15. Romans 8.29 – 30. A lot of ink has been spilled on the topic of these verses—predestination. We are not going to go there. What do we learn about Christian living from this passage?The working of God to transform your life is all Him. It’s not based on anything you do or don’t do. This text teaches that your Father knew you before you were ever born. He predestined you to become like His Son, Jesus. That all happened before you were an idea in your parents’ minds.God miraculously called you to Himself and justified you through Jesus Christ. The Bible even says here that He has already glorified you. When God says something is true, it is so certain that we can speak of it in past tense. In “the eternal now” you look like Jesus. You are free from sin and have a righteous standing before God.How can these things be? It is by His grace. You don’t have to struggle to make yourself better. Your God has already done that. The only need now is to grow in your understanding of what He has already accomplished for you and learn how to live each day as your authentic self. — Steve McVey, Grace Walk Moments: A Devotional (Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers, 2014).

16. Romans 8.37. More than conquerors. How does this truth affect our day to day lives?As believers we can live with a sense of triumph because Paul assures us that through Christ Jesus we are more than conquerors. Believing that truth gives us boldness for daily living.Sometimes our confidence is shaken when trials come, especially if they are lengthy. But when we have an assurance of God’s love for us, no matter what comes against us, we know deep inside that we are more than conquerors. If we are truly confident, we have no need to fear trouble or trying times, because we know they will pass.

Whenever a trial of any kind comes against you, always remember: This too shall pass! Be confident that during the trial you will learn something that will help you in the future.The closer we are to God, the more steps of faith we take, deciding to be confident in all things in Him. Confident people get the job done. They are fulfilled because they are succeeding at being themselves. — Joyce Meyer, Closer to God Each Day: 365 Devotions for Everyday Living (New York City, NY: FaithWords, 2015).

17. More than conquerors. What exactly does that mean?The winners in this war have already been declared! Christ is the Victor! He sits in the place of authority far above the powers of darkness. He has already won and passed that victory to us. “And this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith” (1 John 5:4).Paul declared that “we are more than conquerors through him that loved us” (Romans 8:37). This chapter will be properly crowned if we can just get a glimpse of what it means to be “more than conquerors.”It means more than just winning a war; it is benefiting from the battle! It means more than just whipping the devil; it is making him galley slave in the Lord’s chain gang!To be “more than conquerors” is to learn such vital lessons from the enemy in battle that it enriches our lives and fits us for the next campaign.It is to have not only the victory but the spoils of victory.How much property Satan camps on that the Kingdom of God could be enjoying! How many lepers wait at the city gates while the tables of the enemy are laden with feasts awaiting them!Being “more than conquerors” is to storm the citadels of Satan, where are stored treasures that have been stolen and to recover them for the Master’s use.It is to be on the advance keeping the devil off balance and refusing to give him time to re-gather his scattered forces.Too long have we treated the warfare as a stalemate in which we must wearily hold the lines until Jesus comes. This is not the “more than conqueror’s” stance.

Hallelujah, being “more than conquerors” is to take the battle to the devil now and stand in daily victory!“Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ …” (2 Corinthians 2:14a).“The battle is not yours, but God’s” (2 Chronicles 20:15b). “If God be for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31). — Jack R. Taylor, Much More! Classic Messages by Jack R. Taylor on a View of the Believer’s Resources in Christ (Bedford, TX: Burkhart Books, 2013), 109–110.

18. Exodus 14.14 is a good cross-reference. What do we learn about being more than conquerors from this passage?What Does It Mean that We Are More than Conquerors (Romans 8:37)?Romans 8:37 says, “We are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” To conquer is to be victorious over an adversary. To be “more than a conqueror” means we not only achieve victory, but we are overwhelmingly victorious. If the final score of a basketball game is 142–6, we know that the opposition put up a fight, but they were no match for the victors. The win was beyond the scope of a regular victory.There are many illustrations in the Old Testament of God bringing miraculous victory to His people, Israel. Humanly speaking, Israel was no match for their enemies. But God cautioned them not to be afraid, that He would fight their battles for them. Exodus 14:14 says, “The Lord will fight for you, you need only to be still.” The Lord told Jeremiah that He was bringing armies against the rebellious Israelites as punishment for their disobedience, but even then, “ ‘They … will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you,’ declares the Lord” (Jeremiah 1:19). In one instance, an entire army fled their own camp when God caused them to hear the sounds of a great army coming. The famine-racked Israelites were able to plunder the enemy camp and provide for their families through no act of their own (2 Kings 7). Not only were they saved from an approaching army, but they actually benefited from the threat. They were “more than conquerors.” — Got Questions Ministries, Got Questions? Bible Questions Answered (Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2002–2013).

19. Conquer who or what?Satan is our adversary. He sends all kinds of life-defeating, joy-stealing attacks to threaten the well-being and faith of God’s children. Many of

those attacks are listed in Romans 8:35–39: trouble, hardship, persecution, famine, nakedness, and sword. Paul is encouraging us to stand firm in our faith when those attacks come, reminding us that not only will we win in the end, but Jesus enables us to win now. Satan lacks the power to steal our eternal destiny, and he cannot separate us from the love of God right now. Nothing we face worries God in the least. If we are His children through faith in His Son, then we have His pledge of love and protection. In John 10:27–29, Jesus said, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.” — Got Questions Ministries, Got Questions? Bible Questions Answered (Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2002–2013).

20. What did you learn today? What do you want to remember and apply?

21. How can we pray for each other this week?

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Secured

Those who trust in Christ have a secure future as children of God.

Romans 8:12-25

The Spirit himself testifies together with our spirit that we are God's children, and if children, also heirs-heirs of God and coheirs with Christ-if indeed we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified

with him. Romans 8:16-17 CSB

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In this passage Paul draws a contrast between living according to the flesh and living by the Spirit of God. He's describing a person's dependency on either of two opposing forces. One leads to death and one leads to life.

To live according to the flesh is to depend on one's own wits and abilities, making decisions that are limited to a worldly point of view. When a person lives by the dictates of the flesh, they are a slave to the appetites of the flesh. Self-promotion and self-pleasure take center stage in one's thinking and actions. This is the way of death.

How has God helped you replace a selfish way of life with greater thoughts for what others need? What has been the result of that change?

To live by the Spirit of God is to trust in God's revealed will and ways. When a person puts their faith in God instead of themselves then decisions are dictated by submission to God's will. This person desires to exalt the greatness of God instead of exalting themselves. This is the way of life. 

The person who lives by the Spirit is able to put to death the unlawful deeds of the body. They are no longer slaves to sin but are empowered by the Holy Spirit to proactively oppose sin.

The persons who live according to the flesh put their faith in themselves and not in the finished work of Christ on their behalf. They expect to get into heaven by the things they can do themselves. They are confident in their own abilities but Scripture says those who live depending on themselves cannot please God.

How confident are you that heaven is in your future? On what do you base your confidence?

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Through salvation our past has been forgiven, our present is given meaning, and out future is secured.Rick Warren

Christ is much more powerful to save, than Adam was to destroy.John Calvin

In Christ alone, and His payment of the penalty for our sins upon the Cross, we find reconciliation to God and ultimate meaning and purpose.Dave Hunt

 

Those who are led by God's Spirit belong to God. The Spirit witnesses to this truth in our inner being. God's Spirit in us cries out to God as our Abba; an affectionate term for Father similar to our English word Daddy or Da-Da. It is an intimate relationship based on trust in God as our faithful and good Father.

Paul contrasted the spirit of slavery and the Spirit of adoption. Those without the Spirit of God are slaves to their flesh. Their lives are marked by fear and guilt because the righteous law of God holds them accountable. Those in whom the Holy Spirit dwells have assurance that they have been adopted as God's own children and are no longer under the condemnation of the law (Rom. 8:1-4). They have peace with their Abba Father.

As God's children we inherit the benefits of belonging to His redeemed family. We are co-heirs with Christ. Our heavenly Father's resources will supply our needs. This belonging includes suffering because the enemies of Christ oppose us but our suffering results in our being glorified with Christ in heaven. The heavenly reward will eclipse the sorrow we experience here.

Creation also suffers because of sin. When mankind rebelled against God, nature was subjected to the bondage and decay that came into the world (Gen. 3:17-19). The whole creation groans for redemption that is to come when God brings the broken order of things to an end. Paul compared it to a woman who labors painfully in anticipation of something wonderful to come.

The first fruits of the crops were offered to God as acknowledgment that He provides now and will provide in the future. The first fruits were considered the best and most treasured part of the harvest. Paul spoke of the Holy Spirit as the first fruit of the provision that God has made for our future. The presence of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer is a guarantee of good things to come when we

 

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pass from this life into our eternal home. In this life we enjoy the benefits of belonging to God and we eagerly anticipate the ultimate fulfillment of those benefits. One of which will be having bodies that are no longer subject to decay.

Apart from Christ we had no hope for a future redemption but because of Christ we are now children of God and we wait with confident expectation of what is to come.

What is the central truth of this lesson for you? How will you respond?  

 

Some of the ways the Holy Spirit speaks to us is through guidance in decision making, encouragement through another believer, the conviction of sin, and the empowerment to overcome temptation to sin. In what ways do you experience the affirmation of the Holy Spirit that you are part of God's redeemed family?

Slowly read over this week's passage circling the benefits of living by the Spirit of God. For example, confident expectation of our future inheritance in heaven with Christ, the presence of the Spirit's power demonstrated in the way we live, peace with God, our Abba. Post a list of these where you will see them throughout the day and meditate on these things.

Before your next group meeting, write questions you have about this session. Also, list one key truth from the session you can

contribute to the group time.

 

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