InstaStudy

Romans 8: Life in the Spirit and God's Unfailing Love

This study explores the profound truths of Romans 8, focusing on the believer's freedom from condemnation, the power of living by the Spirit of God, our identity as children of God, the hope of future glory, and the unwavering, unconquerable love of God revealed in Christ Jesus.

1. Freedom from Condemnation and the Law

1.1 No Condemnation in Christ Jesus

Verses: Romans 8:1; 2 Corinthians 5:17
  • There is no longer any condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
  • The new life in Christ delivers us from the law of sin and death.

1.2 The Law's Weakness and God's Solution

Verses: Romans 8:3; Hebrews 10:1-4
  • The law was powerless to save us due to the weakness of the flesh.
  • God sent His Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to condemn sin in the flesh.

1.3 Righteousness Fulfilled by the Spirit

Verses: Romans 8:4; Galatians 5:16
  • The righteous requirement of the law is fulfilled in us who walk according to the Spirit.
  • Living by the Spirit enables us to overcome the desires of the flesh.

2. Living by the Spirit of God

2.1 The Mind Set on the Spirit vs. the Flesh

Verses: Romans 8:5-6; Galatians 5:19-23
  • To set the mind on the flesh leads to death, but to set the mind on the Spirit leads to life and peace.
  • The carnal mind is hostile to God and cannot please Him.

2.2 The Indwelling Spirit of God

Verses: Romans 8:9-10; 1 Corinthians 6:19
  • If the Spirit of God dwells in you, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit.
  • The Spirit gives life to your mortal body because of righteousness.

2.3 Resurrection Power Through the Spirit

Verses: Romans 8:11; Ephesians 1:19-20
  • The same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead will also give life to our mortal bodies.
  • This power is at work in believers, assuring future resurrection and present vitality.

3. Our Identity as Children of God

3.1 Debtors to the Spirit, Not the Flesh

Verses: Romans 8:12-13; Colossians 3:5-6
  • We are not obligated to live according to the flesh, which leads to death.
  • By the Spirit, we put to death the deeds of the body and live.

3.2 Led by the Spirit, Sons of God

Verses: Romans 8:14; Galatians 5:18
  • Those who are led by the Spirit of God are truly the children of God.
  • Being led by the Spirit signifies a deep relationship and guidance from God.

3.3 The Spirit of Adoption and 'Abba, Father'

Verses: Romans 8:15; Galatians 4:6
  • We have not received a spirit of bondage, but the Spirit of adoption.
  • Through this Spirit, we cry out to God with intimacy, 'Abba, Father'.

3.4 Heirs with Christ

Verses: Romans 8:16-17; 1 Peter 1:3-4
  • The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.
  • As children, we are heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, sharing in His glory and suffering.

4. Hope in Future Glory

4.1 Present Sufferings and Future Glory

Verses: Romans 8:18; 2 Corinthians 4:17
  • Our present sufferings are temporary and incomparable to the glory that will be revealed in us.
  • Enduring hardship now prepares us for an eternal weight of glory.

4.2 Creation's Groaning and Redemption

Verses: Romans 8:19-22; Revelation 21:1
  • All creation eagerly awaits the manifestation of the children of God, longing for its own deliverance.
  • The entire creation groans under the bondage of corruption, anticipating renewal.

4.3 The Spirit's Intercession and God's Purpose

Verses: Romans 8:26-28; 1 John 5:14
  • The Spirit helps us in our weakness, interceding for us with groanings too deep for words.
  • God works all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.

4.4 God's Foreknowledge and Predestination

Verses: Romans 8:29-30; Ephesians 1:4-5
  • God foreknew us and predestined us to be conformed to the image of His Son.
  • He called, justified, and glorified those whom He predestined.

5. The Unconquerable Love of God

5.1 God is For Us

Verses: Romans 8:31; Psalm 118:6
  • If God is for us, no one can successfully stand against us.
  • This truth provides ultimate security and confidence.

5.2 God's Ultimate Sacrifice

Verses: Romans 8:32; John 3:16
  • God, who did not spare His own Son but delivered Him up for us all, will also freely give us all things.
  • His greatest gift assures us of His continued provision and grace.

5.3 No Condemnation or Separation

Verses: Romans 8:33-34; Colossians 2:13-14
  • No one can bring a charge against God's elect, for God Himself justifies us.
  • Christ Jesus, who died, was raised, and intercedes for us, ensures our standing before God.

5.4 More Than Conquerors

Verses: Romans 8:35-37; 1 John 4:4
  • No tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, peril, or sword can separate us from God's love.
  • In all these things, we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.

5.5 Nothing Can Separate Us from God's Love

Verses: Romans 8:38-39; Jude 1:24
  • Neither death nor life, angels nor principalities, powers nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, can separate us.
  • We are eternally secure in the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.