Romans 8

I am weak.

I am a weak, weak man.

Mere days after my 're-commitment' to keeping the memory passage to 2-3 verses, here we are.

The memory passage for Romans 8 is:
Romans 8:1-4
¹ There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. ² For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. ³ For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, ⁴ in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

The theme is Righteous Walk in the Spirit.

There are three main themes in this chapter; all centered around the work of Holy Spirit. Life in the Spirit takes on the law, the flesh, and human suffering.

The memory passage includes all three themes; the law of the Spirit frees us from the law of sin and death, walking in the Spirit fulfills the righteousness of the law and defeats the flesh, and by condemning sin in the flesh He gives us victory over temporary suffering.

8:1 is one of the great battle cries of believers; 'there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus'. One key to victorious Christian living is faith that the work of Christ has allowed God to declare us righteous and redeemed.

5-18 describes the conflict between life in the Spirit and life in the flesh. Having a 'mind of flesh' is contrasted with setting your mind 'on the Spirit'. The results of each are clearly stated in v13; the flesh leads to death, the Spirit leads to life. 15-18 outline the beautiful doctrine of adoption. We are not received by God in a spirit of slavery or oppression, but are adopted as sons and children. Literally, we are 'placed as sons' (having responsibility in the family) and accepted as children who share in the inheritance. According to verse 17 we are 'co-heirs' with Christ in the sense that we identify with His suffering while we are on earth but will be in His glory for eternity. And just to be clear, 'sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory' to come (verse 18).

In 19-27 we see 3 different 'groanings'; creation groans under the curse of decay, believers groan in anticipation of eternity with God, and Holy Spirit groans in intercession for us.

28-30 explains the calling of believers for 'His purpose'. The three steps are called, justified, and glorified. We are called according to His purpose to be conformed to the image of Christ; through the work of Christ we are justified in His sight; and with justification comes the promise of glorification with Him for eternity.

Paul ends this chapter with seven questions that solidify the standing of believers in Christ Jesus. In Him we are victorious (31), justified (33), free of condemnation (34), inseparable from Him (35), and conquerors (37).

How does this affect my worship?
I was struck by the 'groaning' passages in the middle of chapter 8. Psalm 96 describes the 'song of the earth' in worship of the Lord;
Psalms 96:11-12
¹¹ Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it; ¹² let the field exult, and everything in it! Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy
All of God's creation eagerly anticipates the return of Christ and the revealing of the sons of God. His coming promises a new heaven and earth, with which we also look forward to the redemption of our bodies. So I'll join with the earth in its groaning, yearning, and longing for that day while I watch the sky, but at the same time I'll sing with joy and proclaim the mighty name of the Most High while I run the earth.

How does this affect my discipleship?
I have been called by God to be conformed to the image of His Son; to be more like Christ. This is not only His 'good purpose', but His mission for my life. Paul says in Colossians 1:28-29 that his mission is to proclaim Him, to teach and admonish in wisdom, and to present everyone mature in Christ. My journey of Christ-likeness must include the discipling of others called to Christ-likeness. So that as fellow 'called and justified' believers we can grow toward the image of Christ until we are glorified with Him forever.

May you walk in the Spirit with Him who will never let you go,

Ethan