Romans Chapter 8

BIBLE PASSAGE

ROMANS CHAPTER 8

Life in the Spirit

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. 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 set their minds on the things of the Spirit. 6 For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. 7 For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. 8 Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

9 You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. 10 But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.

Heirs with Christ

12 So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 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. 14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

Future Glory

18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 19 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. 23 And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. 27 And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. 28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.

God's Everlasting Love

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 gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? 33 Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36 As it is written,

“For your sake we are being killed all the day long;

we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”

37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

SYNOPSIS

Romans 8 is considered by many scholars to be a pivotal chapter in the book of Romans, focusing on the role of the Triune God in the spiritual growth and salvation of believers. The chapter emphasizes the work of the Holy Spirit, mentioning Him more frequently than any other chapter in Romans. It begins with the assurance that there is no condemnation for those in Christ and ends with the promise that nothing can separate believers from God's love. The chapter outlines two ways of living: according to the flesh and according to the Spirit, encouraging Christians to walk in the Spirit. It also discusses God's solution to humanity's slavery to sin through sending His Son. The chapter touches on themes of adoption into God's family, the believer's status as co-heirs with Christ, and the future glory awaiting believers. Additionally, it presents a unique perspective on creation, describing how it groans alongside humanity, awaiting redemption and freedom from decay.

APPLICATION QUESTIONS

1. Romans 8:1 says there is no condemnation for those in Christ. How does this truth give you confidence and freedom in your relationship with God?

2. How can we actively remind ourselves of our identity as children of God in our daily lives?

3. Paul contrasts living by the flesh and living by the Spirit (vv. 5-6). What are some practical ways you can focus on the things of the Spirit in your daily life?

4. In what ways can we rely on the Holy Spirit to overcome feelings of doubt or fear?

5. The chapter ends with the promise that nothing can separate us from God’s love (vv. 38-39). How does this assurance bring you comfort and strengthen your faith?

PRAYER SUGGESTION

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the incredible truth that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ. I often struggle with guilt and weakness, but I am grateful that my identity is secure in You. Help me to live in the freedom of Your grace, not bound by fear but led by Your Spirit.

Lord, guide me to set my mind on things of the Spirit, not on the distractions of the flesh. Teach me to walk in step with You, relying on Your strength, wisdom, and presence in all that I do.

I praise You for the unshakable promise that nothing can separate me from Your love. No matter what challenges I face, remind me that I am always held by You. May my life reflect the confidence and joy that comes from being Your child.

In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.