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“THERE IS THEREFORE NOW NO CONDEMNATION"

Thesis: To teach the hearers that the Gospel of Christ has the power to change those once profane (common) unto a holy (set apart) people of God.

Text: Rom 8:1-11

Introduction,
1. As we look into the epistle to the Romans to this point (ch 8) we could summarize it as such . . .
a. The Gospel is God’s power to save (ch 1:1-17).
b. The Gentiles (non-Jews) are lost without it (ch 1:18-32).
c. The Jews are lost without it (ch 2-3)
d. Abraham was justified by biblical faith, as seen in the Gospel, “not” the Law of Moses (ch 4).
e. What was lost beginning with Adam (true fellowship with God), is regained through Christ and His Gospel, again “not” the law of Moses (ch 5).
f. Yet the Gospel has obligations, it must be obeyed whole heartedly in order to effectuate salvation (ch 6).
g. (ch 7)Teaches us that the Law of Moses is no longer in effect, part of its purpose was to exposed sin, and the sinfulness of man, this, from man’s point of view, was not good, it showed its true adherents their hopeless condition without Christ and the renewal of the Holy Spirit.

2. And that takes us up to chapter 8, this, like a handful of other sections in the bible (Mt 24; the book of Revelation, and so on) Romans 8 is one of the most misunderstood passages in God’s word, again most of its difficulties are propagated because of preconceived ideas being brought into the text, the only things that should be brought into this context is that which has thus far been revealed.

3. Realizing all the while, that the bible is not written “to” us, but rather “for” us, there are some things that simply do not directly apply in this day, because they have been preordained by God to cease after their purpose has been fulfilled (such as the miraculous manifestations of the 1st century church; 1 Cor 13:8-10).

4. Chapter 8 explains to us “generally” how the Gospel accomplishes its defeat of sin, and man’s desire for it, and God’s purpose behind it, therefore with this in mind, we will break today’s lesson into 3 sections . . .
1) Christians are freed from condemnation (Rom 8:1-2)
2) Christians are freed by Christ (Rom 8:3-4)
3) Christians are freed to become sons of God (Rom 8:5-11)

I. CHRISTIANS ARE FREED FROM CONDEMNATION (Rom 8:1-2)

A. (v 1)

Rom 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus.

“Therefore” here indicates a conclusion based upon the previous section, the eternal condemnation that exists from unforgiven sin is remedied “in Christ Jesus”, “in Christ” that location where every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places are located (Eph 1:3).

1. And we are told in chapter 6 just how this movement into Christ takes place (Rom 6:3a) . . .

Rom 6:3a Or are ye ignorant that all we who were baptized into Christ Jesus

a. This fact is also confirmed in Gal 3:27a . . .

Gal 3:27a For as many of you as were baptized into Christ

b. The simple truth is one who is not baptized (immersed), is not in Christ, and cannot be partakers of that which is available “in Christ”.

B. (v 2)

Rom 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus made me free from the law of sin and of death.

We could put a parenthesis around (in Christ Jesus), this is descriptive of “the law of the Spirit of life.”

1. The Holy Spirit revealed and confirmed Gospel is able to free mankind from the “law of sin and death” which basically states “the soul that sinneth, it shall die” (Ezek 18:20), it shall be eternally separated (Ja 2:26) from a most holy God, for cause of sin (Isa 59:2).

2. And the turmoil associated with struggles has been lessened to a greater degree through the transforming (renewing) power of the Gospel of Christ, which is brought about through God’s living and active word (Heb 4:12), that sword of the Spirit (Eph 6:17) changing our inward man (turn to 2 Cor 4:16-18) . . .

2Co 4:16 Wherefore we faint not; but though our outward man is decaying, yet our inward man is renewed day by day. 2Co 4:17 For our light affliction, which is for the moment, worketh for us more and more exceedingly an eternal weight of glory; 2Co 4:18 while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

3. Through the directives given in the Gospel, we have out minds, our thoughts, our spirits, our biblical hearts refocused upon heavenly treasures (Mt 6:21), the things above (Col 3:1-4), being resolved about many of the physical, temporal turmoils that take place in this world, knowing that they will come, and being told that we ought to learn how to use them towards our spiritual growth (turn to Ja 1:2-4) . . .

Jam 1:2 Count it all joy (calm delight), my brethren, when ye fall into manifold temptations (trials); Jam 1:3 Knowing that the proving of your faith worketh patience. Jam 1:4 And let patience have its perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, lacking in nothing.

4. This was not the focus under the Law of Moses, their focus was upon the earthly inheritance, which was never meant to be an end, but rather a means, a type, of the eternal inheritance, of which was fully revealed (explained), and brought to the forefront within the teachings of the Gospel of Christ.

5. This type of mindset is one of the main reasons that the Jews (for the most part) rejected Christ, they wanted an earthly king, which He was never meant to be, Jesus said in (John 18:36) . . .

Joh 18:36 . . . My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.

6. Because those that focus upon earthly, perishable things will surely have their temporal world come crashing down upon them one day (Heb 9:27) . . .

Heb 9:27 . . . inasmuch as it is appointed unto men once to die, and after this cometh judgment;

7. But those who are not fashioned according to this world (Rom 12:2), but to the next, through the renewing of their minds are able (for the most part), to set aside the temptations and trails that come upon all, knowing that the escape they have been given is to look “forward” to that “better country” (Heb 11:16) that “heavenly city” (Rev 21:1-2), prepared by God (John 14:2), in this manner “there is therefore now no condemnation in Christ Jesus,” faithful Christians are freed from both temporal and spiritual condemnation.

II. CHRISTIANS ARE FREED BY CHRIST (Rom 8:3-4)

A. (v 3)

Rom 8:3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God, sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:

One of the first things we need to remember is that Paul is writing by the inspiration of God (2 Tim 3:16), what he was taught through the revelation of Jesus Christ (Gal 1:12), he knew that the Jew was not fully forgiven, even though “if faithful” they could inherit heaven, yet they thought that heaven was a given for the Jew under the Law of Moses, because of their fleshly ties to Abraham, they were wrong, as confirmed by John the Baptist (Mt 3:9-10) . . .

Mat 3:9 and think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. Mat 3:10 And even now the axe lieth at the root of the trees: every tree therefore that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

1. The Bible teaches that the Spirit (as well as all things that are spiritual in nature), are more powerful than the flesh (Isa 31:3) . . .

Isa 31:3 Now the Egyptians are men, and not God; and their horses flesh, and not spirit: and when Jehovah shall stretch out his hand, both he that helpeth shall stumble, and he that is helped shall fall, and they all shall be consumed together.

2. The blood of bulls and goats (these fleshly animals) could not take away sin (Heb 10:4), they could only roll forward their sins, waiting for the Christ to come, there was no true justification under the Law of Moses in itself (turn to Acts 13:38-39) . . .

Act 13:38 Be it known unto you therefore, brethren, that through this man is proclaimed unto you remission of sins: Act 13:39 and by him every one that believeth is justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.

3. We need to remember that the average Jew didn’t believe this, they thought they were forgiven, and the Law of Moses was the end, not the means to the end, which was Christ and His church.

4. The Law of Moses was perfectly designed for that which God purposed . . .

a. It kept a safety net over the seed line of Christ till the fullness of time (in order that Christ would come into the world, for the sins of the world).

b. It taught the Jew just how terrible sin was in the eyes of God (this could be visibly seen by the millions of gallons of blood that was shed by man, because of man, and that of innocent unwilling animals).

c. And there was a ton of types (shadows), of the true (antitypes) that were to come “in Christ” these would all point to, and thus was purposed to lead them “to Christ.”

5. But it was weak (and meant to be by God) by the inadequate fleshly sacrifices (would could not fully forgive), and this system made their focus be upon physical, fleshly things, instead upon the things above, therefore they (for the most part) were not renewed, thus they were more prone at the drop of a hat, to plunge into sin (which is seen over and over in the OT record).

6. But when God sent His Son, in the likeness of “sinful flesh” (the flesh is personified here as that which lures one into sin, and succumbs to inordinate desires, it is not sinful in itself), He condemned sin in the flesh by . . .

a. Not sinning under that Law of Moses (Heb 4:15), even though He was in every aspect was as His human brethren (Heb 2:17), therefore being that example, that standard (1 Cor 11:1), that condemns those who do not follow His example (Rom 8:34; therefore teaching us how we are to act, to remain relatively sin free).

b. And also, then, by being Divinity (God in the flesh), He offered Himself as a willing, perfect sacrifice, One that “could” take away sin completely and permanently (an unwilling animal’s life could not be ransomed for a man’s, for the man is greater that the animal, but God giving Himself as a ransom could effectively bring to pass the forgiveness of the sins of all mankind, including those under the Law of Moses; Rom 3:25; Heb 9:15) this is the basic “the greater blesses the lesser principle” that is seen in Heb 7:7.

B. (v 4)

Rom 8:4 that the ordinance (requirement) of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

The word “that” in this verse is “hin-ah” and it denotes “purpose,” Christ’s sinless life and sacrifice fulfilled the requirement of God’s “law”, and actually “laws” . . .

1. “The law of sin and death” “the soul that sinneth it shall now not die” was fulfilled, set aside, and He “also” fulfilled the Law of Moses;

a. He fulfilled it by living it perfectly,

b. And was the purpose for which the Law was in force (the promised Seed came, which the Law typified and pointed to, thus it was no longer needed, it was therefore set aside, being fulfilled; Mt 5:17).

2. And He enabled us who walk as directed by the Spirit revealed NT (imitating Christ; 1 Cor 11:1), and not after our own designs, to also partake of this fulfilling.

3. Thus when the person initially obeys the Gospel from the heart, and determines to walk in newness of life, and day by day is renewed through study and application of God’s living word, the sword of the Spirit (Eph 6:17), these (who are called “Christians”) are “freed by Christ,” that walk not after the flesh, but by the Spirit revealed and confirmed Gospel (Mk 16:20; Acts 14:3; Heb 2:4).

III. CHRISTIANS ARE FREED TO BECOME SONS OF GOD (Rom 8:5-11)

A. (v 5-6)

Rom 8:5 For they that are after the flesh mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. Rom 8:6 For the mind of the flesh is death; but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace:

“For,” “for this reason,” those that mind prominently the fleshly, the physical things, this mindset results in spiritual death (separation from God; Isa 59:2), they are referred to in the Scriptures as enemies of the cross of Christ, and there was a lot of them around in the 1st century, and there is a lot of them in the church today (look at Phili 3:19-21).

Phi 3:18 For many walk, of whom I told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Phi 3:19 whose end is perdition, whose god is the belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things. Phi 3:20 For our citizenship is in heaven; whence also we wait for a Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Phi 3:21 who shall fashion anew the body of our humiliation, that it may be conformed to the body of his glory, according to the working whereby he is able even to subject all things unto himself.

1. But they that focus upon the things above (spiritual things; Col 3:1-4), those that seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness (Mt 6:33), will ultimately inherit eternal life, and upon this earth “peace with God” which results in a “peace of mind” that those that are after the flesh (who prominently seek after things of a physical nature) can not properly comprehend (Phili 4:6-7).

Phi 4:6 In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. Phi 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.

B. (v 7-8)

Rom 8:7 because the mind of the flesh is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can it be: Rom 8:8 and they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

This type of earthly focused mindset is against all that is eternal, it puts the here and now (earthly things), ahead of the there and then (living a life of faith in God and Christ, and His promises) knowing that “He” will work out our earthly difficulties to “His” glory and “our” salvation, if we will just live (walk), according to His will to the best of our God given abilities.

1. But this person who will not subject himself to the Law of God (which here refers to the Gospel; Rom 10:3, the Gospel is God’s law today), cannot be pleasing unto God, until that person repents (turns from following self), and determines to follow, to walk after (obeys) the Spirit.

a. It is important to note that the word “subject” here is in the middle voice, meaning both parties have something to do with the topic under contemplation “God commands” through His Spirit revealed and confirmed word, His sword (Eph 6:17) and “we obey” it from the heart (Rom 6:17).

b. But the one that does not put himself into this “subjection,” that rebels against God, even though he may claim with his lips to be in subjection, can never be pleasing unto God (1 John 2:3-6) . . .

1Jo 2:3 And hereby we know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. 1Jo 2:4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him; 1Jo 2:5 but whoso keepeth his word, in him verily hath the love of God been perfected. Hereby we know that we are in him: 1Jo 2:6 he that saith he abideth in him ought himself also to walk even as he walked (we must seek to imitate Christ; 1 Cor 11:1; John 21:22).

C. (v 9a)

Rom 8:9a But ye are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you.

But those that Paul are writing to here in this epistle, that are not walking after, having a mind set upon and therefore in the things of the flesh, but rather they are walking after, setting their minds upon the things above, in the Spirit delivered Gospel “if” they choose to do so, and in this manner, the Spirit “dwelleth” in them, and “if’ they choose to be fleshly (carnally) minded, then the Spirit does not dwell in them, this is an “either” “or” situation based upon v 5 in our text . . .

Rom 8:5 For they that are after the flesh mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.

1. I do not believe this “dwelling” (dwelleth) of the Spirit refers to a personal literal indwelling of the Holy Spirit, nor a miraculous manifestation which was limited to the 1st century; but rather it refers to a figurative, representative indwelling through one’s abiding, walking after the Spirit delivered doctrine of Christ; the Father, Son and Spirit, the entire Godhead dwell in the faithful Christian, through the living and active word of God (John 14:23; 1 John 4:12, 15) . . .

Joh 14:23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my word: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

1Jo 4:12 No man hath beheld God at any time: if we love one another, God (the Godhead) abideth in us, and his love is perfected in us:

1Jo 4:15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God (the Godhead) abideth in him, and he in God.

2. You can’t have one part of the Godhead living in you, without the other, this is not speaking about the miraculous manifestations of the 1st century, but rather a “leading principle” that dwells in you and directs your life, and that is the context.

3. Also this word “dwelleth” here is the same exact Greek word that is used in Rom 7:17, 7:18. 7:20. where is speaks of “sin” that “dwelleth”; it is that principle, that the person, not born anew, allowed to control them before the coming of Christ and the power of His Gospel to change one’s focus from upon things of the earth (as seen in the Law of Moses), to the things above, where Christ is seated on the right hand of God (for where your treasure it, there shall your heart be also; Mt 6:21).

4. Remember this basic thought, in the 1st century, much of the teaching in the church was miraculously delivered (Eph 4:11; 1 Cor 12), thus we see the terminology is in the bible such as “after the Spirit”, “in the Spirit”, “mind of the Spirit” when one would obey these miraculously delivered teachings from the heart, the Holy Spirit was indeed dwelling in them, just like when they succumbed to sin, sin was in the same manner dwelling in them (Rom 7:17, 7:18. 7:20).

D. (v 9b-10)

Rom 8:9b But if any man hath not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. Rom 8:10 And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the spirit is life because of righteousness.

I believe verse 9b belongs with verse 10 (things concerning the spirit [lower case “s”] of Christ) , and the first part of verse 9 belongs with that prior context (things concerning “the Spirit”; i.e. the Holy Spirit), again this verse shows us that the entire Godhead dwells figuratively together, and that is what this last section is basically teaching.

1. So how can one not have the spirit [lower case “s”] of Christ?

a. By having a fleshly, carnal mind, by allowing one’s self to be directed by that which is opposed to Christ!

2. Who dwells in you, and how? That whom you obey, and it’s up to you (Rom 6:16) . . .

Rom 6:16 Know ye not, that to whom ye present yourselves as servants unto obedience, his servants ye are whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?

3. And if you obey from the heart, your body is dead to the practice of sin, but your spirit is alive unto God because of the righteousness revealed, believed and obeyed in the Gospel of Christ.

E. (v 11)

Rom 8:11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwelleth in you, he that raised up Christ Jesus from the dead shall give life also to your mortal bodies through his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

Who raised Christ from the dead? Sure the entire Godhead had a part in it, the Godhead is united, God is one, (Deut 6:4) but Who is specifically named as being the Raiser here?

1. Based upon (Acts 2:24; 32; 3:15; 26; 10:40, 41; 13:30; 34; 17:31; Rom 4:24; 6:4; 1 Cor 6:14; 1 Thess 1:10), I believe this speaks of the Father, and this is also verified to be correct by the phrase “through His Spirit” (not the Spirit’s spirit, but God the Father’s spirit [again lower case “s”]) which the Father brings to pass through Holy Spirit’s figurative dwelling based upon one’s choice as seen in v 5 . . .

Rom 8:5 For they that are after the flesh mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.

a. In other words, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit all dwell simultaneously in the faithful child of God, as they mind, walk after, abide, in God’s Holy Spirit revealed and confirmed doctrine of Christ.

2. And the Christian that believes and obeys God’s precepts with all one’s heart, that person’s “mortal body,” not the “incorruptible,” “imperishable,” “spiritual body” of the general resurrection on the Last Day, as seen in (1 Cor 15:42, 44), but one’s “mortal,” “physical body” will be given “spiritual life,” he will be born anew, born of the water (by water immersion unto remission of sins), and out of the Spirit, (John 3:5; by one’s belief and adherence to the Spirit delivered word; John 3:8) that person is raised to walk in newness of life.

3. The reason we can be sure that this speaks not of the general resurrection at the end of time is not only that it speaks of ones “mortal” body, but also John 5:28-28 and Acts 24:15 both teach that “all” will be resurrected, even the ungodly in which the Godhead does not dwell (Jesus stated in John 5:28-29) . . .

Joh 5:28 Marvel not at this: for the hour cometh, in which all that are in the tombs shall hear his voice, Joh 5:29 and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of judgment.

a. And in Paul’s proclamation about the Pharisees in Acts 24:15 . . .

Act 24:15 . . . there shall be a resurrection both of the just and unjust.

4. Therefore this indeed refers to the spiritual resurrection, that which defeats the law of sin and death which figuratively dwells in all without the renewing effects of the Gospel of Christ, (which includes those under the Law of Moses)

a. And that is why this section is here, “this” (the renewal of the Holy Spirit delivered Gospel) is what delivered the wretched man of Rom 7:24 from the law of sin and death (again, not the law of Moses!).

5. The idea of being born anew just wasn’t revealed until the coming of Christ, nor was it comprehended even by the most learned of their teachers (turn to John 3:1-10) . . .

Joh 3:1 Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: Joh 3:2 the same came unto him by night, and said to him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that thou doest, except God be with him. Joh 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except one be born anew, he cannot see the kingdom of God. (Basically Jesus is stating that Nicodemus is spiritually blind) Joh 3:4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter a second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Joh 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except one be born of water and the Spirit (literally “out of the Spirit”; which refers to the miraculously delivered Gospel of Christ), he cannot enter into the kingdom of God! Joh 3:6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Joh 3:7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born anew. Joh 3:8 The Spirit (“wind” is a mistranslation here, the Douay Rheims Bible of 1899 is correct in this verse) breatheth where he will (this speaks of the God breathed, God inspired word; 2 Tim 3:16), and thou hearest his voice (Faith cometh by hearing God’s living word; Rom 10:17), but knowest not whence he cometh, and whither he goeth (it is hard to pinpoint the time that this inward birth takes place): so is every one that is born of the Spirit. Joh 3:9 Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be? Joh 3:10 Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou the teacher of Israel, and understandest not these things?

6. This speaks of the washing of regeneration (born of the water; baptism for the remission of sins; Acts 2:38), and the renewal of the Holy Spirit (born of the Spirit; he that hears and believeth the teachings of the Spirit delivered Gospel; Tit 3:5)

Tit 3:5 not by works done in righteousness, which we did ourselves, but according to his mercy he saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,

a. This is what frees them and us from the law of sin and death (Ezek 18:20), we, as Christians, desire not to follow our own wills, but God’s Spirit revealed will unto eternal life.

7. So with this in mind let us read Rom 8:12-14 . . .

Rom 8:12 So then, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh: Rom 8:13 for if ye live after the flesh, ye must die (spiritually); but “if” by the Spirit “ye” put to death the deeds of the body, ye shall live. (Notice again this “if” denotes our choice in the matter) Rom 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God (Who miraculously revealed and confirmed God’s will in the 1st century, and wrote down for us today and is that which we refer to as the New Testament), these are sons of God.

Conclusion,
1. And where and how does the Spirit lead today? Only through the miraculously delivered and recorded NT; prophecies and other miraculous gifts of teachings have ceased (Rom 6:17-18) . . .

Rom 6:17 But thanks be to God, that, whereas ye were servants of sin, ye became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching whereunto ye were delivered; Rom 6:18 and being made free from sin, ye became servants of righteousness.

2. This message was delivered miraculously to Paul and others, by the power of God, we can be thankful that he was directed to write it down for us, as he did this passage likewise . . . (Gal 3:26-29) . . .

Gal 3:26 For ye are all sons of God, through (the) faith (system), in Christ Jesus. Gal 3:27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ did put on Christ. Gal 3:28 There can be neither Jew nor Greek, there can be neither bond nor free, there can be no male and female; for ye all are one in Christ Jesus. Gal 3:29 And if ye are Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, heirs according to promise.

3. This is how one is “freed to become a son of God.”


"That in us ye might learn not to go beyond the things which are written"

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