Romans 8:1

1 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.

Christ delivers sinners from the “body of death” produced by sin (Rom. 7:24-25). Those who are “in Christ Jesus” escape sin’s condemnation. Therefore, it is crucial to be “in Christ Jesus,” otherwise, we are still wretched, lost in sin, and under its sentence of eternal death (Rom. 7:24; 6:23). Scripture says baptism puts the sinner into Christ (where there is no condemnation). “For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Gal. 3:26-27). We become children of God through the gospel (“the faith,” Gal. 1:11, 23; 3:2, 23-25). The gospel commands water baptism for the remission of sins (no condemnation, Acts 2:38; 10:48).

Once we are saved “in Christ Jesus” we must walk (live) “according to the Spirit.” In Christ, Christians live by the guidance of the Spirit of God, not by the impulses of the flesh. The Spirit guides us through the truth He revealed to the apostles and inspired them to speak and write (John 16:12-14; 1 Cor. 2:10-13; 14:37; 2 Tim. 3:16-17). Christians choose to walk according to the Spirit by following the word of God. Make that the way you live your life and escape sin’s sentence of eternal death.

Romans 8:2-4

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

The “law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus” is “the law of God,” “the gospel of His Son” (Rom. 7:25; 1:9). Life is in Christ Jesus, and the gospel is the “law of faith” by which we are justified (Rom.3:26-27). The law that gives life is set in contrast with “the law of sin and death” – the rule that sin causes death (v. 1; Rom. 6:23).

The Law of Moses identified sin but could not save sinners (Rom. 3:20, 23; 7:10-12). The Son of God became flesh, lived without sin and condemned sin by His life and His death (Phil. 2:5-8; Rom. 5:6-11). In Christ, spiritual life is granted to all who “walk according to the Spirit” (who live in and by the gospel, Rom. 1:16-17; 5:1-2; 6:1-14).

We are not sinners because we are humans, we are sinners because we commit sin (Rom. 5:12). By the gospel we are saved from our sins and choose to serve righteousness instead of sin (Rom. 6:15-18).

Romans 8:5

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.

Paul laid out a series of contrasts in Romans 8:5-9 between what it means to be carnally minded and what it means to be spiritually minded. He began by drawing our attention to this central point: We live what we think. Whatever your mind is set upon produces how you live. If your goal is to “walk according to the Spirit,” then you must set your mind on “the things of the Spirit” (Rom. 8:1, 5). The “flesh” is the source of evil appetites, and carnally minded people set their minds on these things.

The gospel calls us to set our minds on things above and not on things on the earth (Col. 3:2). The gospel renews our minds (Rom. 12:2). This occurs as we deliberately develop the mindset to seek and do the will of God which the Spirit has revealed in the Scriptures. Put your mind on the word and will of God, not on the wisdom and will of those who do not know God (1 Pet. 4:1-2). Putting your mind in the right place translates into making choices to do God’s will in life. You live what you think! 

Romans 8:6-8

6 For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace, 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. 8 So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

Spiritual death proceeds from the mind that is given to the thoughts, attitudes, motives, and inclinations of the flesh. By contrast, the mind that is spiritual produces life and peace. Paul has already identified the spiritual mind as that which is set on the things of the Spirit (Rom. 8:5). This mind walks according to the Spirit and bears the fruit of the Spirit (Rom. 8:1; Gal. 5:22-23). If your mind refuses to submit to the law of God, you are yet carnal and an enemy of God. Being “in the flesh” is equivalent to a mind that is set against the will of God and a life that does not obey the law of God. Conversely, the spiritually minded person is the one who obeys the law of God, willingly submitting to its rule and authority.

Are you spiritually minded? If so, you are obeying the word of God. Do not be deceived. If you are not obeying God’s word then you are not spiritually minded. You are still serving the flesh. It is past time to repent and submit yourself to the law of God (Matt. 7:21-23).      -Sword Tips #1560-1563

Top