Lesson 9—Free from Death (Chapter 8)
for November 5, 2000

Introduction

Romans 8 must be one of the most beloved of chapters in the Bible because it has such a wonderful message of victory. Through Jesus Christ, we have victory over death and the Holy Spirit of God to live in us to help in this life. God works for our good and nothing can separate us from his love. This chapter is worth reading frequently!

No condemnation

This chapter is the capstone to the previous three. Since we are free from wrath (chapter 5), free from sin (chapter 6), free from law (chapter 7), we are also free from death. There is no longer any condemnation for those who are in Christ—we have been set free from the law of sin and death. The law of sin and death is the rule or governing of sin and its inevitable outcome of death, according to Cottrell.

The law of Moses, in which the Jews put so much trust, was unable to justify man, because no man could keep it. The atoning sacrifice of Jesus, however, was able to justify us. Those who live under the rule of the Spirit (which gives life) are made righteous because of what Jesus has done.

Life through the Spirit

Paul now makes several pointed contrasts between those who live by the flesh (or sinful nature) versus living by the Spirit. Those under the sinful nature have their minds on things of the flesh, which leads to death. They are hostile to God and will not submit, so they cannot please God.

Those controlled by the Spirit have their minds on what the Spirit wants, which leads to life. Their spirits are alive, and they have the Spirit of God living in them. They are sons of God, meaning they have been adopted by God. This gives Christians the rights of inheritance.

The future of creation and man

Something much better awaits! Creation is less than what it can be (vv.19-20, 22) because of the curse (see Gen. 3:17-19), and will one day be changed (v. 21). The same is true for Christians (v. 23). We are less than what we could be because of sin. We will one day be changed.

In the meantime, while we await our future transformation, the Spirit helps us through prayer. The Spirit communicates our needs in a way that we do not comprehend.

Ultimate victory

How comforting to know that God is working for our good (v. 28)! The ultimate good is our justification and glorification. God wants us to love him, and be conformed to the image of his Son.
It almost seems too good to be true—freedom from (spiritual) death. However, Paul emphasizes that it is true. God is for us. He has already done so much for us; won’t he bring it to fruition?

God has made us more than conquerors through Jesus Christ—the ultimate victory is ours. In beautiful language, Paul shows that nothing will separate us from the love of God. Someone once pointed out that just about the only thing not listed is oneself. One can choose to separate oneself from God, but he will not let anything or anyone else do it.

Questions

1. How is it that we can now be free from the condemnation of death?
2. Contrast living by the flesh and life through the Spirit, especially the end results.
3. What can you learn about prayer from this chapter (see vv. 15-16, 26-27)?
4. Why are our present sufferings not worth comparing to what will come (v. 18)?
5. What is the ultimate victory?

Application

Who or what rules your life? Is it the Spirit? How does one determine who or what is in control? Is it what you desire? Is it what you do? Is it how you spend your time? Is it what you think about?

If you have the Spirit living in you, what does the Spirit do for you?

Can you give examples of how God works for the good of his people?

Physical death, a consequence of sin, is only a minor defeat when viewed in terms of the end result for God’s people, which is ultimate victory. Can you be at peace with that promise?

What is the significance to your life of the love of God from which we cannot be separated?