22. Romans 8:1-11 - The Work of the Spirit and Christian Freedom

November 1st, 2024
by Jongseung Park

In this passage, Paul emphasizes the freedom believers have through the Holy Spirit, contrasting life “in the flesh” with life “in the Spirit.” Paul explains how, through Christ’s sacrifice and the work of the Spirit, Christians are free from condemnation, empowered to fulfill God’s law, and enabled to live lives that please Him.

1. SCRIPTURE

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.

2. OBSERVATIONS :

Even though we continue to face the conflict and frustration between our desire to follow God’s law and the actual influence of sin in our flesh, we’re no longer under condemnation because we’re in Christ Jesus, who has taken the penalty for our sin and freed us from guilt and judgment (v. 1).
We have been liberated from the law of sin and death by the Law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus. No longer enslaved to our past sins, we are now free to live according to God’s will (v. 2). We are called to embrace a transformed life through the power of the Holy Spirit, as the “law of the Spirit” guides us into this new way of living.

"Weakened by the flesh" refers to the idea that human nature, influenced by sin, is incapable of fulfilling the requirements of the Law on its own. Living in the "flesh" symbolizes our inherent weaknesses and tendencies toward sin, which hinder us from perfectly obeying the Law. However, God sent His Son to condemn sin in the likeness of human flesh, yet without sin, thereby breaking its power. Through Jesus’ sacrifice, the righteous requirements of the Law are fulfilled in those who live according to the Spirit (v. 3-4).

People “in the flesh” are focused on worldly desires and are spiritually dead, while those “in the Spirit” set their minds on what God desires, leading to life and peace. Living according to the flesh is hostile to God and unable to please Him, while life in the Spirit aligns with God’s will(v. 5-8).
In Romans 7:24-25, Paul expresses deep frustration with the struggle between his desire to do good and the reality of sin within him, crying out, “Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?” In Romans 8:9-11, Paul offers a profound solution to the anguish he articulated in the previous chapter. He transitions from the despair of chapter 7 to the assurance and hope found in the Spirit.
Believers are not in the flesh but in the Spirit because the Spirit of God dwells in us. The presence of the Holy Spirit within signifies our belonging to Christ. While sin brings death, the indwelling Spirit provides a new, vibrant life. The same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in us, promising both resurrection and life. Therefore, believers are granted not only spiritual life now but also the assurance of future resurrection(v. 9-11).
This hope transforms our struggles with sin into opportunities to rely on the Spirit’s power, promising victory over the challenges we face. It offers encouragement to those who feel overwhelmed by their sinful nature, demonstrating that despite our physical and moral failings, the Spirit brings vitality and purpose, alleviating the despair expressed in Romans 7:14-25.

3. APPLICATION:

The truth that “there is now no condemnation” in Christ (v. 1) is a powerful reminder for me. Even though I struggle with sin, I’m no longer under judgment, which means I don’t have to live in guilt or shame—Jesus has taken the penalty for my sins. Plus, Romans 8:9-11 reassures me that the Spirit of God lives in me, giving me life and promising resurrection.

My identity is now “in the Spirit,” and it’s not defined by my past sins or struggles. So, when I’m tempted to focus on my weaknesses or past sins, I’ll remind myself that the Holy Spirit has given me new life. I want to embrace this new identity by walking in faith, peace, and confidence, knowing that it’s God’s Spirit that defines who I am now.

I've come to see that when I live by the Spirit and keep my focus on Him, I can truly experience life and peace. I know there are times I feel frustrated and spiritually empty when I let my flesh take over, but I refuse to go back to that. So, I’m committed to redirecting my actions and thoughts toward what aligns with God’s Spirit. I’ll make it a point to spend more time in prayer, meditate on Scripture, and be aware of what influences my thoughts and values.

4. PRAYER:

Dear Lord,
Thank You for the powerful reminder that there is no condemnation for me in Christ. I am grateful that despite my struggles with sin, Your love frees me from guilt and shame. Thank You for the Holy Spirit who dwells within me, bringing life and hope.

Help me to remember my identity as a new creation in You, not defined by my past or my weaknesses. When I find myself focusing on my failures, remind me of the new life You’ve given me through the Spirit.

I ask for Your guidance as I strive to live according to the Spirit. Help me to intentionally direct my thoughts and actions toward what pleases You. Give me the strength to prioritize prayer, meditate on Your Word, and be aware of influences in my life that shape my heart.

Thank You for Your grace and for the promise of Your presence. I trust that with Your Spirit, I can overcome challenges and walk confidently in the purpose You’ve laid out for me.

In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Posted in Book of Romans