Romans 8:1-27

becomes the jumping off point into the deep end in which we get the explanation of the significance of removal of all condemnation. (vs 1)

Paul begins by contrasting two principles or what he calls laws. (vs 2)

The law of the Spirit of life in Christ

The law of sin and death

While we were in the flesh we were exposed to the full penalty of the Law of God.

Now there is another law at work. Namely the Law of the Spirit in Christ.

The second law is powerful enough to break the first one.

What makes the second law powerful?

So what makes the first law so impotent or powerless? (vs 3)

Our sinful nature

The weakness is found in us because of our inability to obey.

Because of our inability, the law became an instrument of damnation not salvation.

Therefore God sent Jesus, who took upon himself all of human nature but one detail.

Jesus did not take on the sinful nature.

He was without original sin.

And so He condemns sin in sinful man.

The cross of Christ is where the judgment of God was poured out.

Our sins were imputed to Christ and they were condemned which is why there is no condemnation for those in Christ.

Why is this important?

In order that the law of righteousness be fulfilled in us. (vs 4)

Christ did not only come to set us free from the penalty of sin, but also from the power of sin.

How do you know what you live for? (vs 5)

Because of how your mind is set.

When the Holy Spirit comes, he gives you a new appetite or new desires.

The mind of a sinful man is death but the mind of Spiritual man is life . (vs 6)

Paul is giving us the best-kept secret of the human race.

The key to life and peace is to be spiritually minded.

The saying of “Too heavenly minded and no earthly good” is not true.

We are citizens of heaven and we must act like it.

Verse 7 falls like a hammer on certain theologies.

Arminianism, Pelagianism, and Semi-Pelagianism

Arminianism believe that man is tainted by sin but can still choose to come to God.

Pelagianism is the believe that man doesn’t need grace at all.

Semi-Pelagianism is the belief grace is offered to people who have the ability to respond to the Gospel.

So according to Paul, in our fallen nature can we obey God?

100% no.

The sinful mind is hostile to God and does not submit to the law nor can it. (vs 7)

Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God. (vs 8)

Can meaning ability or lack there of.

We believe that all man, outside of God acting on Him first, cannot choose to follow him.

He then doubles down on the notion: You are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit that lives in you.

Notice that Paul leaves no room for gray area. You are either controlled by God or by sin.

There are no Christians and then Christian Christians.

As Jesus said Paul says, either you are with us or against us.

Triple down....(vs 9)

We must be careful with the next part as to not create a contradiction.

The entire chapter Paul has been using the word sarx to describe the body. Which is in reference to the spiritual one or sinful nature.

Now he is using soma which is in reference to the physical body.

Your body is still going to