Romans 8:1-11
Spiritual Acquittal (vv.1-4)
- Our liberation
- Our Liberator
- Our liberty
Spiritual Acclimation (vv. 5-8)
- Acclimated in the flesh = Death
- Acclimated in the Spirit = Life
Spiritual Accompaniment (vv. 9-11)
- Our Companion in our new life (John 16:7, Acts 1:8, Eph. 1:13)
- Our capability to live our new life
More to Consider
The Greeks had a race in their Olympic games that was unique. The winner was not the runner who finished first. It was the runner who finished with his torch still lit. I want to run all the way with the flame of my torch still lit for Him. J. Stowell, Fan The Flame, Moody, 1986, p. 32.
Sometimes when we read the words of those who have been more than conquerors, we feel almost despondent. I feel that I shall never be like that. But they won through step by step by little bits of wills little denials of self little inward victories by faithfulness in very little things. They became what they are. No one sees these little hidden steps. They only see the accomplishment, but even so, those small steps were taken. There is no sudden triumph no spiritual maturity. That is the work of the moment. Amy Carmichael quoted in: Tim Hansel, Holy Sweat, 1987, Word Books Publisher, p. 130.
The question naturally arises, must a believer spend his whole life on earth frustrated by ongoing defeats to indwelling sin? (7:21–25) Is there no power provided to achieve victory? The answer to the first question is no and to the second, yes. In chapter 8, Paul described the ministry of the indwelling Holy Spirit of God who is the source of divine power for sanctification and the secret for spiritual victory in daily living. But first Paul reminded his readers that therefore—since deliverance is “through Jesus Christ our Lord” (7:25)—no condemnation (katakrima, “punishment”) awaits those who are in Christ Jesus, as a result of their faith and identification with Him (cf. 6:13; John 5:24). John A. Witmer, “Romans,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 469.
He must increase, but I must decrease. John 3:30
