A MEMORY TEXT: Romans 8:1

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not
after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
B Who is free? Romans 8:1. CONDEMNATION
Remember Ptr. Joseph's illustration
Only those who have a strong relationship with Christ can be free. That involves a daily and
fervent union with Him.
In Christ Jesus is a common phrase in the Pauline writings. For a person to be in Christ
Jesus means that he or she has accepted Christ as his or her Savior. The person trusts Him
implicitly and has decided to make Christs way of life his or her own way. The result is a
close personal union with Christ.
"In Christ Jesus is contrasted with in the flesh. The person is under condemnation of
death (Rom. 7:11, 13, 24). He or she serves the law of sin (Rom. 7:23, 25). This person is in
a terrible state of wretchedness (Rom. 7:24).
C What are we free from?
Romans 8:2, For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law
of sin and death.
"The law of the Spirit of life here means Christs plan for saving humanity; in contrast with
the law of sin and death, which was described in chapter 7 as the law by which sin ruled
the end of which was death. Christs law instead brings life and freedom.
Unlike the law of sin, the law of the Spirit brings life and freedom. The law of sin only brings
death and damnation.
D How can we obtain freedom? Romans 8:3.
Romans 8:3 KJV
For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own
Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
Not by the law, because it can only condemn us, since we are sinners.
Through the life and death of Christ who became flesh and lived without sin.
E How should we live after being set free? Romans 8:4.
Romans 8:4 KJV
That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but
after the Spirit.
We are no longer controlled by our own desires, but by the dictates and guide of the Holy
Spirit who lives in us.
Therefore, to walk according to the Spirit means to live according to the request of the law:
a life of love and loving obedience.
To walk after the flesh is to be controlled by selfish desires.
F How can we know if we are living according to the flesh or according to the Spirit? Romans
8:5-8.
Romans 8:5-8 KJV
For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the
Spirit the things of the Spirit. [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, neither indeed can be. [8] So then they that are in the flesh cannot
please God.
 Living according to the flesh:
Doing and thinking about the things of the flesh.
The result is death.
Falling out with God and not being able to please Him.
Not being able to obey the law of God.
Living according to the spirit:
Doing and thinking about the things of the flesh.
The result is life and peace.
Being a son of God and living to please Him.
They submit to the law of God.
G How can live thinking on spiritual things? Romans 8:9-14.
Romans 8:9-14 KJV
But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if
any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. [10] And if Christ be in you, the body
is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. [11] But if the Spirit of
him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead
shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. [12] Therefore,
brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. [13] For if ye live after the
flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
[14] For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
We are spiritual only when we are guided and influenced by the Holy Spirit, by allowing him
to live in us.
The Spirit lives in us when there is a close relationship between the Spirit and us. That
involves a constant submission to Gods will. The Spirit is powerful to transform our lives.
H Which are the results of living according to the Spirit? Romans 8:15-17.
Romans 8:15-17 KJV
For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of
adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. [16] The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit,
that we are the children of God: [17] And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs
with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him , that we may be also glorified together.
Present:
We are free from fear because our sins have been forgiven.
We are adopted as Gods children.
God is our father and He takes care of us.
We are Gods heirs because we are His sons.
Christ shares his inheritance with us.
We suffer with Christ.
Future:
We will inherit the kingdom of glory and eternal life.
We will be glorified with Christ.