November 19, 2025
What does life in the Spirit look like?
Romans 7-9
Anna Deshotels
Big Book Idea
The things that we do should stem from good theology.
Key Verse | Romans 8:1
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Romans 7-9
Chapter 7
Released from the Law
1 Or do you not know, brothers 1 7:1 Or brothers and sisters; also verse 4 —for I am speaking to those who know the law—that the law is binding on a person only as long as he lives? 2 For a married woman is bound by law to her husband while he lives, but if her husband dies she is released from the law of marriage. 2 7:2 Greek law concerning the husband 3 Accordingly, she will be called an adulteress if she lives with another man while her husband is alive. But if her husband dies, she is free from that law, and if she marries another man she is not an adulteress.
4 Likewise, my brothers, you also have died to the law through the body of Christ, so that you may belong to another, to him who has been raised from the dead, in order that we may bear fruit for God. 5 For while we were living in the flesh, our sinful passions, aroused by the law, were at work in our members to bear fruit for death. 6 But now we are released from the law, having died to that which held us captive, so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit and not in the old way of the written code. 3 7:6 Greek of the letter
The Law and Sin
7 What then shall we say? That the law is sin? By no means! Yet if it had not been for the law, I would not have known sin. For I would not have known what it is to covet if the law had not said, “You shall not covet.” 8 But sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, produced in me all kinds of covetousness. For apart from the law, sin lies dead. 9 I was once alive apart from the law, but when the commandment came, sin came alive and I died. 10 The very commandment that promised life proved to be death to me. 11 For sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, deceived me and through it killed me. 12 So the law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good.
13 Did that which is good, then, bring death to me? By no means! It was sin, producing death in me through what is good, in order that sin might be shown to be sin, and through the commandment might become sinful beyond measure. 14 For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold under sin. 15 For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. 16 Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. 17 So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. 18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. 20 Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me.
21 So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. 22 For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, 23 but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. 24 Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin.
Chapter 8
Life in the Spirit
1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 4 8:1 Some manuscripts add who walk not according to the flesh (but according to the Spirit) 2 For the law of the Spirit of life has set you 5 8:2 Some manuscripts me 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, 6 8:3 Or and as a sin offering 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 7 8:11 Some manuscripts lack Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.
Heirs with Christ
12 So then, brothers, 8 8:12 Or brothers and sisters; also verse 29 we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons 9 8:14 See discussion on sons in the Preface of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.
Future Glory
18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 19 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. 23 And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.
26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. 27 And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because 10 8:27 Or that the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. 28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, 11 8:28 Some manuscripts God works all things together for good, or God works in all things for the good for those who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.
God's Everlasting Love
31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be 12 8:31 Or who is against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? 33 Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. 13 8:34 Or Is it Christ Jesus who died for us? 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36 As it is written,
“For your sake we are being killed all the day long;
we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”
37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Chapter 9
God's Sovereign Choice
1 I am speaking the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit— 2 that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. 3 For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, 14 9:3 Or brothers and sisters my kinsmen according to the flesh. 4 They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises. 5 To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ, who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen.
6 But it is not as though the word of God has failed. For not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel, 7 and not all are children of Abraham because they are his offspring, but “Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.” 8 This means that it is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as offspring. 9 For this is what the promise said: “About this time next year I will return, and Sarah shall have a son.” 10 And not only so, but also when Rebekah had conceived children by one man, our forefather Isaac, 11 though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad—in order that God's purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls— 12 she was told, “The older will serve the younger.” 13 As it is written, “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.”
14 What shall we say then? Is there injustice on God's part? By no means! 15 For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” 16 So then it depends not on human will or exertion, 15 9:16 Greek not of him who wills or runs but on God, who has mercy. 17 For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, “For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” 18 So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills.
19 You will say to me then, “Why does he still find fault? For who can resist his will?” 20 But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, “Why have you made me like this?” 21 Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use? 22 What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, 23 in order to make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy, which he has prepared beforehand for glory— 24 even us whom he has called, not from the Jews only but also from the Gentiles? 25 As indeed he says in Hosea,
“Those who were not my people I will call ‘my people,’
and her who was not beloved I will call ‘beloved.’”
26
“And in the very place where it was said to them, ‘You are not my people,’
there they will be called ‘sons of the living God.’”
27 And Isaiah cries out concerning Israel: “Though the number of the sons of Israel 16 9:27 Or children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, only a remnant of them will be saved, 28 for the Lord will carry out his sentence upon the earth fully and without delay.” 29 And as Isaiah predicted,
“If the Lord of hosts had not left us offspring,
we would have been like Sodom
and become like Gomorrah.”
Israel's Unbelief
30 What shall we say, then? That Gentiles who did not pursue righteousness have attained it, that is, a righteousness that is by faith; 31 but that Israel who pursued a law that would lead to righteousness 17 9:31 Greek a law of righteousness did not succeed in reaching that law. 32 Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as if it were based on works. They have stumbled over the stumbling stone, 33 as it is written,
“Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense;
and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”
Footnotes
[1] 7:1 Or brothers and sisters; also verse 4[2] 7:2 Greek law concerning the husband
[3] 7:6 Greek of the letter
[4] 8:1 Some manuscripts add who walk not according to the flesh (but according to the Spirit)
[5] 8:2 Some manuscripts me
[6] 8:3 Or and as a sin offering
[7] 8:11 Some manuscripts lack Jesus
[8] 8:12 Or brothers and sisters; also verse 29
[9] 8:14 See discussion on “sons” in the Preface
[10] 8:27 Or that
[11] 8:28 Some manuscripts God works all things together for good, or God works in all things for the good
[12] 8:31 Or who is
[13] 8:34 Or Is it Christ Jesus who died . . . for us?
[14] 9:3 Or brothers and sisters
[15] 9:16 Greek not of him who wills or runs
[16] 9:27 Or children of Israel
[17] 9:31 Greek a law of righteousness
Table of Contents
Introduction to Romans
Timeline
Author, Recipients, and Date
The apostle Paul wrote to the Christians in Rome. He probably did this while he was in Corinth on his third missionary journey, in A.D. 57 (Acts 20:2–3).
Theme
In the cross of Christ, God judges sin and at the same time shows his saving mercy.
Purpose
Paul wrote Romans to unite the Jewish and Gentile Christians in Rome in the gospel. He also wanted the church in Rome to become the base of operations from which he could proclaim the gospel in Spain (15:22–24). The ultimate goal of preaching the gospel is the glory of God (11:33–36). Paul longs for the Gentiles to become obedient Christians for the sake of Christ’s name (1:5).
Key Themes
- All people are sinners and need to be saved from their sin (1:18–3:20; 5:12–19).
- The Mosaic law is good and holy, but only Christ can remove sin and overcome its power (2:12–29; 3:9–20; 5:20; 7:1–25; 9:30–10:8).
- Through the righteousness of God, sin is judged and salvation is provided (3:21–26; 5:12–19; 6:1–10; 7:1–6; 8:1–4).
- With the coming of Jesus Christ, a new age of redemptive history has begun (1:1–7; 3:21–26; 5:1–8:39).
- The atoning death of Jesus Christ is central to God’s plan of salvation (3:21–26; 4:23–25; 5:6–11, 15–19; 6:1–10; 7:4–6; 8:1–4).
- Justification is by faith alone (1:16–4:25; 9:30–10:21).
- Those who are in Christ Jesus have a sure hope of future glory (5:1–8:39).
- By the power of the Holy Spirit, those who have died with Christ live a new life (2:25–29; 6:1–7:6; 8:1–39).
- God is sovereign in salvation. He works all things according to his plan (9:1–11:36).
- God fulfills his promises to both Jews and Gentiles (1:18–4:25; 9:1–11:36; 14:1–15:13).
- Because of God’s grace, Christians should be morally pure, should show love to their neighbors, should be good citizens, and should welcome their fellow believers into fullest fellowship (12:1–15:7).
Outline
- The Gospel as the Revelation of God’s Righteousness (1:1–17)
- God’s Righteousness in His Wrath against Sinners (1:18–3:20)
- The Saving Righteousness of God (3:21–4:25)
- Hope as a Result of Righteousness by Faith (5:1–8:39)
- God’s Righteousness to Israel and to the Gentiles (9:1–11:36)
- God’s Righteousness in Everyday Life (12:1–15:13)
- The Extension of God’s Righteousness through Paul’s Mission (15:14–16:23)
- Final Summary of the Gospel of God’s Righteousness (16:25–27)
The Setting of Romans
c. A.D. 57
Paul probably wrote Romans from Corinth during his third missionary journey (Acts 20:2–3). Rome was the epicenter of the powerful Roman Empire, ruling over many of the great ancient centers of Western civilization. Paul had established the church at Corinth during his second missionary journey (Acts 18:1–11).
Fact: When Christ returns,
When Christ returns, he will fix everything that is broken and hurting (8:16–39; see Rev. 21:1–22:5). He will restore creation, including every corner of the globe, to its original beauty and wholeness. God will bring dead believers back to life and make all his children perfect like Christ (Rom. 8:29; 1 Thess. 4:13–18).
Fact: Father
Jesus encourages his disciples to call God their Father (6:6, 9). This reminds believers that God has adopted them as his children because of Jesus (see Rom. 8:15; Gal. 4:6). In Aramaic, the language spoken by Jesus, “Abba” was the word for father (see Mark 14:36).
Fact: A sanctuary and a rock?
A sanctuary and a rock? Elsewhere in Scripture, the Lord is described as a “rock” that provides a place of “sanctuary” or “refuge” (see Ps. 61:2–3). Here, however, he is a “sanctuary” for his people but a “rock” over which his enemies will stumble (Isa. 8:14; compare Rom. 9:33).
Fact: Praying in Jesus’ name
Praying in Jesus’ name (16:23; compare 14:13) is not about whether or not the prayer ends with the exact words “in Jesus’ name.” It means acknowledging that Jesus is our advocate or mediator before God the Father (Rom. 8:34; Heb. 7:25; 1 John 2:1).
Fact: Share the Good News with others
Paul’s love for God and his compassion for those who do not know Christ are clear (see 9:1–5; 10:1, 14–15). Believers’ experience of God’s grace should motivate them to share the Good News with others all over the world and to pray that they will believe.
The Generations of Genesis
| Primeval History (1:1–11:26) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction | General heading | Specific heading | Section introduced |
| 2:4 | These are the generations of | the heavens and the earth | 2:4–4:26 |
| 5:1 | These are the generations of | Adam | 5:1–6:8 |
| 6:9 | These are the generations of | Noah | 6:9–9:29 |
| 10:1 | These are the generations of | the sons of Noah | 10:1–11:9 |
| 11:10 | These are the generations of | Shem | 11:10–26 |
| Patriarchal History (11:27–50:26) | |||
| 11:27 | These are the generations of | Terah | 11:27–25:11 |
| 25:12 | These are the generations of | Ishmael | 25:12–18 |
| 25:19 | These are the generations of | Isaac | 25:19–35:29 |
| 36:1, 9 | These are the generations of | Esau | 36:1–37:1 |
| 37:2 | These are the generations of | Jacob | 37:2–50:26 |
Jesus Is God: Specific Examples Where Greek Theos (“God”) Is Applied to Jesus
| John 1:1 | In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. |
| John 1:18 | No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known. |
| John 20:28 | Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” |
| Rom. 9:5 | To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen. |
| Titus 2:13 | . . . waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ . . . |
| Heb. 1:8 | But of the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom.” |
| 2 Pet. 1:1 | To those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ . . . |
The Trinity in Romans 8
This chart focuses on statements that have Father, Son, or Spirit as the subject. For additional references to Father, Son, or Spirit in Romans 8, see vv. 1–2, 4–7, 13, 15, 17–23, 28.
| Father | Son | Spirit |
|---|---|---|
| sent his Son (v. 3) | ||
| condemned sin (v. 3) | ||
| gives life to mortal bodies of believers by his Spirit in them (v. 11) | in believers (v. 10) | indwells believers (v. 9) |
| foreknew, predestined, called, justified, glorified (vv. 29–30) | died, raised, interceding at the right hand of the Father for believers (v. 34) | leads believers (v. 14) |
| is for us (v. 31) | bears witness with the spirit of believers (v. 16) | |
| gave his Son (v. 32) | helps in weakness and intercedes for believers (vv. 26–27) | |
| justifies (v. 33) | ||
| loves (v. 39) | loves (vv. 35, 39) |
Divorce and Remarriage in 1 Corinthians 7
| vv. 10–11 | Don’t separate, but if you do, seek reconciliation. |
| vv. 12–13 | If the unbelieving spouse consents to stay, do not seek divorce. |
| v. 15 | If the unbelieving spouse separates (i.e., leaves the marriage), the believer is not bound (i.e., is free to remarry). |
| v. 39 | If a spouse dies, the one who lives is free to remarry, but only to marry another believer (compare Rom. 7:1–4). |
Rom. 7:1–3 In this entire chapter, law refers to the Mosaic law given at Mount Sinai. Those who know the law includes both Jews and Gentiles who are familiar with the OT. Verse 1 introduces the principle that the law applies only to living people. In vv. 2–3, Paul applies that principle to marriage.
Rom. 7:4 Whereas the husband dies in the illustration in vv. 2–3, here believers die to the law through the death of Christ. The comparison does not match perfectly, but the application is clear.
Divorce and Remarriage in 1 Corinthians 7
| vv. 10–11 | Don’t separate, but if you do, seek reconciliation. |
| vv. 12–13 | If the unbelieving spouse consents to stay, do not seek divorce. |
| v. 15 | If the unbelieving spouse separates (i.e., leaves the marriage), the believer is not bound (i.e., is free to remarry). |
| v. 39 | If a spouse dies, the one who lives is free to remarry, but only to marry another believer (compare Rom. 7:1–4). |
Rom. 7:6 But now represents the new era of redemptive history. Christians now enjoy new life in the Spirit.
Rom. 7:8 The prohibition against coveting increased the desire for what was forbidden. Without such prohibitions, sin lies dead—it is still present, but not in a powerful way.
Rom. 7:17 Paul emphasizes the power of sin.
Rom. 7:21–23 The meaning of “law” in these verses has been debated. Some think every use of the word refers to the Mosaic law. Most argue that in vv. 21 and 23 the term means “principle.” All agree that the Mosaic law is in view in v. 22. The Greek word used here can have either meaning.
Rom. 7:7–25 The claim that the Mosaic law produced sin and death raises the question, Is the law itself sinful? Paul explains that the law itself is good and that the fault lies with sin. The “I” in these verses seems to be Paul himself (see note on vv. 13–25).
Rom. 7:13–25 Even if the law is not sin (vv. 7–12), is the good law responsible for death? Paul argues that the fault lies with sin, not with the law. Through the law, sin is revealed in all its horror, while the law is shown to be good. There has been much debate as to whether Paul is describing believers or unbelievers. Although good arguments are given by both sides, the most widely held view is that Paul is referring to believers. Advocates of both positions agree that Christians struggle with sin their whole lives (see Gal. 5:17; 1 John 1:8–9). They also agree that Christians can and should grow in sanctification throughout their lives by the power of the Holy Spirit (Rom. 8:2, 4, 9, 13–14). Those who think Paul is describing believers usually see this passage as describing both Paul’s own experience and the experience of Christians generally. This view is that Christians are free from the condemnation of the law, but sin continues to dwell within them. They should understand how far they fall short of God’s absolute standard of righteousness. Thus Paul cries out, “Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?” (7:24). The answer follows immediately: the one who has delivered Christians once for all (see 4:2–25; 5:2, 9) and who will deliver them day by day is “Jesus Christ our Lord!” (7:25). This reflects the ongoing tension between the “already” aspect of salvation (believers have been saved) and the “not yet” aspect (believers will be saved at the return of Christ).
Rom. 7:24–25 Who will deliver me? The living presence of Jesus Christ is the answer to the problem of sin.
Rom. 8:1 therefore. Paul summarizes and concludes his preceding argument (see especially 7:23–25 and 3:21–5:21). Now matches the “now” in 7:6. Christ began a new era of redemptive history for those who are “now” in right standing before God because of Christ. No condemnation echoes 5:1 (“Therefore . . . we have peace with God”). There is “no condemnation” for the Christian because Jesus has paid the penalty for sin through his death on the cross (8:2–3).
Rom. 8:2 Sin has no dominant power in believers’ lives. This work of the Holy Spirit is evidence that believers are in Christ. Law in both instances means “principle.”
Rom. 8:3 The law (here, the Mosaic law) could not solve humanity’s problem because sin uses the law for its own purposes (see ch. 7). God sent his Son as a sacrifice for sin (a sin offering). Jesus paid the full penalty for sin by his sacrifice (condemned sin). in the likeness of sinful flesh. Jesus became fully human, even though he was sinless. In the flesh refers to Christ’s body.
Rom. 8:4 righteous requirement of the law . . . fulfilled. This could mean the requirement is fulfilled in the new life that Christians live on the basis of Christ’s work. It could also mean Christ’s death paid the full penalty of the law.
Rom. 8:6 To set the mind on the flesh means to constantly desire the things that express fallen, sinful human nature.
Rom. 8:8 Because unbelievers (those who are in the flesh) are captured by sin and unable to do what God commands, they fail to please God.
Rom. 8:9 Paul alternates between the Spirit of God and the Spirit of Christ here, showing that Christ and God share the same status.
Rom. 8:10 The previous verse speaks of the Spirit’s indwelling, but here Paul describes Christ’s dwelling in Christians. This does not mean that there is no difference between Christ and the Spirit. It does suggest that Christ and the Spirit are both fully God, and they work together. The presence of the Spirit within believers testifies to the new life they enjoy because Christ’s righteousness is now theirs.
Rom. 8:13 God and believers each have a role in sanctification. It must occur by the Spirit and his power, but you put to death shows that one must take an active role in battling sinful habits.
Rom. 8:15 Christians are no longer slaves to sin. They are adopted as sons into God’s family. The Spirit assures them that God is their father. sons. See note on Gal. 3:26. Abba is Aramaic for Father. Paul’s use of the term likely comes from Jesus’ addressing God in this way (Mark 14:36).
Fact: Father
Jesus encourages his disciples to call God their Father (6:6, 9). This reminds believers that God has adopted them as his children because of Jesus (see Rom. 8:15; Gal. 4:6). In Aramaic, the language spoken by Jesus, “Abba” was the word for father (see Mark 14:36).
Rom. 8:1–17 Paul celebrates the new life of the Spirit that Christians enjoy as a result of Christ’s saving work.
Rom. 8:17 A willingness to follow Christ in suffering is another sign of being God’s children.
Rom. 8:18 The ultimate glory that Christians will receive is so great that the sufferings of this present time are insignificant in comparison (see 2 Cor. 4:17). Believers look forward to the resurrection of the body (1 Thess. 4:13–18) and to the new heaven and new earth (Rev. 21:1–22:5; see Isa. 65:17).
Rom. 8:20–21 When Adam sinned, the created world was also subjected to futility. One thinks of the thorns and thistles that accompany work on the land (Gen. 3:17–19) and the pain in childbirth for women (Gen. 3:16). The original creation (Genesis 1–2) did not have these things. On the last day, creation will be freed from the effects of sin. It will be far more beautiful, productive, and easy to live in than one can ever imagine.
Rom. 8:23 Christians already have the firstfruits of the Spirit. But they still await the day of their final adoption, when their bodies, fully redeemed, are raised from the dead.
Rom. 8:29 God has always been doing good for his people. foreknew. In the OT, the word “know” emphasizes God’s special choice of his people (e.g., Gen. 18:19). See Rom. 11:2, where “foreknew” contrasts with “rejected,” emphasizing God’s choosing his people. God also predestined (that is, predetermined) that those whom he chose beforehand would become like Christ.
Rom. 8:30 Those predestined by God are also called to faith through the gospel (see 2 Thess. 2:14) and justified (declared to be right in God’s sight). Not all who are invited to believe are actually justified. Thus the “calling” here must refer to an effective call that creates the faith necessary for justification (Rom. 5:1). All those who are justified will also be glorified (receive resurrection bodies) on the last day. Paul speaks of glorification as if it were already completed, since God will certainly finish the good work he started (see Phil. 1:6).
Rom. 8:33 Satan, their enemies, or even their own consciences may bring charges against God’s elect. But God declares them justified.
Rom. 8:34 Who is to condemn? The question in v. 33 is repeated. Christians will never be condemned, for (1) Christ died for them and paid the full penalty for their sin; (2) he was raised, showing that his death removed sin; (3) he now is seated at God’s right hand (Ps. 110:1); and (4) he intercedes for his people on the basis of his shed blood.
Fact: Praying in Jesus’ name
Praying in Jesus’ name (16:23; compare 14:13) is not about whether or not the prayer ends with the exact words “in Jesus’ name.” It means acknowledging that Jesus is our advocate or mediator before God the Father (Rom. 8:34; Heb. 7:25; 1 John 2:1).
Rom. 5:1–8:39 Hope as a Result of Righteousness by Faith. Believers in Christ, who are righteous in God’s sight, have a sure hope of future glory and life eternal.
Rom. 8:18–39 Paul began this major section of the letter (5:1–8:39) by emphasizing the final hope of believers (5:1–11), and now he concludes with the same emphasis.
Rom. 8:38–39 rulers, powers. Probably angelic and demonic authorities.
The Trinity in Romans 8
This chart focuses on statements that have Father, Son, or Spirit as the subject. For additional references to Father, Son, or Spirit in Romans 8, see vv. 1–2, 4–7, 13, 15, 17–23, 28.
| Father | Son | Spirit |
|---|---|---|
| sent his Son (v. 3) | ||
| condemned sin (v. 3) | ||
| gives life to mortal bodies of believers by his Spirit in them (v. 11) | in believers (v. 10) | indwells believers (v. 9) |
| foreknew, predestined, called, justified, glorified (vv. 29–30) | died, raised, interceding at the right hand of the Father for believers (v. 34) | leads believers (v. 14) |
| is for us (v. 31) | bears witness with the spirit of believers (v. 16) | |
| gave his Son (v. 32) | helps in weakness and intercedes for believers (vv. 26–27) | |
| justifies (v. 33) | ||
| loves (v. 39) | loves (vv. 35, 39) |
Fact: When Christ returns,
When Christ returns, he will fix everything that is broken and hurting (8:16–39; see Rev. 21:1–22:5). He will restore creation, including every corner of the globe, to its original beauty and wholeness. God will bring dead believers back to life and make all his children perfect like Christ (Rom. 8:29; 1 Thess. 4:13–18).
Rom. 9:1–3 Paul suffers great anguish because his Jewish kinsmen are unsaved (see also 10:1). Indeed, if it were possible, Paul might almost choose to be accursed (to suffer punishment in hell) so that his fellow Jews would be saved (see Moses in Ex. 32:30–32).
Rom. 9:4 Israel had great privileges. The Israelites became God’s adopted people when God saved them from Egypt. Glory here probably refers to the glory of God in the tabernacle and temple. Israel received the covenants in which the Lord promised to save them. God gave his people his law at Mount Sinai. He directed their worship in the Mosaic law, and he gave them his saving promises.
Rom. 9:5 The patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob) come from Israel. Most important, Jesus the Christ is a man from the Jewish people. He is also fully God, and to be praised as such.
Jesus Is God: Specific Examples Where Greek Theos (“God”) Is Applied to Jesus
| John 1:1 | In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. |
| John 1:18 | No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known. |
| John 20:28 | Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” |
| Rom. 9:5 | To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen. |
| Titus 2:13 | . . . waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ . . . |
| Heb. 1:8 | But of the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom.” |
| 2 Pet. 1:1 | To those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ . . . |
Rom. 9:6–7 Though many Jews have failed to believe, God’s promise to them has not failed. It was never true that all of the physical children of Abraham were part of the people of God. Genesis 21:12 teaches that the line of promise is traced through Isaac, not Ishmael.
Rom. 9:9–10 The promise (Gen. 18:10, 14) was not given to Hagar (Genesis 16), but specifically to Sarah and her offspring. The birth of Esau and Jacob is further evidence that God did not promise that every person of Jewish descent would be saved. They had the same parents, yet God chose Jacob and not Esau.
The Generations of Genesis
| Primeval History (1:1–11:26) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction | General heading | Specific heading | Section introduced |
| 2:4 | These are the generations of | the heavens and the earth | 2:4–4:26 |
| 5:1 | These are the generations of | Adam | 5:1–6:8 |
| 6:9 | These are the generations of | Noah | 6:9–9:29 |
| 10:1 | These are the generations of | the sons of Noah | 10:1–11:9 |
| 11:10 | These are the generations of | Shem | 11:10–26 |
| Patriarchal History (11:27–50:26) | |||
| 11:27 | These are the generations of | Terah | 11:27–25:11 |
| 25:12 | These are the generations of | Ishmael | 25:12–18 |
| 25:19 | These are the generations of | Isaac | 25:19–35:29 |
| 36:1, 9 | These are the generations of | Esau | 36:1–37:1 |
| 37:2 | These are the generations of | Jacob | 37:2–50:26 |
Rom. 9:11–13 God did not choose Jacob on the basis of anything in Jacob or Esau’s life. He did so to fulfill his purpose of election. For the OT background to “election,” see Gen. 18:10; Ex. 33:19; Mal. 1:2–3. See also Eph. 1:3–6.
Rom. 9:14–16 God is just in choosing one over the other because no one deserves to be saved (see 3:23). The salvation of anyone at all is due to God’s mercy alone, as the words taken from Ex. 33:19 affirm.
Rom. 9:19 who can resist his will? If salvation ultimately depends upon God, and he either has mercy on or hardens whomever he pleases, then how can he charge anyone with guilt?
Rom. 9:20–21 Paul does not resolve the problem presented in v. 19 on the basis of human free will. Rather, he insists that human beings should not rebelliously question God’s ways. Like a potter (see Jer. 18:1–6), God has the right to do what he wishes with his creation. The honorable and dishonorable vessels represent those who are saved and those who are not saved. Paul affirms that humans are guilty for their sin, but he offers no explanation as to how this fits with divine sovereignty. He insists that God controls all that happens (see Eph. 1:11). God does not sin, and he is not morally responsible for sin.
Rom. 9:22–23 The salvation of any person is due to the marvelous grace and love of God.
Rom. 9:25–26 Paul quotes Hos. 2:23 and 1:10 to illustrate God’s amazing grace. Those who are not my people . . . will be called “sons of the living God.” In calling the Gentiles to salvation, God calls sinful people to himself. He did the same with Israel.
Rom. 9:1–29 God’s saving promises to Israel are irrevocable since they are based upon his word of promise and his electing grace.
Rom. 9:27–29 Isaiah 10:22–23 notes that only some of Israel would be saved. Most of Israel was judged. Only a remnant experienced salvation. Indeed, as Isa. 1:9 says, Israel deserved to be wiped out like Sodom and Gomorrah, but God had mercy and spared some.
Rom. 9:32 Following the law to try to establish righteousness led Israel to stumble over the stone (Christ). If obeying the law can save them, they see no need to believe in Christ.
Rom. 9:33 stumbling. See Isa. 28:16. Those who trust in Christ will not experience shame on the day of judgment.
Fact: A sanctuary and a rock?
A sanctuary and a rock? Elsewhere in Scripture, the Lord is described as a “rock” that provides a place of “sanctuary” or “refuge” (see Ps. 61:2–3). Here, however, he is a “sanctuary” for his people but a “rock” over which his enemies will stumble (Isa. 8:14; compare Rom. 9:33).
Listen to the Podcast
Listen NowDive Deeper | Romans 7-9
How do you view your spirituality at this very moment? I know that I have been graciously saved through Jesus Christ. Honestly, when the long days and the hardships of this earth reduce my high spirits, those words tend to drift to the back of my head, and the meaning of them slightly dims. If you are feeling depleted by the world because of what it has been throwing at you, and you are hungry for a new view, then consider these chapters a big plate of meat and potatoes!
Paul spends the beginning of this section describing to the Romans the purpose of the Law given in the Old Testament. He shares about its goodness and its limitations (Romans 7:7-25). However, in chapter 8, Paul transitions to teach his audience that the Spirit brings new life. He teaches that the Law will never bring about new life.
The chapter famously begins with Romans 8:1. This verse is a biblically profound statement that should satisfy our spiritual hunger and breathe new life into even our most mundane tasks if we take the time to fully digest its meaning. God graciously disrupted our path toward death, and he has redeemed us through the sacrifice of his Son. There is nothing we can do to earn our salvation or repay for our sin. This is why we must alter our perspective and fix our eyes on a heavenly focused trajectory without informing our decisions with earthly views.
We are reminded in Galatians 5:16 to "walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." By simply following the Law, we may believe that we must give up the pleasures we seek. However, the journey to negate our sin as a result of our love for our Sacrificial Lamb is what will bring us deeply genuine fulfillment. It can be so easy to forget about the precious gift we have been given. We feel so alive and invigorated by the Spirit when we first pledge our life to Christ, so why would we ever let that fade?
This month's memory verse
"There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” (NIV)
– Romans 3:22b-24
Discussion Questions
1. Reflect on Romans 8:1 and its significance in your spiritual journey. How does this verse challenge and encourage you in your walk with Christ?
2. How have long days and hardships affected your perception of the grace you've received through Jesus Christ? Can you share any recent experiences where you felt this shift?
3. What is something small in your life that you believe may be distracting you from an eternal perspective? How many times does that seemingly small thing distract you within a week? Now, does it still seem small?
4. How can you ensure that the profound truths of Scripture continue to breathe new life into your everyday tasks and challenges? What are some specific practices or reminders that you can develop to stay connected to these truths?