Living a Spirit-Filled
Christian Life 

There is therefore now no condemnation (Rom. 8:1) — What an amazing announcement that is!  Recognize that this condemnation reaches all the way back to Adam being condemned for his first act of sin, condemned forever from the presence of God.  Man has struggled under the burden of sin through thousands of generations with no relief in sight.  Even considering the Hebrew’s faith in God’s provision for sacrifice which provided temporary forgiveness, there has never been a provision from God for permanent forgiveness until Jesus Christ died on the Cross.

“But now” (Rom. 6:22) we have complete forgiveness as taught in Romans 5-6, and we walk free from the shackles of sin, as taught in Romans 6-7.  Now in Romans 8, we see completely why these three chapters are considered the most thorough exposition in the New Testament on the doctrine and practice of the  Christian’s spiritual life.

In Romans 8, God has guided Paul to close this three-chapter “Christian Life Manual” with the answer to the question we’re left with at the end of Rom. 7:  “How??” – How do we prevail over the old sin nature to walk spiritually as an instrument  in God’s hands for holiness?  The answer is straightforward: “Walk in the Spirit.”  This is important!  God has given us our answer for that difficult question, and the answer is to live a daily life closely affiliated with His Holy Spirit as He moves us toward Christlikeness.  Recall that Paul uses one of his favorite phrases, “What shall we say then?” in order to move his logical thoughts forward, asking what can we say or do that isn’t obvious based on what Paul has taught.  The phrase is associated with Paul’s logical thought process to move what he’s saying to conclusion.  He uses the phrase at 6:1, 6:15, and 7:7, but then waits until the end of chapter 8 (8:31), to draw this great three-chapter treatise to a close — nothing will separate us from the love of God in Christ.

When Christ comforted His fearful disciples in the Upper Room (Jn. 14:15-17, 26; 16:7-15), it was the promise of the Holy Spirit becoming a part of our daily walk that became the spiritual lifeblood for the New Testament Christian.  It was not many days later, after Christ had ascended into heaven, that these faithful followers of Christ were permanently indwelt by the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.  We today receive that same baptism when we receive Jesus Christ as our Savior.  The Holy Spirit’s ministry in the believer’s life is the clear and complete answer to our humble, human cry to God when we struggle to live righteously in this fallen world.

I can picture Romans 6-8 being the main substance of a major sermon preached by Paul on more than one occasion.  Perhaps as he preached the sermon in Ephesus (likely where he wrote Romans in 56AD, not long before his first imprisonment), it registered to him while writing his letter to the church at Rome that he should include this  sermon.  So now he has come to the sermon’s concluding remarks about the victorious Christian life (perhaps there would have been an “invitation” at the end but that’s not mentioned).

Bible Study Journal

• • • • Scan Romans 8 again looking for verses about the Holy Spirit’s ministry to the Christian.
      • Now note all the verses and phrases you can find in Romans 8 that are key principles of Christian living.

Do you have a “Reference Bible”?  Hopefully your Bible has references in small print in the margins (or a center column) on each page, usually indicated by a very small italics letter in the text you’re reading.  These extra references are links to related verses elsewhere in the Bible that will help you understand the verse you’re reading.  For example, in Rom. 8:21, my Bible has references to verses in 2 Cor. and Gal. that expand on our liberty in Christ.  Note that these references are “interpretive”, not inspired – they are provided by a trusted Bible scholar in order to help us in our Bible study.

• • • • Please be patient with completing this study session.  It can be a challenge to reach a mountain’s summit, and this chapter is the summit of the mountain peak of our Christian faith!

Romans 8:1-11 — The Principle of Walking in the Spirit

Within this section, we learn to live as the Child of God that we are.  Paul gives us three main points:

• 8:1-4, No condemnation
• 8:5-8, Why walking in the flesh can’t please God
• 8:9-11, Why walking in the Spirit will please God

Paul rises up from the “wretchedness” of Rom. 7, as he progresses from his last thoughts as expressed in Rom. 7:21-25, to declare the victory of Rom. 8 provided by God in and through His Holy Spirit.  While evil is present (in my old sinful flesh), yet my eternal soul (my inner man, the “real me”) wills to do good.   An internal war (compare Eph. 6:12-13) results between my living soul and my sinful flesh, which causes a spiritual struggle for even the best of us.  Yet God assures us that victory will be ours in Christ, and God led Paul to write Romans 8 to lead us to that victory by the Holy Spirit’s enablement.

We need to appreciate the finality of this great statement in 8:1 — there is NO condemnation.  This is declared to all mankind who have suffered the endless physical suffering and death caused by pervasive sin and now find Redemption through faith in Jesus Christ.  There is no way we can grasp the extent and depth of anguish man has experienced.  Yet it is into this mass of lost humanity that God has broken through the heavy cloud of grief with the glory of His Redemption.  Along with Romans 5:8, Ephesians 2:4 expresses this great truth clearly, “But God being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in transgressions,  made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved).”  I highlighted “But God…” in order to emphasize how God has broken into man’s storyline in order to provide our Redemption in Christ, to any person who places faith in the finished work of Christ on the Cross.  It is important to note that the great provisions of Romans 8 are conditioned on the spiritual state of the one in need, as he must first of all humbly accept Jesus Christ as his Savior (see Eph. 2:8-10).  The rest of Romans 8 proceeds to teach the Christian that the success of the spiritual life requires a vital and ongoing “walk in the Spirit”.

In Rom. 8:1-4, Paul connects with his words in Rom. 7 with his reference now in Rom. 8:2 to the Law.  Now, as New Testament Christians, we have the principle or law of Spirit-empowered life accomplished in Christ, which is contrasted against the Mosaic Law which can only make us aware of our disobedience – it can never deliver us from the resulting penalty (per Rom. 7).   According to Gal. 3:10, we can never expect to gain righteousness through the Law, but Christ has freed us from the Law, He has delivered freedom to us by dying for us, enabling us to manifest righteousness by living according to our new spiritual life in Christ.

In Rom. 8:5-8, we’re reminded that if our minds are distracted/preoccupied with fleshly things, we won’t be honoring God, but as a born-again Christian, our heart desires to please God.  We must choose (conscious, constant choice) to walk in the Spirit, not in the flesh.  While we are still on earth physically and can enjoy physical things (like a big glass of iced sweet tea), we must pursue living according to the Spirit (described in Rom. 611-14).  If I am obsessed with carnal enjoyment, we cannot at the same time be “spiritually minded” (v.6).  Follow the logic:  be mindlessly influenced by all the slick marketing on TV or the internet that offer you hedonist pleasures, or be influenced by the Word of God and the Spirit’s leading in spiritual pleasures.

In Rom. 8:9-11, we are encouraged to please God by walking in the Spirit.  When you’re a Christian, you don’t live according to fleshly desires… right?  What does it mean to walk in the Spirit?  How can I follow spiritual guidance while I’m a physical occupant of earth?  The answer is fairly basic: are you truly born again? Then you are indwelled by the Holy Spirit, you are walking in the Spirit, according to God.  That means you should be manifesting the fruits of the Spirit (Gal.5:22-23).   However, where is your heart attitude – still pursuing and enjoying the foolishness of the world?  Or do you truly desire and enjoy living according to God’s holiness?  You can take it from here, right?  You have to choose which side of the fence you’re on.

Romans 8:12-27 — God’s Provisions for Walking in the Spirit

Now Paul wants to guide us to make this Spirit-filled walk the actual life we’re living.  We owe nothing to the flesh in consideration of its destructive results, I am not forced to follow its leading.  I can instead follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit and apply by faith His power in what I do.  That guidance can occur by the Spirit’s helping me to understand what I’m reading in the Bible.  It can also occur when I attend church or a Bible study and a godly teacher opens God’s word with biblical teaching (not humanist wanderings, which regrettably happens in a lot of churches).  “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.” (Rom. 8:14, NKJV)  You are no longer stuck being forced to walk according to the flesh.

God expects us to choose and pursue what’s referred to as “progressive sanctification” – God constantly works in us to increase the extent we are sanctified (“set apart for God’s use).  While we might be rough around the edges when we become a Christian, our heart should begin to pursue what we are taught by the Spirit from the Bible.   In Rom. 8:14, we learn that the Holy Spirit confirms to us that we are walking according to God’s principles (compare Rom. 6:13; 12:1; 13:14).   The Holy Spirit “attests”, “bears witness” to us, provides a validating witness, to the reality of our place in God’s family.  He is the “seal” of our salvation (2 Cor. 1:22; 5:5; Eph. 1:13-14; 4:30).  This reality of Sonship motivates and energizes us to pursue godly living.  He leads us to know the moral will of God as revealed in the Bible, and He leads us subjectively by prompting us to live according to that moral will.  He also works according to God’s will, Rom. 8:28-30.  The work of the Holy Spirit in the believer’s life is a unique and powerful privilege.

How good does God want to bless us?  In Rom. 8:17, Paul declares us to be an “heir of God”, a “joint heir” with Christ (Heb. 1:2).  Consider the fact that God surrendered His Son in order to be the sacrifice/payment for our Sin (Jn. 3:16).  And consider that Jesus Christ surrendered the benefits of His deity in order to be our servant all the way to the Cross (Phil. 2:6-8).  Then beyond all of that, God has chosen not only to bestow full sonship on us, but also to include us in His inheritance (Gal. 3:29; Eph. 1:11; Col. 1:12; 3:24; 1 Pet. 1:3-4).  And you thought hearing about an inheritance from a distant relative would be exciting…

Paul wants us to “add it all up”, as he says “consider” in Rom. 8:18.  As we learn the truths of God from His Word, we need to live in accord with them.  We may “groan” (Rom. 8:23; 2 Cor. 5:2) right now in our earthly body, but we know that there is an eternal future without the burden of our flesh.   Suffering for Christ is expected while in this fallen world (1 Cor. 4:9-12; 2 Cor. 4:7-12, 17; 6:4-10; 11:24-27; Heb. 11:35-38).  In Rom. 8:24, we are reminded that we have a “precious hope”, knowing that Christ will return to take us to heaven for eternity (1 Thess. 4:13-18; Tit. 2:13).  As stated in Rom. 8:19 and repeated in vv. 23 & 25, we earnestly yearn for the day when we are in heaven with the Lord.  What an amazing day that will be when we are taken up to be with God for eternity (see also Gal. 5:5; Phil. 3:20; Heb. 9:28)!  Rom. 8:19 uses an exciting Greek word, “apokalupsis”, which is also used in Rev. 1:1 as the title to that book.  It expresses to “burst forth”, something like fireworks.  That’s a great way to picture the revelation of our resurrected Lord, and our being called up to heaven.

One more consideration about walking here on earth with Him, from Rom. 8:26-27.  The Holy Spirit knows us deeply, searches our heart with understanding, and He exercises the ministry of intercession, speaking on our behalf to the Father for our needs.  The study of the work of the Holy Spirit in the believer’s life is a lifelong effort so stay alert for where you learn more about His empowering ministry.

Bible Study Journal

• • • So, did you see all those verses up there in parentheses??  Those are an array of gold mines waiting for you dig into — Enjoy!  Please be sure to take the time to look these verses up in your Bible and write what you learn in your Journal…
    • How does the Spirit guide us to live a godly life?  Some examples to consider:
      • Bringing conviction to your heart for allowing sin into your life (Jn. 16:8. Heb. 4:12; 12:5-6; 1 Jn. 1:9-10)
      • An increased desire be like Christ (Eph. 4:13)
      • An increased desire to know God’s Word (Psa. 1:1-3)
      • An increased desire to be in a church fellowship with others in the family of God (Heb. 10:24-25)
      • What is “Being led by the Spirit”
        • Consider: Jn. 20:31; Rom. 8:16; Gal. 4:6; 1 Jn. 3:24; 5:13
    • What is “progressive sanctification”?   Is this happening in your Christian walk?
      • Consider:  2 Cor. 3:18; Phil. 1:6; Tit. 2:12; 2 Pet. 1:3-11; 2 Pet. 3:18

Romans 8:28-39 — The Depth of God’s Love and Care for His Children

This final passage in Paul’s “Christian Life Manual” is where we find some very important Bible principles:

• “…we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God” – Rom. 8:28
• (we are) “…predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son” – Rom. 8:29
• “…if God is for us, who is against us?” – Rom. 8:31
• “…Who will separate us from the love of Christ?” – Rom. 8:35
• “But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.” – Rom. 8:37

Those five phrases provide us with a good outline of this final passage in Romans 8.  First, in Rom. 8:28, Paul establishes our common ground with our God and Savior:  all things work together for good.  No incident, no question, no failure, no loss breaks this baseline.  In all things that occur in the godly Christian’s life, there will always be purpose to further our preparation for glorification and glorify God.  God permits all events so that good can be the result.

Second, in Rom. 8:29, it is God’s design for the redeemed believer to become like His Son Jesus, growing to be increasing like Jesus Himself (Eph. 4:13).  The fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23) is a great point of reference for that process, learning to walk as Jesus walked (1 Jn. 2:3-6), always asking “what would Jesus do?”

Third, in Rom. 8:31, how is that God can provide that assurance of Rom. 8:28?  As God is sovereign over all the affairs of life, He orders all the events of life so they culminate in the blessing of His children, determining that the “good” is that which is good from His perspective.  By His foreknowledge, God executes distinct aspects of His divine decrees, as the believer is predestined, called, justified, and glorified, thus bringing him to God’s intended likeness of Jesus Christ (Rom. 8:17-27, 29).  Note that this final state is beyond our being born again and Redeemed.

Fourth, in Rom. 8:35, we are secure in God’s love.  Remember the picture Jesus gave in Jn. 10:29, of us being safe in God’s hand?  Just like that, there is no doubt in our safety.  In spite of all the earth-bound threats we face, there is no separation between God and those He has loved and chosen.

Fifth, in Rom. 8:37, we stand in our salvation while on earth with an absolute confidence in our God.  Through Him, we are more than conquerors.  Beyond conquering sin and Satan, we are led by God to prevail over all circumstances or elements.  We are conquerors, overcomers according to 1 Jn. 5:4-5, wearing the Christian’s Armor (Eph. 6:11-18), we stand strong and victorious in the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Bible Study Journal

• • • Take some concentrated time as you conclude this study of Romans 8 to review and reflect over what God has given us to live by in these powerful verses of Romans 8.  In Rom. 11:33, Paul exclaims “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!”  There truly is no end to the wealth of wisdom God makes available to us.  Let’s be sure not to neglect this treasure.
    • Remember that an important part of your Bible Study is writing notes in your Journal (either paper or digital).  Be sure to grab your “real” Bible (the one printed on actual paper) and look up all the additional verse references provided here in the study and think through how they amplify the truths in Romans 8, write your thoughts and conclusions in your Journal.  Hold God’s Word in your hands and treasure it!
    • Considering Rom. 8:28, “all things” has no qualifier.  Can you accept and live according to that statement, or do you think of anything that could be an exception for you?  What do you need to do in order to surrender that thing to God?
    • Rom. 8:29-30 teach at least five things about God’s foreknowledge and predestination.  Clearly God has set the course for our life.  Starting after “…whom He foreknew…”, write down and think through each of the five actions God takes with the  phrase that describes it, maybe look up a couple of related verses for each.  Obviously, this is an “extra credit” question, but you will be rewarded accordingly!