Romans 8 - The Law Of The Spirit Of Life
Kenny emphasizes the significance of Romans 8, particularly verses 1-17, as a pivotal chapter in understanding the Christian life. He highlights that there is "no condemnation" for those in Christ Jesus, marking a transformative shift from the condemnation described in earlier chapters. This chapter encapsulates the gospel of grace, illustrating the believer's new position in Christ and the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit. Kenny explains that the law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus liberates believers from the law of sin and death, enabling them to live victoriously. He contrasts living according to the flesh with walking in the Spirit, underscoring the importance of yielding to the Holy Spirit for sanctification. The blessings of being led by the Spirit include being recognized as children of God and joint heirs with Christ, which signifies a profound relationship with God. Kenny concludes with a prayer, asking for grace to understand and apply these truths in daily life, emphasizing the extraordinary blessings and power available to believers through the Holy Spirit.
Outline of Main Points
- Introduction to Romans 8
- No condemnation for those in Christ Jesus
- New position and law in Christ
- Walking in the Spirit vs. according to the flesh
- Encouragement from the Holy Spirit's presence
- Blessings of being led by the Spirit
- Conclusion and prayer for understanding
1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 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: 4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 5 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. 9 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. 15 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.
