The Divine intention is that we shall one day be like our Lord Jesus Christ (Rom. 8:29). It is equally true, however, that God is looking for moral conformity to Him now. We may no longer be “under law,” nevertheless, the righteous requirements of the law are still to be displayed in our lives. Sin must not have dominion over us. God demands holiness. The tremendous truth expounded by Paul in Romans 6-8 is that, not only does God demand holiness, but He has placed at our disposal everything necessary to achieve it.
The underlying theme of Romans 6-8 is deliverance, and the basis of deliverance is the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We have nothing–absolutely nothing–apart from that. Because the Lord Jesus has died and we are associated with Him in His death we discover that: a) we have died to sin (6:1-14); b) we have been delivered from sin’s bondage (6:15-23); c) we have been discharged from the law (7:1-6).
Paul proceeds in the remaining verses of Chapter 7 to ask two fundamental questions about the law: 1) Is the law sin? (vv. 7-13); 2) Can the law bring deliverance? (vv. 14-15).
This first question is very relevant to our modern situation. We are being told on every hand that there are no moral absolutes. Moral choices are governed by circumstances or by the makeup of the individual. Absolute standards only produce tension and rebellion. “No!” says Paul. It is not the law which produces the tension; it is sin.
The second question is again answered by an emphatic NO! Paul describes that bitter conflict which is the experience of a man who acknowledges the inherent value of the law (vv. 12, 14, 22) but cannot achieve its standards in his life. He is a man of profound perception. He knows that in his flesh dwells no good thing (v. 18). He has discovered opposing principles at work in his members (v. 23). He observes that he is being brought into captivity (v. 23) and he cries for deliverance (v. 24) But where is deliverance to be found? Paul says it can be found only ” through Jesus Christ ” (v. 24) and can be obtained only by those who are ” in Christ Jesus ” (8: 1).
Paul proceeds to describe the power that is available to overcome sin. Defeat and despair need not be an inevitable fact of life. Victory can be ours every day of our lives. This is where the Holy Spirit comes in.
The Spirit Procures Deliverance (vv. 1-2)
We have learned that no good thing dwells in our flesh (7:18). How often have we tried–and failed? How many resolutions to do better have we seen dashed? We cannot do it ourselves. But the Holy Spirit can do it for us. The law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus has set us free from the law of sin and death (8:2). If we submit ourselves to Him, He will give us the victory. He is always working, with tireless and ceaseless energy, seeking to promote moral likeness to the Lord Jesus. He will drive us to our knees in prayer. He will instruct us and direct us from the Bible. In fact every spiritual desire, every aspiration after holiness, is the direct result of His gracious ministry in our hearts. We need willing and obedient hearts.
The Spirit Produces Fruit (vv. 3-8)
Paul has been moving in “legal circles.” He says that we have been discharged from the law (ch. 7) in order that the righteous requirements of the law be fulfilled in us (8:4). This is the end product of the Spirit’s activity. We should notice, however, that this deliverance, which enables us now to live according to the law’s demands, is a service to God “in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter” (7:6). The life of faith is not governed by external rules or regulations, nor by the traditions of men–stated or implied. These bring us back into bondage. It is of the letter and the letter kills. Let us never be content with cold formality and bleak conformity, merely going through the mechanics of religion. Rather let us capture again that happy, contagious quality, that spontaneity which is the product of the Spirit in our midst.
The Spirit Pledges Life (vv. 9-13)
In this section, Paul throws out a very serious challenge to all who make a profession of Christianity. We really belong to Christ only if the Spirit of God dwells in us (v. 9). But if the Spirit of God dwells in us, we may be assured of deliverance– both ultimate and immediate. As a result of salvation, our spirits are already quickened, and we, from the moment of conversion, possess eternal life. Our bodies, however, are still subject to death. But God intends that the eternal life He gives will involve the whole man–body, soul and spirit. Therefore, because we have the Spirit within us, God will quicken our mortal bodies and they shall be fashioned like unto His body of glory.
The means of deliverance now, however, is by mortifying the deeds of the body and that can be done only through the Spirit. This includes both an active and a passive attitude for the believer. Mortification has not to do with the principle of sin in our lives (that has already been dealt with) but with the practice of sin. Over many years we have cultivated sinful habits that become part of our lives. The Christian is called upon to undertake rigorous introspection and self-discipline. He is called upon to flee youthful lusts, to put away anger and malice, etc. He makes deliberate resolve to be done with the former practices, and yet he realizes that he has no power to execute those resolves. So he commits himself to the Spirit of God who undertakes for him by supplying the necessary strength and grace.
The Spirit Provokes Confidence (vv. 14-17)
All who are thus led by the Spirit are the sons of God (v. 14), and the Spirit Himself bears witness to this filial relationship (v. 16). Accordingly, we need no longer cringe fearfully at a distance but can come with confidence into the presence of God and call Him “Father.” The word is completely inappropriate to a slave but eminently suitable to a son. When we use the name “Father” we may be assured of His love and care and protection. His eye ever watches over us. His hand is ever outstretched to provide for us. Having given His own Son, He withholds nothing from us.
Paul continues–if we are children then we are also heirs–heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ. The wealth and glory that await the Christian cannot be described in human terms. We do know, however, that before we receive that inheritance, there is the stern reality of suffering with Christ. Nevertheless, even in suffering, there is a certain hope.
The Spirit Promises Redemption
A measure of the splendor of our inheritance is found in the fact that not only the believer, but also the whole inanimate creation is eagerly anticipating the day when the sons of God will be manifested. That day will also signify liberty for a creation blighted by sin. The result of the devastation wrought by sin is that the whole material universe now groans and staggers under its awful burden.
We, too, in sympathy with everything around us, groan, longing for that day. Then we shall have complete deliverance. Now we are in the body and we experience pain and infirmity. We experience weakness and conflict because of sin which dwells within us. We long to be free, and free we shall be for we have already the firstfruits of the Spirit. If what we have through the Spirit now is only a foretaste, what will the full harvest bring?
The Spirit Prompts Prayer
The prospect of our inheritance and the hope of ultimate redemption bring encouragement. So, too, does the Spirit, who undertakes for us in prayer. We are so often perplexed and bewildered by life’s circumstances that we do not know how we should pray. The Spirit brings to our remembrance words long forgotten. Indeed, we do not require to use words or to formulate sentences, for the Spirit interprets the intense longings of the soul and presents them to God on our behalf. He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
As we review all the activities of the Spirit in our hearts, we are struck with our own poverty and weakness. Yet the Spirit of God is able to meet every need and give us the victory. There are no limitations with Him. He graciously ministers strength and encouragement to us, no matter what our problems or fears are.
One final point–spiritual greatness is not the prerogative of a few. He does not limit His power to certain saints and withhold from others. He desires and always works towards the end, that EVERY child of God should experience daily victory over sin and enter into the conscious enjoyment of fellowship with Christ.