Romans 8 - A Study Guide by Mark A. Copeland (2024)

"THE EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS"

Chapter Eight

OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER

1. To appreciate the place the Holy Spirit has in the lives ofChristians
2. To notice the power to overcome sin which is available in Christ
3. To realize the extent of God's love toward us

SUMMARY

In chapter seven, Paul described the dilemma of a man who becomes aprisoner of the law of sin which is in the members of his body. In the last few verses, Paul made reference to the hope of liberation made possible by God through Jesus Christ. In this chapter, Paulamplifies on the freedom from sin found in Christ.

First, for those in Christ who are walking according to the Spirit,there is no condemnation for sin, for the death of Christ for sin has set us free from the law of sin and death by fulfilling the requirement of the law (1-4). Second, by setting our minds on the things of the Spirit and not the flesh, we are able to enjoy life and peace, pleasing God (5-8). And third, we now enjoy the indwelling of the Spirit of God, by whom we can put to death the deeds of the body and enjoy both present and future blessings as the children of God (9-17).

The blessings of being God's children are enlarged upon in the rest ofthe chapter. Our present sufferings mean nothing in view of our ultimate redemption and revealing for which we eagerly and patiently wait (18-25). We have the privilege of the Holy Spirit and Jesus interceding for us when we pray, which assures that all things will work together for good for those called according to God's purpose (26-30). Finally, as God's elect we have the assurance that nothing can tear us away from God's love and that in all things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us (31-39).

OUTLINE

1. IN CHRIST THERE IS FREEDOM FROM SIN (1-17)
1. FREEDOM FROM THE CONDEMNATION OF SIN (1-4)
1. Available to those in Christ, made possible by the law of theSpirit of life (1-2)
2. An accomplishment not attained by the Law, but by the death ofChrist (3-4)
2. FREEDOM FROM THE POWER OF SIN (5-17)
1. To those who set their minds on the things of the Spirit, notthe flesh, pleasing God (5-8)
2. To those who have the indwelling Holy Spirit (9-11)
3. To those who by the Spirit put to death the deeds of the body(12-13)
4. To those thus led, who are the children of God and joint heirswith Christ (14-17)
2. BLESSINGS OF BEING CHILDREN OF GOD (18-39)
1. THE GLORY TO BE REVEALED IN US (18-25)
1. Present sufferings don't even compare (18)
2. The whole creation eagerly awaits for the revealing andglorious liberty of the children of God (19-22)
3. We also eagerly wait with perseverance for this hope (23-25)
2. THE HELP OF THE HOLY SPIRIT (26-27)
1. Helps in our weakness as we pray (26a)
2. By interceding for us as we pray (26b-27)
3. ALL THINGS WORKING TOGETHER FOR GOOD (28-30)
1. For those who love God, called according to His purpose (28)
2. For such, whom God foreknew, He will carry out His ultimatepurpose (29-30)
4. GOD'S LOVE TOWARD HIS ELECT (31-39)
1. God, who spared not His own Son, is on our side (31-33)
2. Christ, who died for us, now intercedes for us at God's righthand (34)
3. Through such love we are more than conquerors over all things(35-39)

WORDS TO PONDER

• law of the Spirit of life - (1) possibly an expression referring to theGospel; or, (2) the law (principle)involving the life-giving Spirit who aidsthose in Christ to become free of the "lawof sin and death" in their members(cf. 7:23 with 8:11-13)
• the Spirit, Spirit of God, Spirit of Christ, Spirit of Him - variousreferences to the Holy Spirit
• the creation - various explanations are often given: (1) all ofmankind; (2) only the saved; (3) the whole physicalcreation placed under the curse (Ge 3:17; 8:21;Re 22:3), using the kind of language found in Ps 98:7-9;148:1-14.
• predestined - predetermined; note carefully in v. 29 that it is basedupon "foreknowledge" (cf. 1Pe 1:2), and that which ispredetermined is WHAT those in Christ are to become, notWHO are to be in Christ
• elect - chosen; according to 1Pe 1:2, this election is based uponGod's foreknowledge, not some arbitrary choice
• intercedes - to make a petition on behalf of another; used of the HolySpirit in v. 26-27 (interceding as a "translator"?), andof Christ in v. 34 (interceding as "defense counsel"?)

REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER

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1. List the main points of this chapter

   - In Christ There Is Freedom From Sin (1-17)
   - Blessings Of Being Children Of God (18-39)

2. What is the main difference between the "law of Moses" and the "lawof the Spirit of life"? (2-4)

   - The Law of Moses could not set one free from the "law of sin anddeath"

3. What is the result of setting your mind on the things of the flesh?On the things of the Spirit? (6)

   - Death; life and peace

4. Do the Scriptures teach that the Holy Spirit dwells in theChristian? (9-11)

   - Yes

5. How can we assure that we will continue to live spiritually? (13)

   - By putting to death the deeds of the body with the help of theSpirit

6. List briefly the blessings of being the children of God (14-39)

   - One day we will be glorified together with Christ
   - We have the help of the Holy Spirit
   - All things ultimately work for our good
   - Nothing can separate us from God's love