Salvation 5:1 - 8:38 Introduction 1:1-15 Condemnation 1:16 - 3:20 Justification 3:21 - 4:25 Salvation 5:1 - 8:38 Illustration 9:1 - 11:36 Application 12:1 - 15:13 Conclusion 15:14 - 16:27

Three Key Ideas No Jail Sentence Mind Set Life and Death

“Penal servitude” or “Jail Sentence” “Condemnation” It’s in the BAG, “Probably not condemnation, but the punishment following sentence” “A burden ensuing from a judicial pronouncement-a servitude…this word does not mean condemnation, but the punishment following sentence” (MM) “Penal servitude” or “Jail Sentence” Idea #1 Jail Sentence

Penal Colonies

Chain Gangs

“Therefore, there is now no servitude to sin (or “jail sentence”) for those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk in relation to the flesh, but in relation to the Spirit.” Romans 8:1 (Hodges, p 203)

This verse is not talking about staying out of hell. The issue of being made righteous in the eyes of God has been settled for three chapters. This verse is not talking about staying out of hell. This verse is talking about staying out of sin.

Now, He becomes the key component. The Spirit was not a factor in Paul’s discussion of his enslavement in 7:15-25. Now, He becomes the key component.

The key is our mind set! Romans 8:2-5 – “A New Law” The Spirit does what the Law could not. Instead of us being jailed up, sin is now. The key is our mind set! Mk. 8:36; Phil. 2:5; Col. 3:2; Rom. 12:1-2

“Mind Set” “To give careful consideration to something, be intent on…take someone’s side” (BDAG) “To develop an attitude based on careful thought, be minded/disposed” (n.) “The faculty of fixing one’s mind on something, way of thinking, mind set” “To pursue those things which gratify the flesh…the Holy Spirit” (Thayer) Idea #2 Mind Set

When our focus is on the things of the flesh, we experience death. Romans 8:6-11 – “A New Law” When our focus is on the things of the flesh, we experience death. When our focus is on the things of the Spirit, we experience life and peace. Where is your focus?

It has become increasingly clear that Paul’s message involves our experience of life and our experience of death. Romans 7:5-6, 9-11, 13, 8:2, 6, 10, 13 Idea #3 Life and Death

Freedom comes from right thinking! When I focus on what I’m trying to avoid instead of the things of the Spirit, I’m destined to fail. Freedom comes from right thinking! The battle we fight is a battle for our minds! Rom. 12:1-2; 2 Cor. 3:18; Col. 3:16; Phil. 4:8-9

For John, a similar idea is to abide in Christ (Jn. 15) Key: My relationship with Jesus Christ; to stay close to Him!

Romans 8:10-11 Every believer has a dead, uncooperative body The key for every believer is this: How do I get a dead body alive? The answer is the power of the spirit The “how to” involves our mind set

Romans 8:12-17 – Two Options As believers, we are not obligated to the flesh But, if we choose to live according to the flesh, we will experience death If we live according to the Spirit, we experience life When we allow the Spirit to lead us, we demonstrate the adult-child relationship God has given us (Gal. 4:1f)

When we live as “grown ups”, our hearts cry out to our Father and the Spirit affirms our relationship to Him Together, the two realities assure us that we are welcomed into the presence of God when we pray All believers are heirs of God Those who suffer with Christ are His Co-heirs Co-heirs are glorified with Jesus

The “things of the Spirit” are the things of Christ. And the things of Christ involve His kingdom; the “things to come”!

We can have freedom when we focus on the realities of Jesus Christ and His Word.