Romans 8 - One of the Greatest Chapters in the Bible!

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Simply put, Romans 8 is one of the best chapters in all of the bible. It would take me a couple of hours to adequately expound upon all of the key verses in this chapter. Romans 8:18, 8:28, and 8:38 are three notable verses, and 8:1 is not far behind. 

Life Through the Spirit

After Paul has convincingly taught on the the powerlessness we have over our own sinful nature, he starts with a verse we all need to hear. 

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus! Romans 8:1

Romans 8 begins with no condemnation; it ends with no separation, and in between there is no defeat. - Guzik

Paul goes on to explain how the Holy Spirit is the fuel for an effective Christian life. Once we have believed in Christ and received the verdict of "no condemnation", it is the Holy Spirit who keeps us from going back to living in the "flesh". Importantly the Holy Spirit works in our "mind". 

Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. 

Most of our sinning starts in our mind when we are triggered to indulge in something we know is not good for us. At this point we can either submit to the Holy Spirit's guidance, or move toward being governed by the flesh. As Paul says, "We cannot please God if we are governed by our sinful nature." 

However, Paul reminds them that they don't live in the realm of the flesh, but in the realm of the Spirit, if the Spirit lives in them. Importantly it is the Spirit of Christ. Literally Jesus lives in you through the power of the Holy Spirit. This is the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead, who also gives life to our mortal bodies. 

This means every believer has the Holy Spirit. It is a misnomer to divide Christians among the “Spirit-filled” and the “non-Spirit-filled.” If a person is not filled with the Holy Spirit, they are not a Christian at all. - Guzik

Importantly, after we receive the Holy Spirit when we come to faith, we need to continue to turn to and rely on the Holy Spirit every day. The Holy Spirit is a person of the Trinity, so we need to be continually filled and renewed by the Holy Spirit. Just we relate to God as our heavenly Father, and Jesus as our Savior, we related to the Holy Spirit as our Counselor and Advocate. 

This means every believer has the Holy Spirit. It is a misnomer to divide Christians among the “Spirit-filled” and the “non-Spirit-filled.” If a person is not filled with the Holy Spirit, they are not a Christian at all.

One final evidence of the Holy Spirit, is the Spirit reminds us we are children of God. We have been adopted by God. We once lived in fear of God, but through the Holy Spirit we have made peace with God through Jesus Christ. This is why we can cry "Abba Father", just like a child calls out to their parent in an intimate personal way. 

Present Suffering and Future Glory

But despite the power the Holy Spirit gives us, Paul reminds us that it doesn't mean we won't suffer as Christians. But, Paul gives us a promise that is one of the most important in all of scripture. "Our suffering on this planet is not worthy to be compared to the glory we will receive in Jesus Christ one day!"

Though no one wishes to undergo suffering, one day our suffering will be swallowed in the victory of the resurrection. When we look back our sufferings on this earth won't hold a candle to the glory we will experience in heaven. Paul then says something very interesting he says, "All of Creation waits in eager expectation for the sons and daughters to be revealed!" 

"Paul considers that creation itself is eagerly awaiting the revealing of the sons of God. This is because the creation was subjected to futility on account of man’s sin, and will benefit from the ultimate redemption of men." - Guzik

Then, we get another epic verse, which ranks not too far behind John 3:16. 

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.

In the moment of suffering this can be a hard verse to embrace. For instance for someone who lost a son or daughter, they wonder how is God possibly work something together for good from this. They might even bite someone's head off for suggesting it. We have to be careful not to use this verse glibly with people who are going through this kind of grief. Yet, the truth of the verse remains even in the worst situations.

God doesn't always work things out for our good instantly. Often it can be looking back many years to see how God used the bad circumstances or experiences in our life for good.  Only good God could display such love and grace. What many people forget is verse 39, which is deeply connected to verse 38. 

29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters

God not only knew how he was going to use all things together for good, but also how they would produce Christ-like character in us. The greatest good out of anything we experience in this world is that it might conform us to the image of Christ. Note we were predestined to be conformed to the image of Christ. God foresaw everything that will happen to us as working out for the good.  

This doesn't mean this process doesn't involve us. We need to hold on to God's promises and continue to be led by the Holy Spirit, who also intercedes for us in prayer with groans and sighs that words cannot express.  Trusting in God to work things together for good in the hardest of times refines our faith like the fire refines precious metals.  

Finally, we get yet another monumental verse from Paul. Paul gives us an exquisite definition of the nature and depth of God's love. 

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Please focus on the word "nothing". Nothing means nothing. Nothing can separate you from how much God loves you. It reminds me of the kind of love I have for my two children. There is NOTHING they could do to make me to love them any less. As strong as I think my unconditional love is for my kids, God's is somehow even greater!  

With this definition of love it makes me sad for people who don't see God as a God of love. Or don't think God could love them.  Unfortunately the church has often portrayed God, as a God who arbitrarily and capriciously doles out judgment. A judgmental God who can't wait to punish  you for the horrible deeds you have done. Though sin does separate us from God and we can't be "soft on sin", God proved how much he loved by sending His Son to earth to rescue us from terminal disease caused by sin. 

What part of Romans 8 do you need to hear today?

1. God works all things together for good in your life?

2. There is no suffering that will compare with what is in store for you in heaven?

3. There is no condemnation for a Christian?

4. Nothing you have ever done will ever separate you from the all surpassing all encompassing love of God!