Romans
Chapter 8
Rev. Joseph Esquivel
God’s Faith in Man Church
THERE is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who a walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. a. Gal. 5:16
"Footnote below"
8:1 Many manuscripts omit “who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”
Gal. 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
Rom. 8:2 For the b law of c the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from d the law of sin and death. b Rom. 6:18, 22. c 1 Cor. 15:45. d Rom. 7:24, 25.
Rom. 8:2 Law of the Spirit of life: See the note on 7:23.
Law of my mind: Paul seems to equate this with “law of God after the inward man” (v. 22). This no doubt connects with the new dynamic for service spoken of in verse 6 as the “newness of spirit.” It refers to the influence of the Holy Spirit in the believer’s life to obedience and good works. In 8:2 he refers to it as “the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus.” Law of sin: The law caused sin to “revive” (v. 9), literally, “become alive.” Sin takes on an active force throughout this passage, which climaxes in this expression, “the law of sin.” It refers to that in man which is sold under sin. It is “the law of sin and death” in 8:2. Apart from the indwelling Holy Spirit, the law of sin would dominate in Paul’s life.
Rom. 6:18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.
Rom. 6:22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.
1 Cor. 15:45 And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.
Rom. 7:24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?
Rom. 7:25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.
Rom. 8:3 For e what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, f God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and 1 †for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: e Acts 13:39; [Heb. 7:18]. f [2 Cor. 5:21; Gal. 3:13]. 1. On account of. † 1611 Bible, Or, by a sacrifice for sin.
Rom. 8:3 Law . . . was weak: There is nothing inherently wrong with the law. The presence of sin renders the believer powerless to do what the law demands. The likeness of sinful flesh: Christ was truly human but not a sinner (2 Cor. 5:21).
Acts 13:39 And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.
Heb. 7:18 For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof.
2 Cor. 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
Gal 3:13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:
Rom. 8:4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who g walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. g [Rom. 6:4; 2 Cor. 5:7]; Gal. 5:16, 25; Eph. 4:1; 5:2, 15; [1 John 1:7; 2:6].
Rom. 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
2 Cor. 5:7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)
Gal. 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
Gal. 5:25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
Eph. 4:1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
Eph. 5:2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
Eph. 5:15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,
1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
1 John 2:6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.
Rom. 8:5 For h they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit i the things of the Spirit. h. John 3:6. i. Gal. 5:22-25.
John 3:6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Gal. 5:23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
Gal. 5:24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
Gal. 5:25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
Gal. 5:26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
Rom. 8:6 For j to † be carnally minded is death; but to † be spiritually minded is life and peace. j Gal. 6:8. † 1611 KJV Bible Gr. Minding of the flesh † 1611 KJV Bible Gr. The minding of the spirit.
Rom. 8:6 To be carnally minded means to have one’s life dominated by the sin nature. To be spiritually minded is to be controlled by the Holy Spirit.
Gal. 6:8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
Rom. 8:7 Because k † the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, l neither indeed can be. k. James 4:4. l. 1 Cor. 2:14. † 1611 KJV Bible Gr. The minding of the flesh.
James 4:4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
1 Cor. 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
Rom. 8:8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
Rom. 8:9 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.
Rom. 8:9 None of his: Any who lack the Spirit are unsaved. The Holy Spirit abides in all who are regenerated (cf. 8:4; 1 Cor. 12:13).
1 Cor. 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
Rom. 8:10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
Rom. 8:10 The body is dead: It is still mortal and subject not only to death but also to the temptation of sin. The Spirit is life anticipates verse 11 and the hope of resurrection.
Rom. 8:11 But if the Spirit of m him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, nhe that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies † by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. m. Acts 2:24; Rom. 6:4. n. 1 Cor. 6:14. † Or, because of his spirit.
Rom. 8:11 Quicken your mortal bodies: Resurrection is “bodily.” Resurrected believers will, like Christ, receive new physical forms (1 Cor. 15:44).
Acts 2:24 Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.
Rom. 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
1 Cor. 6:14 And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by his own power.
Rom. 8:12 o Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. o. [Rom. 6:7, 14].
Rom. 8:12 Debtors: The word places emphasis on Paul’s moral obligation. He uses the same term in 1:14.
Rom. 6:7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.
Rom. 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
Rom. 8:13 For p if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do q.mortify 6 the deeds of the body, ye shall live. p. Gal. 6:8. q. Eph. 4:22; [Col. 3:5–10] Doctrinal footnote on flesh.
8:13 The Scriptures use the word flesh in five ways. It may refer to: (1) the body or physical being; (2) the old nature or sin nature; (3) the epidermis (skin); (4) man’s immaterial nature; or (5) the whole being of man. Paul uses the term in each of these verses in this chapter. Flesh itself is not evil (cf. Job 19:26), yet Paul uses it to represent humanity’s evil nature, which cannot please God (v. 8). Application: Christians should glorify God in their physical bodies (flesh) as well as in their spirits, since both belong to God (1 Cor. 6:20). (First Reference, Gen. 2:21; Primary Reference, Rom. 7:14—8:9; cf. Gen. 7:17.)
Rom. 8:13 Mortify: Death signifies separation. Here it denotes separation from the sinful deeds of the flesh.
Job 19:26 And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God:
LXX Septuagint Job XIX. 25 For I know that he is eternal who is about to deliver me. 26. And to raise up upon the earth my skin that endures these sufferings: for these things have been accomplished to me of the Lord.
1 Cor. 6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
Gen. 2:21 And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof;
LXX Septuagint Gen. II. 21 And God brought a trance upon Adam, and he slept, and he took one of his ribs, and filled up the flesh instead thereof. 22. And God formed the rib which he took from Adam into a woman, and brought her to Adam.
Rom. 7:14 14 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.
Rom. 7:15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.
Rom. 7:16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.
Rom. 7:17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
Rom. 7:18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.
Rom. 7:19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.
Rom. 7:20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
Rom. 7:21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.
Rom. 7:22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:
Rom. 7:23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.
Rom. 7:24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?
Rom. 7:25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.
Rom. 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Rom. 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
Rom. 8:3 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:
Rom. 8:4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Rom. 8:5 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.
Rom. 8:6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
Rom. 8:7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
Rom. 8:8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
Rom. 8:9 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.
Gen 7:17 And the flood was forty days upon the earth; and the waters increased, and bare up the ark, and it was lift up above the earth.
LXX Septuagint Gen. VII. 17 And the flood was upon the earth forty says and forty nights, and the water abounded greatly and bore up the ark, and it was lifted on high from off the earth.
Gal. 6:8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
Eph. 4:22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
Col. 3:5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
Col. 3:6 For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:
Col. 3:7 In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.
Col. 3:8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.
Col. 3:9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;
Col. 3:10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:
Rom. 8:14 For r as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
Gal. 5:18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
Rom. 8:15 For s ye have not received the spirit of bondage again t to fear; but ye have received the u Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. s. [1 Cor. 2:12]; Heb. 2:15.
Rom. 8:15 The Spirit of adoption: The Holy Spirit places the believer as a son in God’s family. Abba (Aramaic for “father”): This is the intimate name used only by members of the family. Its use here denotes the intimacy of the believer’s relation to God.
1 Cor. 2:12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
Heb. 2:15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
2 Tim. 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Isa. 56:5 Even unto them will I give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters: I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off.
LXX Septuagint Esaias. LVI. 5 I will give to them in my house and within my walls an honourable place, better than sons and daughters: I will give them an everlasting name, and it shall not fail.
Rom. 8:16 w The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: w. Eph. 1:13.
Doctrinal footnote Witness of the Spirit. 8:16 The witness of the Spirit is the inner assurance of God’s truth. One of the conditions of this inner conviction concerning the things of God is obedience to His known will (John 7:17). God uses this ministry of the Holy Spirit to convince us of truth that cannot be understood other than through divine help (Matt. 16:17). Illustration: This witness was obvious in Peter’s confession of Christ (Matt. 16:16, 17). Even though others had observed Christ and drawn certain erroneous conclusions, Peter received spiritual insight from God as to who Jesus really was (Matt. 16:17). This enlightenment did not mean he had nothing more to learn, because perhaps within minutes of his confession, he was being rebuked by Jesus for his lack of spiritual insight (Matt. 16:23). Application: Christians should be careful always to obey the clearly revealed will of God, so as not to hinder this ministry in their lives. (First Reference, Matt. 16:17; Primary Reference, Rom. 8:16; cf. Heb. 6:1, 2.)
John 7:17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.
Matt. 16:16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
Matt. 16:17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
Matt. 16:23 But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.
Heb. 6:1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,
Heb. 6:2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
Eph. 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
Rom. 8:17 And if children, then x heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; y if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. x. Act 26:18. y. Phil. 1:29.
Rom. 8:17 Joint-heirs with Christ: All believers share all of the inheritance together. They also have the promise of glorification if their lives are lived devotedly and sacrificially unto the Lord.
Acts 26:18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
Phil. 1:29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;
Rom. 8:18 For I reckon that z the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. z. 2 Cor. 4:17; [1 Pet. 1:6; 4:13]
Rom. 8:18 The sufferings of this present time: See 2 Corinthians 4:17, 18. The glory which shall be revealed: The blessed hope of the Christian looks ahead with anticipation to this great moment. See also 1 Thessalonians 4:15–18; Titus 2:13.
1 Thess. 4:14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
1 Thess. 4:15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
1 Thess. 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
1 Thess. 4:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
1 Thess. 4:18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
Titus 2:13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
2 Cor. 4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
2 Cor. 4:18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
1 Pet. 1:6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:
1 Pet. 4:13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
Rom. 8:19 For a the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. a. 2 Peter 3:13.
Doctrinal Footnote: Rom. 8:19 The creature, or creation, eagerly looks forward to the revelation of the sons of God in the Millennium (Christ’s thousand-year earthly reign) because that is the time when the curse will be lifted and creation will be restored to Edenic conditions.
2 Peter 3:13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
Rom. 8:20 For b the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, b. Gen. 3:17-19.
Rom. 8:20 Vanity (Gr. mataiotēti, “vanity,” “emptiness,” “frailty,” “folly”) is a reference to the curse of Genesis 3:14–19 and considers the whole thing as unnecessary. Creation did not actively participate in the Fall.
Gen. 3:14 And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life:
Gen. 3:15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
Gen. 3:16 Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.
Gen. 3:17 And unto Adam he said, Because, thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou, shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life;
Gen. 3:18 Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field;
Gen. 3:19 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.
LXX Septuagint Gen. III. 15 And the Lord God said to the serpent, Because, thou hast done this thou art cursed above all cattle and all the brutes of the earth, on thy breasts and belly thou shalt go, and thou shalt eat earth all the days of thy life. 16. And I will put enmity between thee and the woman and between thy seed and her seed, he shall θ watch against thy head, and thou shalt θ watch against his heel. (θ Gr. Keep.) 17. And to the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy pains and thy groanings; in pain thou shalt bring forth children, and thy λ submission shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee. (λ Gr. Turning) 18. And to Adam he said, Because, thou hast hearkened to the voice of thy wife, and eaten of the tree concerning which I charged thee of it only not to eat – of that thou hast eaten, cursed is the ground in thy labours, in pain shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life. 19. Thorns and thistles shall it bring forth to thee, and thou shalt eat the herb of the field. 20. In the sweat of they face shalt thou eat thy bread until thou return to the earth out of which thou wast taken, for earth thou art and to earth thou shalt return.
Rom. 8:21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious c liberty of the children of God. c. [2 Cor. 3:17]; Gal. 5:1, 13.
Rom. 8:21 Delivered from the bondage of corruption: There will be no more death. The creature (or Creation) looks forward to the Millennium when redeemed man is glorified and will never again have to face God’s curse.
2 Cor. 3:17 Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
Gal. 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
Gal. 5:13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
Rom. 8:22 For we know that † the whole creation d groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. d. Jer. 12:4, 11. † Or, every creature.
Rom. 8:22 Groaneth and travaileth in pain refers to Adam’s Fall, which has caused misery from then until the present. The present sufferings of creation are the “birth pangs” of the new age to be born, the Millennium. From the Fall until now, creation has been groaning over the pointlessness of having been made subject to a curse. It eagerly looks forward to the time when the curse will be lifted (v. 19).
Jer. 12:4 How long shall the land mourn, and the herbs of every field wither, for the wickedness of them that dwell therein? the beasts are consumed, and the birds; because they said, He shall not see our last end.
Jer. 12:11 They have made it desolate, and being desolate it mourneth unto me; the whole land is made desolate, because no man layeth it to heart.
LXX Septuagint Jeremias XII. 4 How long shall the land mourn, and the grass of the field wither, for the wickedness of them that dwell in it? the beasts and birds are utterly destroyed; because the people said, God shall not see our ways. 5. Thy feet run, and they cause thee to faint; how wilt thou prepare β to ride upon horses? And thou hast been confident in the land of thy peace? How wilt thou do in the roaring of Jordan? ( β Or, fight)
LXX Septuagint Jeremias XII. 12 It is made a complete ruin: for my sake the whole land has been utterly ruined, because there is none that lays the matter to heart.
Rom. 8:23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have e the firstfruits of the Spirit, f even we ourselves groan within g ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the h redemption of our body. e. 2 Cor. 5:5; Eph. 1:14. f. 2 Cor. 5:2, 4. g. [Luke 20:36]. h. Luke 21:28; Eph. 1:14; 4:30; [Phil. 3:20, 21].
Rom. 8:23 The firstfruits of the Spirit: The Holy Spirit is the first installment of the glory yet to follow (Eph. 1:13, 14). Groan: The believer groans because of the conflict experienced in 7:14–24, from which he needs a final and complete deliverance. This is the ultimate answer to 7:24. Christ will deliver us by the resurrection and glorification of our bodies.
Rom. 7:14 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.
Rom. 7:15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.
Rom. 7:16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.
Rom. 7:17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
Rom. 7:18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.
Rom. 7:19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.
Rom. 7:20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
Rom. 7:21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.
Rom. 7:22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:
Rom. 7:23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.
Rom. 7:24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?
2 Cor. 5:5 Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit.
Eph. 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
Eph. 1:14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
2 Cor. 5:2 For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven:
2 Cor. 5:4 For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life.
Luke 20:36 Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection.
Luke 21:28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.
Eph. 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
Phil. 3:20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:
Eph. 3:21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.
Rom. 8:24 For we are saved by hope: but f hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? f. Rom. 4:18; 2 Cor. 5:7; Heb. 11:1.
Rom. 4:18 Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.
2 Cor. 5:7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)
Heb. 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Rom. 8:25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.
Rom. 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for j we know not what we should pray for as we ought: k but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. j. Matt. 20:22; 2 Cor. 12:8. k. John 14:16; Rom. 8:15; Eph. 6:18.
Rom. 8:26-27 Our infirmities may refer to the presence of sin (cf. 7:14 ff.). Groanings: The Spirit also groans along with creation and the believer. The reference is to the Spirit’s interpretation of the believer’s innermost feelings, which cannot be put into words. Searcheth the hearts: Denotes divine omniscience (cf. 1 Chr. 28:9; Ps. 139:1, 23; Jer. 17:10; 1 Cor. 4:5; Heb. 4:12, 13).
1 Chron. 28:9 And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.
1 Chron. XXVIII. 9 And now, my son Solomon, know that God of thy fathers, and serve him with a perfect heart and willing soul; for the Lord searches all hearts, and knows every thought: if thou seek him he will be found of thee; but if thou shouldest forsake him, he will forsake thee for ever.
Ps. 139:1 O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me.
Ps. 139:23 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:
Jer. 17:10 I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.
LXX Septuagint Ps. CXXXVIII. 1 O Lord thou hast proved me, and known me.
LXX Septuagint Ps. CXXXVIII. 23 Prove me, O God, and know my heart; examine me, and know my paths;
LXX Septuagint Jer. XVII.10 γ I THE Lord try the hearts, and prove the reins, to give to every one according to his devices. (γ Rev. 2:23)
1 Cor. 4:5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.
Heb. 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Heb. 4:13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.
Matt. 20:22 But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able.
2 Cor. 12:8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
John 14:16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
Rom. 8:15 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.
Eph. 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
Rom. 8:27 And l he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, † because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. l. 1 Chr. 28:9. † Or, that.
1 Chron. 28:9 And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.
LXX Septuagint 1 Chron. XXVIII. 9 And now, my son Solomon, know the God of thy fathers, and serve him with a perfect heart and willing soul: for the Lord searches all hearts, and knows every thought: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou shouldest forsake him, he will forsake thee for ever.
Rom. 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them n who are the called according to his purpose. n. 2 Tim. 1:9.
Rom. 8:28 To them that love God is the human perspective. God is working all things together for good, but those who love God are best able to appreciate that fact because they love Him no matter what (cf. Job 13:15). To them who are the called is the divine perspective. Scripture often refers to believers as “the called” or “the elect.”
Job. 13:15 Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.
LXX Septuagint Job. XIII. 15 Though the mighty One should lay hand upon me, forasmuch as he has begun, verily I will speak, and plead before him.
2 Tim. 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
Rom. 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
Doctrinal footnotes. 8:29 Foreknowledge speaks of God’s awareness of the actual and potential future (Acts 2:23; 26:5; Rom. 8:29; 11:2; 1 Pet. 1:2, 20; 2 Pet. 3:17). The word means “foreordination” (Acts 2:23; 1 Pet. 1:20). Those whom God foreknew, He also loved and ordained to be conformed to the image of His Son. Illustration: On the Day of Pentecost, the apostle Peter vividly illustrated the harmony between God’s sovereignty and man’s personal responsibility. Even though the Cross was in the eternal plan of God and part of His sovereign will, those who crucified Christ did so as a rebellious act of their will. Therefore they bore personal responsibility for the Christ’s death. Application: We too are responsible for our personal actions and behavior (Acts 2:23). (First Reference, Rom. 11:2; Primary Reference, Rom. 8:29; cf. Rom. 6:17.)
Acts 2:23 Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:
Acts 26:5 Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.
Rom. 11:2 God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying,
Rom. 6:17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.
1 Pet. 1:2 Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.
1 Pet. 1:20 Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,
2 Pet. 3:17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.
Rom. 8:29 Foreknow: This is not simple prescience or advance knowledge. This knowledge should also not be understood in the sense of “being acquainted with,” but in the sense of “bringing into a special relation with,” as “Adam knew Eve his wife” (Gen. 4:1), “You only have I known of all the families of the earth” (Amos 3:2), “I . . . know my sheep” (John 10:14), and “I never knew you” (Matt. 7:23). Foreknowledge is God’s determination from eternity to bring certain ones into a special relationship with Himself. (See also 11:2.) Predestinate: See Ephesians 1:5. To be conformed to the image of his Son: The goal of predestination is not to send some to hell and some to heaven, but is the believer’s glorification, to make every Christian increasingly more like His Son.
Gen. 4:1 And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the LORD.
Amos 3:2 You only have I known of all the families of the earth: therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities.
LXX Septuagint Gen. IV. 1 And Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived and brought forth Cain and said, I have gained a man through God.
LXX Septuagint Amos III. 2 You especially have I known out of all the families of the earth: therefore will I take vengeance upon you for all your sins.
Matt. 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Eph. 1:5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
Rom. 8:30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also s called: and whom he called, them he also t justified: and whom he justified, them he also u glorified. s. Rom. 8:28; 9:24; 1 Cor. 1:9; Gal. 1:6, 15; 5:8; Eph. 1:11; 3:11; 2 Thess. 2:14; [Heb. 9:15; 1 Pet. 2:9; 3:9 t. 1 Cor. 6:11; [Gal. 2:16] u. John 17:22; Rom. 8:21.
Rom. 8:30 Called: The calling of 8:28 is pretemporal; it occurred before the creation of the world (Eph. 1:4). The calling here is temporal and refers to the effectual communication of the gospel, resulting in salvation. Justified: See 3:24. Glorified: Glorification is God’s doing. While God’s foreknowledge and predestination take place in eternity, and while God’s calling and justification are realized in history, God’s glorifying is yet future. It is as certain, however, as the previous works. Hence glorified is in the past tense. From God’s point of view it is already accomplished.
Eph. 1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
Rom. 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Rom. 9:24 Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?
1 Cor. 1:9 God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
Gal. 1:6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
Gal. 1:15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace,
Gal. 5:8 This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you.
Eph. 1:11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:
Eph. 3:11 According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:
2 Thess. 2:14 Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Heb. 9:15 And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.
1 Pet. 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
1 Pet. 3:9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
1 Cor. 6:11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
Gal. 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
John 17:22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:
Rom. 8:31 What shall we then say to these things? v If God be for us, who can be against us? v. Num. 14:9.
Num. 14:9 Only rebel not ye against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the LORD is with us: fear them not.
LXX Septuagint Num. XIV. 9 Only depart not from the Lord; and fear ye not the people of the land, for they are meat for us; for the season of prosperity is departed from them, but the Lord is among us: fear them not.
Rom. 8:32 w He that spared not his own Son, but x delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? w. Rom. 5:6, 10. x. Rom. 4:25.
Rom. 8:32 For us all: This does not teach or necessitate limited atonement (the view that Christ died only for the elect), for Christ died for all the sins of all the world (2 Cor. 5:19). His death is effective unto salvation, however, only for those who call upon the name of the Lord (cf. 10:13, 17).
2 Cor. 5:19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
Rom. 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Rom. 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Rom. 5:6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.
Rom. 5:10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
Rom. 4:25 Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.
Rom. 8:33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? y It is God that justifieth. y. Is. 50:8, 9; Rev. 12:10.
8:33, 34. God’s elect: See 8:28. Lay any thing to the charge: No charge is admissible, because the Father justifies, in that the Son died, was raised, and now intercedes for us.
Isa. 50:8 He is near that justifieth me; who will contend with me? let us stand together: who is mine adversary? let him come near to me.
Isa. 50:9 Behold, the Lord GOD will help me; who is he that shall condemn me? lo, they all shall wax old as a garment; the moth shall eat them up.
LXX Septuagint Isa. L. 8 for he that has justified me draws near; who is he that pleads with me? Let him stand up against me at the same time: yea, who is he that pleas with me? Let him draw nigh to me. 9. Behold, the Lord, the Lord, will help me; who will hurt me? Behold, all ye shall wax old as a garment, and a moth shall devour you.
Rev. 12:10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.
Rom. 8:34 z Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, a who is even at the right hand of God, b who also maketh intercession for us. z. John 3:18. a. Mark 16:19; Col. 3:1; Heb. 1:3. b. Heb. 7:25; 9:24.
John 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
Mark 16:19 So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.
Col. 3:1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
Heb. 1:3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;
Heb. 7:25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
Heb. 9:24 For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:
Rom. 8:35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
Rom. 8:36 As it is written, c For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. c. Ps. 44:22; Acts 20:24; 1 Cor. 4:9; 15:30; [2 Cor. 1:9; 4:10; 6:9; 11:23].
Ps. 44:22 Yea, for thy sake are we killed all the day long; we are counted as sheep for the slaughter.
LXX Septuagint Ps. XLIII. 22 β For, for thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are counted as sheep for slaughter. β. Rom. 8:36.
Acts 20:24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
1 Cor. 4:9 For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men.
1 Cor. 15:30 And why stand we in jeopardy every hour?
2 Cor. 1:9 But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead:
2 Cor. 4:10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.
Rom. 8:37 d Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. d. John 16:33; 1 Cor. 15:57; 2 Cor. 2:14; 1 John 5:4.
John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
1 Cor. 15:57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Cor. 2:14 Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.
1 John 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
Rom. 8:38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor eprincipalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, e. [1 Cor. 15:24; Eph. 1:21; 1 Pet. 3:22].
8:38, 39 We cannot be separated from God’s love, because it is set forth in a person who is God Himself, Jesus Christ, our Savior. God’s desire to redeem believers cannot be frustrated, because He is infinitely greater than any potential enemy. His plan will be realized because it is His purpose (cf. v. 28).
1 Cor. 15:24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.
Eph. 1:21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:
1 Pet. 3:22 Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.
Rom. 8:39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.