EXPOSITORY SERMON: ROMANS 8: 1-39



I. INTRODUCTION

A. In 2 Cor. 3:17 Paul said, "...where the Spirit of the Lord is there is liberty." In chapter 8 Paul emphasizes the Holy Spirit, who is mentioned at least 19 times.

B. Through Jesus Christ our Lord and the Holy Spirit we enjoy four spiritual freedoms, our purpose in this lesson is to study these freedoms.


II. DISCUSSION

A. Freedom From Judgment (1-4) - Indeed there is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus. But even Christians fail, make mistakes and sin at times. We all will suffer the consequences of our mistakes, but if we are in a right relationship with God we will not be condemned.

1. The Law cannot claim you (2) - In Christ you are no longer under the jurisdiction of the Old Law.

2. The Law cannot condemn you (3) - Jesus Christ does for us what the Law could not do - save us. Those in Christ are without condemnation because Jesus died for their sins.

3. The Law cannot control you (4) - It does not produce holiness. We are enabled to walk in obedience to God's will through the Holy Spirit by the Word. As Christians we must allow God to work in us. (Phil. 2:13)

B. Freedom From Defeat (5-17) - According to verse 12 we are not obligated to our old nature once we are obedient to Christ. In these verses Paul describes three levels of life and encourages us to attain the highest level.

1. You have not the Spirit (5-8) - Here Paul is contrasting the saved with the unsaved. This is the lowest level of life.
a. in the flesh - in the Spirit (5)
b. death - life (6)
c. war with God - peace with God (6,7)
d. pleasing self - pleasing God (8)

2. You have the Spirit (9-11) - See verses 9 and 16, as well as 1 Cor. 6:19,20; Eph. 1:13,14.

3. The Spirit has you! (12-17) - We must strive to attain this third level of life. In Christ we become obligated to the Spirit because of the things He can do for us. We must let the Spirit guide us by His Word in our day to day lives. We must allow the Spirit to mortify our fleshly sinful nature.

C. Freedom From Discouragement (18-30)

1. Creation groans (18-22) - When God finished creation it was perfect, but now it groans in suffering,decay and pain. One day creation will be delivered. As believers we must have the same outlook (2 Cor. 4:15-18). That is, ignore today's pain and look ahead to tomorrow's victory.

2. We believers groan (23-25) - The earth-life as Christians is just a "foretaste of glory divine." We want to see the Lord, receive a new body, live with Him and serve Him forever. As we wait for the second coming we are saved by hope, (Titus 2:13). One day temporary suffering will give way to eternal glory.

3. The Holy Spirit groans (25-30) - He feels the burdens of our weaknesses and suffering and when we do not know how to pray, He intercedes on our behalf. We are already sharing in a portion of the glory of God, we must avoid frustration and discouragement as we wait for Christ's return.

D. Freedom From Fear (31-39) - If we are secure in love of Christ, then there is nothing in our past, present or future for us to fear. There are five reasons why true believers will not be separated from the Lord.

1. God is for us (31)

2. Christ died for us (32)

3. God has justified us (33)

4. Christ and the Holy Spirit intercede for us ((34)

5. Christ loves us (35-39)


III. CONCLUSION - The obedient believer is completely victorious in Christ.

A. We are free from judgment because Christ died for us.

B. We are free from defeat because Christ lives in us.

C. We are free from discouragement because Christ is coming for us.

D. We are free from fear because Christ intercedes for us.

IF GOD IS FOR US, WHO CAN BE AGAINST US?

Back To: Roman's Sermon Index

Go To: Next Sermon