Romans 8:12-14 -- "If by the Spirit"

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I am using the Pastor's titles for these posts. The appropriate links are:

• Audio file
• Note sheet

The text:

(NET) Romans 8:12 So then,¹³ brothers and sisters¹⁴, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh 13 (for if you live according to the flesh, you will¹⁵ die),¹⁶ but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body you will live. 14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are¹⁷ the sons of God.

Notes:

¹³ tn There is a double connective here that cannot be easily preserved in English: “consequently therefore,” emphasizing the conclusion of what he has been arguing.

¹⁴ tn Grk “brothers.” See note on the phrase “brothers and sisters” in 1:13.
¹⁵ tn Grk “are about to, are certainly going to.”
¹⁶ sn This remark is parenthetical to Paul’s argument.
¹⁷ tn Grk “For as many as are being led by the Spirit of God, these are.”

Sermon Notes: There was a two month hiatus between the last sermon and this one so there was a review of what had been covered:

• In “the Gospel” we find “the power of God for salvation” (1:16)
  
  • we experience “the righteousness of God” (1:17) — “through faith in Jesus Christ” (3:22‐23)
  
  
• we are “united” with Christ—in His death and resurrection. In our “union with Christ”—we have a new “life principle”—that we must understand… and practice
  

  The divine principle of “death to the old”
  and
  “life to the new.”
  

  God has called us to participate in that principle by choosing “death to the old” and choosing “life to the new”
  
• Followers of Christ have been freed from the slavery of sin and “flesh” ruling their lives—and have been placed in a new realm where the indwelling presence of God’s Spirit rules.
  

  Romans 8:9 You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, this person does not belong to him.
  

  Paul says: “This is true of you — so live this way! Reject the rule of the flesh and choose the rule of the Spirit.”
  

Now, on to the current passage -- How do we do this?

1. We must believe God gives freedom from sin—and see our obligation to not be ruled by it. (8:12-13a)
2. God gives us His own Spirit to indwell us — to enable us to live as His people. God gives us His power, in our inner being, by the Spirit (Ephesians 3:16,20 Philippians 2:12‐13). “by the Spirit” = listening for His leading, obedience to His will, and dependence on His power (8:13b)
3. God calls us to a lifestyle of continually choosing to “put to death” the things that hold us back from God’s best. (8:13c)
   

   “For sin will have no mastery over you…” (Romans 6:14)
   “You also lived your lives in this way at one time… But now…” (Colossians 3:5‐9)
   “If your hand or your foot causes you to sin…” (Matthew 18:8‐9)
   “I subdue my body and make it my slave,…” (1 Corinthians 9:24‐27)
   
   “If anyone wants to become my follower, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me.” (Luke 9:23‐25)
   

4. God promises us freedom and “fruitfulness” — as we “live by the Spirit.”
   
• “…you will live…” (8:13d)
  

  “live by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16)
  
  “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22‐23)
  

• “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are the sons of God.”

How are you living out this principle?
What are you now “putting to death” — so you can “live” more fully the way God wants you to live?

Doing:

• This week, look for anything “of the flesh” that keeps you from fully experiencing being led by the Spirit of God.
• Depending upon the power of God’s Spirit, choose to “put to death” that sin.
• Ask God to “fill” you with His Spirit—and enable you to please God in that area of your life.