Romans 8: Progressing Towards Spiritual Sonship

Romans 8: Progressing Towards Spiritual Sonship

As we have explored the transformative truths of Romans 6 and 7, we see the essential steps in the believer’s journey—being dead to sin and delivered from the law. These foundational realities pave the way for the joyous achievement found in Romans 8. When these truths become functional through obedience to the Word and yielding to righteousness, we experience freedom from condemnation and enter a season of spiritual growth, progressing toward spiritual sonship.

Romans 8 captures this culmination—a triumphant declaration of the Spirit's work in us, enabling us to walk in newness of life, free from the flesh and aligned with the Spirit. This sets the stage for even deeper maturity, where we embrace Paul’s exhortation in Ephesians: “Be no more children, but grow up in the Lord” (paraphrase of Ephesians 4:14-15). Let us now dive into Romans 8:1-11 and explore how the Spirit of God operates within us to produce life, peace, and the fruits of righteousness.

Romans 8:1-4 - No Condemnation: Walking in the Spirit

Romans 8 opens with a triumphant declaration: “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit” (Romans 8:1). This is the epitome of our deliverance from sin and the law. We are no longer condemned, for the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has freed us from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:2). What the law could not accomplish due to the weakness of the flesh, God has done through the sacrifice of His Son (Romans 8:3).

The righteousness of the law is now fulfilled in us—not by our efforts but by the Spirit—as we walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit (Romans 8:4). To experience this freedom, we must yield to the Word of God in obedience. It is through this yielding and obedience to the truths of the Word that causes us to walk after the Spirit, enabling us to live in alignment with God's will.

This step is transformative, for it shifts our focus from external rules to internal renewal. We are no longer striving under the burden of condemnation; rather, we are walking in the liberty of the Spirit, filled with the Word that guides and empowers us.

Romans 8:5-8 - Carnal Mind vs. Spiritual Mind

Paul reiterates the importance of walking after the Spirit by contrasting the carnal mind and the spiritual mind. “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” (Romans 8:5). A carnal mind, focused on the lusts of the flesh, the lusts of the eyes, and the pride of life (1 John 2:16), leads to death and separation from God (Romans 8:6). The carnal mind is enmity against God, unable to submit to His law or please Him (Romans 8:7-8).

On the other hand, a spiritual mind is life and peace (Romans 8:6). This is a mind renewed and transformed by the Word of God—a progressive and active process. To develop a spiritual mind, believers must immerse themselves in the Scriptures, meditating on them, internalizing them, and allowing them to overwhelm and influence their thoughts, speech, actions, and motives. “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). This renewal comes from constant study and interaction with God's Word, not passive expectation.

The spiritual mind aligns with the principles of truth and through yielding to these principles , produces the fruits of righteousness. It is through this intentional process of engaging with the Word that believers begin to walk after the Spirit and experience life and peace.

Romans 8:9-11 - The Victorious Conclusion: The Spirit Dwells in You

Paul concludes this section with the victorious proclamation that we are not in the flesh but in the Spirit if the Spirit of God dwells in us (Romans 8:9). “Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His” (Romans 8:9). The presence of the Spirit in us signifies that the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness (Romans 8:10). This is the culmination of the truths explored in Romans 6 through 8: the Spirit of God working in us, transforming us from within.

The Spirit’s operation within us is synonymous with the Word dwelling richly in us (Colossians 3:16). As we fill our minds with Scripture, the Spirit influences our thoughts, speech, actions, and motives, leading us to live victoriously. “If the Spirit of Him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, He that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by His Spirit that dwelleth in you” (Romans 8:11).

This truth awakens us to our spiritual inheritance. We are heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17). The Spirit strengthens us in trials and suffering, reminding us of God’s purpose: to conform us to the image of Christ and prepare us for participation in His glory in the ages to come (Romans 8:18-19). Most importantly, the Spirit reveals the depth, height, width, and length of God’s love for us—a love that surpasses all understanding (Romans 8:38-39).

Encouragement: Moving Forward to Ephesians

Romans 8 represents the victorious conclusion of the lessons found in chapters 6 through 8. It shows us the functional reality of being dead to sin and delivered from the law through obedience unto righteousness. As we walk in this truth, we experience freedom, growth, and maturity, progressing towards spiritual sonship. Romans is the foundation of these things, but we must not neglect the lessons learned in Corinthians and Galatians. Romans to Galatians lay the groundwork and education we need to be prepared for what Paul is going to reveal as we move forward into Ephesians, in which Paul exhorts believers to grow up in the Lord and embrace their spiritual inheritance.

Let this teaching encourage you to yield to the Spirit's work in your life. Embrace the Word, allow it to renew your mind, and walk boldly in the Spirit. Trust in the transformative power of God working in you to will and to do of His good pleasure (Philippians 2:13). Through this journey, you will experience the fullness of life, peace, and the love of God in Christ Jesus.