Romans - October 26, 2008

SECTION --- Four: Sanctification (6:1-8:39) .
(continued from previous Class Follow Up)

OBSERVATION (8:14)
Those belonging to God are lead by the Holy Spirit, not feelings, emotions, or desires (be they good or bad) of the flesh. If one ceases to walk in the sphere of Holy Spirit influenced they cease being a son of God, even if they have been baptized to receive remission of their sins.
D. Evidence Applied [Discussion Question Answered] — What does being led by the Holy Spirit mean?
1. Allowing your inward man to be influenced by the Holy Spirit and not be influenced by the outward man. Also means the inward man, as influenced by the Holy Spirit, will influence the outward man to be righteous (serve God).
a. Tools used by the inward man (spirit) for making decisions are: Memory, Reason, Contemplations, Perception, and Judgment.
b. Tools used by the outward man (flesh) for making decisions are: Sight, Hear, Taste, Touch, Smell.
E. Conclusion — At Rom 8:1 we are told there is no condemnation for those having chose to be “in Christ” (those influenced by Christ). At Rom 8:14 we are told those led by the Holy Spirit, not by the desires of the flesh, are sons of God. To these followers of Christ Paul does not discuss the specific means of being led by the Holy Spirit other than mankind has a choice of being influenced by the Holy Spirit or by the desires of the flesh.

XIII. {Rom 8:15-16} Third Argument — Assurance of the relationship (The Spirit’s testimony)
A. Introduction
1. Review — The rectorial question (?) of Rom 6:1-2 has as its foundation Paul’s position justification is by grace, not by any law of merit; including the Law of Moses (Rom 5:15). Those adherents to the concept only a law of merit (Law of Moses) can prevent a person from continuing in sin have suggest without the LOM people will continue to sin because they can. Paul’s position is grace is the means to be Justified before God and grace is also the means to be Sanctified, live a life where sin is not the master, sin is not the standard to be followed. Paul has shown those under a law of merit are not truly free from the guilt of sin — the only way to be free is by the way of Christ (Rom 7:24-25). To this place in Romans 8 Paul has presented two arguments to support his position they are sanctified because they have received Divine help: 1) (8:1-4) Thanks to Jesus Christ there is no condemnation, 2) (8:5-14) Sons of God are led by the Holy Spirit.
2. Preview — (Rom 8:15-16) What the Holy Spirit does for the sons of God (8:14).
B. Question For Discussion?
1. How can those freed from the law of merit know, during trying struggles and conflicts, they are God’s children, thus, not be “wretched”?
C. Questions For Encouraging Discussion...
1. (8:15) PONDER: Are they son of God because they received the Spirit?
a. No. They are son of God by faith and because they are sons they receive the Spirit (Gal 4:6; Rom 3:21-26; 6:3-4)
2. (8:15) Does the word “again” have significance, if so, what is the significance?
a. The “wretched man” (7:24) was fearful for he was failing to earn salvation by living “right”, but those in Christ do not live in fear for their salvation is based on what Christ has done not what they have done (earned).
3. (8:15) What does Paul mean when he says they received — i.e., how do they receive what they receive, did they have a choice?
a. “received” = G2983; lambano; to take, to receive. Indicative — a positive assertion; Aorist — action taken in the past; Active — action accomplished by the subject of the verb.
b. Little “s” is best for the readers chose and took the type of spirit (attitude, inward man) they wanted, it was not forced upon them. The gospel was presented to them and they chose to accept it or reject it. They could chose to be adopted or remain in bondage. (cf. Act 13:46) (Rom 1:16; 5:1).

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
A LOOK AHEAD
4. (8:15) What is the significance of crying out, “Abba! Father!?
a.
(OBSERVATION 8:15)
Those in (influenced by) Christ are not wretched, are not filled with fear, for they have a spirit (inward man, attitude) of adoption as God’s son not of fear as a slave to the flesh (outward) as does the man of Rom 7:24 — those under a law of merit.
5. (8:16) PONDER: Readers are called sons of God at 8:14, but children of God here, is there any significance of so what is it?
a.
6. (8:16) What does “beareth witness with” or “testifies with” mean?
a.
7. (8:16) Does this knowledge help the man of Rom 7:24 and if so how does it help?
a.
8. (8:16) PONDER: How does the Holy Spirit bear witness with, not to, the reader’s spirit?
a.
9. (8:16) PONDER: How does the reader’s spirit bear witness with the Holy Spirit?
a.
(OBSERVATION 8:16)
Informs why the readers can know (have confidence) they are not wretched, i.e., the Holy Spirit testifies with their inward man they are set free — they are God’s children.

D. Evidence Applied [Discussion Question Answered] — How can those freed from the law of merit know, during trying struggles and conflicts, they are God’s children, thus, not be “wretched”?
1.
E. Conclusion —

XIV. {Rom 8:17-25} Fourth Argument — In hope we have been saved
A. Introduction
1. Review — This section (Rom 6:1- 8:39) begins with the question, “If one is saved by grace what would motivated then to not continue serving Sin?” The foundation for this question is Paul’s (Jesus the Christ’s) position humans are justified by grace, not law of merit. Paul is showing those in Christ (those influenced by Christ) do not require any law of merit to make them serve Christ, i.e., not serve sin. Paul shows an obligation to any law of merit does not really set a person free from sin (Rom 7:24). The man at Romans 7:24 is either a Christian trying to pleased God using a law of merit or a non-Christian trying to please God by a law of merit, but failing. The man recognizes it is not his efforts that set him free from sin but Christ’s efforts (Rom 7:25). In Romans 8 the readers are presented with seven arguments supporting the position Christian have Deity’s help in their battle with Sin for their eternal soul. Three arguments have been presented: 1) Thanks to Christ there is no condemnation; 2) Sons of God are led by the Holy Spirit; 3) Holy Spirit’s assurance they are children of God.
2. Preview — (8:17-25) Fourth argument is Deity’s assurance, during suffering, of the hope of redemption from this present world into the glories of Heaven. Does not discuss the why of suffering but the dealing with suffering — the not giving up while suffering.
B. Question For Discussion?
1. How can the Justified endure suffering?
C. Questions For Encouraging Discussion...
1. (8:17) What class or type of suffering is being addressed?
a.
2. (8:17) How does one suffer with Christ? (cf. 2TI 3:10-12}
a.
(OBSERVATION 8:17)
As children the readers are heirs of God, thus, will suffer with and be glorified with Christ.
3. (8:18) Does Paul’s “reckon” or consider” carry any weight on what is of value or worth — if so why?
a.
4. (8:18) While suffering has little worth it does have a purpose, consider: 2CO 4:17; JAM 1:2-3; 1Pe 1:6-7)
a.
(OBSERVATION 8:18)
Paul, a man inspired by the Holy Spirit, a man having seen and heard things he cannot tell, says heaven far surpasses what this life offers — it would be foolhardy to reject his testimony because I have not seen or heard it first hand.
5. (8:19) What is the meaning of “earnest expectation” [“anxious longing”]?
a.
6. (8:19) What is the meaning of “creation” or “creature”?
a.
7. Who are “the sons of God”?
a.
(OBSERVATION 8:19)
Staying with the context of why one is no longer wretched because of Christ the creation’s response assures the justified (the ex-wretched) heaven is worth the suffering.
8. {ROM 8:20-23} Four views or positions regarding (what it is) “the creation that anticipates” the revealing and deliverance of the sons of God considered...
a. Millennialist view of the creation – Earth will be made new when Christ returns and sets up His earthly (physical) kingdom...
(1) Scriptures clearly show kingdom (abstract noun meaning “rule”) now exits and there will not be a physical kingdom (concrete noun) set up [Mar 9:1; Act 2:30,33; Col 1:13; et al.].
(2) Scriptures teach the earth will be destroyed when Christ returns [2Pe 3:1-13; Rev 21:1] — Time, Space, Mass cease.
b. The creation is the unredeemed portion of humanity...
(1) Not likely for the unredeemed will not be “set free...into freedom of glory”. [8:21]
(2) This portion of humanity will be delivered into condemnation [Joh 5:29; Heb 10:27], thus, they are not “waiting eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God” [8:19]
c. The creation is the church...
(1) {8:19,23} Creation is a group separate from “sons of God”.
(a) (8:23) “firstfruits” does not mean ones who first receive fruits (Apostles) , but those receiving “best fruit” — those receiving salvation (sons of God) [1Co 15:20; Col 1:18].
d. The creation is the personification of the physical creation...
(1) Creation longing for time when its purpose has been served...
(a) {Cf. 8:20 w/ GEN 3:17-18} Adam’s sin had a negative impact on creation — this globe is in physical turmoil.
(b) {PSA 114:1-8} Earth’s reaction when Israel left Egypt.
(c) Also see {PSA 96:12; 98:8} & [Isa 35:1; 55:12].
(2) When all of God’s children leave this “vail of tears” to enter the spiritual Promise Land the rejoicing will surpass rejoicing when God’s children left Egyptian bondage to enter physical Promise Land for the spiritual is superior to the physical
(OBSERVATION 8:20-23)
View four (d) seems to have less problems than the other three views.
9. (8:24) What is the meaning of “hope” as used here?
a.
10. (8:24) What, in this place, is meant by seen and sees?
a.
11. PONDERING: What is there about “the hope” (redemption) that prevents it from being in the possession of a Christian at this time. (Consider the realm of the Christians and the realm of the hope.)
a.
12. (8:24) Considering 8:23 as the reason or foundation for 8:24, what is “not “hope”? What is “hope”?
a.
(OBSERVATION 8:24)
Suffering does not damping the Christian’s positive confidence in their unseen, but promised, salvation (redemption).
13. (8:25) What is the meaning of “patience” as used here?
a.
14. (8:25) What, as used here, is the meaning of “wait”?
a.
15. (8:25) What is the “it”?
a.
(OBSERVATION 8:25)
Informs why those in Christ, led by the Spirit, testified by the Spirit as being children have positive confidence in the “hope” — are actively looking forward to the promised glory, the released from their physical bodies.
D. Evidence Applied [Discussion Question Answered] — How can the Justified endure suffering?
E. Conclusion —

XV. {Rom 8:26-27} Fifth Argument — He intercedes

Romans - October 19, 2008

SECTION --- Four: Sanctification (6:1-8:39) .
(continued from previous Class Follow Up)

14. (8:10) Is “dead” and “life” referring to physical, spiritual, or something else?
a. The body (outward man) is dead to the influence of sin and the spirit (inward man) is alive to the influence of Christ, thus, doing what please God.
(1) The outward man will experience physical death with or without sin, what is being addressed is the avenue of attack used by sin is the body (flesh).
b. {Rom 6:11-12} It is possible for a baptized believer to allow sin to once again reign in their body — to allow their body to be influenced by sin.
c. Christians are righteous because their inward man (spirit) has a relationship with the Holy Spirit.
OBSERVATION: (8:10) The request made at 7:22-24 has been fulfilled for those influenced by Christ, thanks to the relationship they have with the Trinity (v.9), thus, have been set free from flesh being their master (the outward man is in control); they can now serve God with their spirit (inward man is in control).
15. (8:11) The conflict of 7:16 is the inward man wants to serve God but the outward man will not let him. How does this verse prevent the doctrine that our relationship with the Holy Spirit means the inward man can serve God and the outward man can or will continue to serve evil and will not impact their spending eternity with God?
a. Inward man’s relationship with the Spirit gives us the power to do what the Law could not do, the power to control the outward man (cf. Rom 8:13; 2Co 4:11)
(1) Those in Christ do not need the Law of Moses to make them us righteous.
OBSERVATION (8:11) The consequences for those set free from the body of spiritual death (the outward man as their master) they will also receive life in their physical body, i.e., the outward man will be influenced by the inward man because of Holy Spirit’s influencing relationship (dwelling) with the inward man — the inward man will have the power to control the outward man. (Do not see any reason for Paul to address the future resurrection of our current body at Christ’s return in this context.)
16. (8:12-13) When a disciple of Christ is obligated to the flesh does this mean they are obligated to do evil?
a. No. It means they must live as the desires of the flesh dictate, i.e. feelings and desires (outward man) determine what is good and bad.
17. (8:12-13) What is meant by “shall die”?
a. Not physical death for all die a physical death, but spiritual death (separation from God).
18. What is the eternal consequences of being obligated to the flesh?
a. Eternal separation from God, your spirit ( inward man) will not be with God.
19. PONDER: Does “putting to death the deeds of the body” mean just stop doing evil?
a. No. It means you must stop letting the body determine what is right and wrong, for you now have a new authority to determine right and wrong, you do not search the Scriptures to justify what you are doing. The Word of God determines what is right, something is not right because the Word of God agrees with the old authority; the old authority is right because it agrees with the Word of God.
OBSERVATION (8:12-13)
The readers do not have an obligation or a debt to serve the outward man, to strive to please the outward man, to live according to the desired (be they good or bad) of the flesh. For living as if you have a relationship with (serving) the flesh you will die spiritually, if you live as if you have a relationship with (serving) the Holy Sprit you will not die a spiritual death.
20. In what sphere of influence does a son of God live?
a. Son of God is influenced (led) by the Holy Spirit, not the sphere of the flesh.
21. Paul does not inform how one is lead by the Holy Spirit, why not?
a. Letter is addressed to those who have obeyed the gospel (Rom 1: 6; 16) and his goal is not to show how the Holy Spirit leads but to show them the Holy Spirit is active in their sanctification (being sons of God) because they have obeyed the gospel — God salvation and sanctification power (Rom 1:16).
b. No reason to think Paul is suggesting something besides the gospel is required, for example, the Holy Spirit is working independent of the gospel, for he began by stating the purpose of the gospel (good news of Christ) — it is God salvation power.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
A LOOK AHEAD

OBSERVATION (8:14)
Those belonging to God are lead by the Holy Spirit, not feelings, emotions, or desires (be they good or bad) of the flesh. If one ceases to walk in the sphere of Holy Spirit influenced they cease being a son of God, even if they have been baptized to receive remission of their sins.
D. Evidence Applied [Discussion Question Answered] — What does being led by the Holy Spirit mean?
1.
E. Conclusion —

XIII. {Rom 8:15-16} Third Argument
A. Introduction
1. Review — The rectorial question (?) of Rom 6:1-2 has as its foundation Paul’s position justification is by grace, not by any law of merit; including the Law of Moses (Rom 5:15). Those adherents to the concept only a law of merit (Law of Moses) can prevent a person from continuing in sin have suggest without the LOM people will continue to sin because they can. Paul’s position is grace is the means to be Justified before God and grace is also the means to be Sanctified, live a life where sin is not the master, sin is not the standard to be followed. Paul has shown those under a law of merit are not truly free from the guilt of sin — the only way to be free is by the way of Christ (Rom 7:24-25). To this place in Romans 8 Paul has presented two arguments to support his position they are sanctified because they have received Divine help: 1) (8:1-4) Thanks to Jesus Christ there is no condemnation, 2) (8:5-14) Sons of God are led by the Holy Spirit.
2. Preview — (Rom 8:15-16) What the Holy Spirit does for the sons of God (8:14).
B. Question For Discussion?
1. How can those freed from the law of merit know, during trying struggles and conflicts, they are God’s children, thus, not be “wretched”?
C. Questions For Encouraging Discussion...
1. (8:15) PONDER: Are they son of God because they received the Spirit?
a.
2. (8:15) Does the word “again” have significance, if so, what is the significance?
a.
3. (8:15) What does Paul mean when he says they received — i.e., how do they receive what they receive, did they have a choice?
a.
4. (8:15) What is the significance of crying out, “Abba! Father!?
a.
(OBSERVATION 8:15)
Those in (influenced by) Christ are not wretched, are not filled with fear, for they have a spirit (inward man, attitude) of adoption as God’s son not of fear as a slave to the flesh (outward) as does the man of Rom 7:24 — those under a law of merit.
5. (8:16) PONDER: Readers are called sons of God at 8:14, but children of God here, is there any significance of so what is it?
a.
6. (8:16) What does “beareth witness with” or “testifies with” mean?
a.
7. (8:16) Does this knowledge help the man of Rom 7:24 and if so how does it help?
a.
8. (8:16) PONDER: How does the Holy Spirit bear witness with, not to, the reader’s spirit?
a.
9. (8:16) PONDER: How does the reader’s spirit bear witness with the Holy Spirit?
a.
(OBSERVATION 8:16)
Informs why the readers can know (have confidence) they are not wretched, i.e., the Holy Spirit testifies with their inward man they are set free — they are God’s children.

D. Evidence Applied [Discussion Question Answered] — How can those freed from the law of merit know, during trying struggles and conflicts, they are God’s children, thus, not be “wretched”?
1.
E. Conclusion —

XIV. {Rom 8:17-25} Fourth Argument — In hope we have been saved

Romans - October 12, 2008

SECTION --- Four: Sanctification (6:1-8:39) .
(continued from previous Class Follow Up)


10. (8:9) “dwell” (reside) is used in Romans only at 7:17,18,20 and 8:9,11. As Paul is using the word what does he mean by “dwell in”?
a. “in” = with the Impersonal Dative (impersonal recipient of action) it means “in a car”, “in heaven”, etc. or with the Personal Dative (personal recipient of action), as used here, it means “influenced by”, i.e. does not mean living in someone but “influencing” someone.
11. (8:9) What are your thoughts on flesh and Spirit, i.e., is Spirit referring to the Holy Spirit or the inward man (spirit)?
a. Flesh is not evil nor good, it is just the body’s covering. Paul uses “flesh” as the area where lust or desires are filled or enjoyed {cf. Rom 13:14; 6:6}
b. “in” = as used here with the Personal Dative it means “influenced by”.
c. There are only two master or influences (Satan or Deity), thus, it is a contrast between which master we have a relationship (who is our influence), i.e., whose criteria for doing what one does, serve flesh(as controlled by Mr. Sin) and do what the outward man (flesh) wants or serve the spirit (inward man as controlled by Holy Spirit) and do what the Holy Spirit wants (cf. Rom 7:24; Rom 8:5-6).
d. The Holy Spirit works through the inward man (spirit) using the tools of the inward man — Memory, Reason, Contemplation, Perception, and Judgment — but the Holy Spirit is not the inward man (the part made in the image of God that never dies).
(1) Memory, Reason, Contemplation, Perception, and Judgment (inward man) can be used by Mr. Sin (Satan) or Holy Spirit.
e. It could be Flesh versus Spirit (source of influence is under discussion) or flesh and spirit (area being influenced, i.e., outward man versus inward man is under discussion), but not flesh (what is influence) versus Holy Spirit (source of influence) and still remain a logical contrast.
12. (8:9) Is this verse teaching God has a Spirit, Christ has a Spirit, and there is also a Holy Spirit?
a. No, one not serving master Flesh has only Deity, i.e., all three of the Trinity (God, Son, Spirit), as their master. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God and Christ. (cf. Acts 16:6-7 in a version other than KJV)
OBSERVATION (8:9) Paul’s reader’s, who are Christians, i.e., belong to Christ (Rom 1:6-8), do not have a relationship with (i.e., influenced by) the flesh but the Holy Spirit — the Holy Spirit is their master (their master). Paul does not address when their relationship (dwelling) with the Holy Spirit began, it is just stated as a fact for those who are Christ’s disciples (cf. Rom 6:3-4)
13. (8:10) Considering the contrast is it “Spirit” or “spirit”?
a. The outward man (flesh) is dead and the inward man (spirit) is alive.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

A LOOK AHEAD
14. (8:10) Is “dead” and “life” referring to physical, spiritual, or something else?
a.
15. (8:11) The conflict of 7:16 is the inward man wants to serve God but the outward man will not let him. How does this verse prevent the doctrine that our relationship with the Holy Spirit means the inward man can serve God and the outward man can or will continue to serve evil and will not impact their spending eternity with God?
a.
16. (8:12-13) When a disciple of Christ is obligated to the flesh does this mean they are obligated to do evil?
a.
17. (8:12-13) What is meant by “shall die”?
a.
18. What is the eternal consequences of being obligated to the flesh?
a.
19. PONDER: Does “putting to death the deeds of the body” mean just stop doing evil?
a. .
OBSERVATION (8:12-13)
The readers do not have an obligation or a debt to serve the outward man, to strive to please the outward man, to live according to the desired (be they good or bad) of the flesh. For living as if you have a relationship with (serving) the flesh you will die spiritually, if you live as if you have a relationship with (serving) the Holy Sprit you will not die a spiritual death.
20. In what sphere of influence does a son of God live?
a. .
21. Paul does not inform how one is lead by the Holy Spirit, why not?
a.
OBSERVATION (8:14)
Those belonging to God are lead by the Holy Spirit, not feeling, emotions, or desires (be they good or bad) of the flesh. If one ceases to walk in the sphere of Holy Spirit influenced they cease being a son of God, even if they have been baptized to receive remission of their sins.
D. Evidence Applied [Discussion Question Answered] — What does being led by the Holy Spirit mean?
1.
E. Conclusion —

XIII. {Rom 8:15-16} Third Argument
A. Introduction
1. Review — The rectorial question (?) of Rom 6:1-2 has as its foundation Paul’s position justification is by grace, not by any law of merit; including the Law of Moses (Rom 5:15). Those adherents to the concept only a law of merit (Law of Moses) can prevent a person from continuing in sin have suggest without the LOM people will continue to sin because they can. Paul’s position is grace is the means to be Justified before God and grace is also the means to be Sanctified, live a life where sin is not the master, sin is not the standard to be followed. Paul has shown those under a law of merit are not truly free from the guilt of sin — the only way to be free is by the way of Christ (Rom 7:24-25). To this place in Romans 8 Paul has presented two arguments to support his position they are sanctified because they have received Divine help: 1) (8:1-4) Thanks to Jesus Christ there is no condemnation, 2) (8:5-14) Sons of God are led by the Holy Spirit.
2. Preview — (Rom 8:15-16) What the Holy Spirit does for the sons of God (8:14).
B. Question For Discussion?
1. How can those freed from the law of merit know, during trying struggles and conflicts, they are God’s children, thus, not be “wretched”?
C. Questions For Encouraging Discussion...
1. (8:15) PONDER: Are they son of God because they received the Spirit?
a.
2. (8:15) Does the word “again” have significance, if so, what is the significance?
a.
3. (8:15) What does Paul mean when he says they received — i.e., how do they receive what they receive, did they have a choice?
a.
4. (8:15) What is the significance of crying out, “Abba! Father!?
a.
(OBSERVATION 8:15)
Those in (influenced by) Christ are not wretched, are not filled with fear, for they have a spirit (inward man, attitude) of adoption as God’s son not of fear as a slave to the flesh (outward) as does the man of Rom 7:24 — those under a law of merit.
5. (8:16) PONDER: Readers are called sons of God at 8:14, but children of God here, is there any significance of so what is it?
a.
6. (8:16) What does “beareth witness with” or “testifies with” mean?
a.
7. (8:16) Does this knowledge help the man of Rom 7:24 and if so how does it help?
a.
8. (8:16) PONDER: How does the Holy Spirit bear witness with, not to, the reader’s spirit?
a.
9. (8:16) PONDER: How does the reader’s spirit bear witness with the Holy Spirit?
a.
(OBSERVATION 8:16)
Informs why the readers can know (have confidence) they are not wretched, i.e., the Holy Spirit testifies with their inward man they are set free — they are God’s children.

D. Evidence Applied [Discussion Question Answered] — How can those freed from the law of merit know, during trying struggles and conflicts, they are God’s children, thus, not be “wretched”?
1.
E. Conclusion —

XIV. {Rom 8:17-25} Fourth Argument — In hope we have been saved

Romans - October 5, 2008

SECTION --- Four: Sanctification (6:1-8:39) .
(continued from previous Class Follow Up)

XII. {Rom 8:5-14} Second Argument — Sons of God led by the Holy Spirit
A. Introduction
1. Review — Paul is continuing his logical response to the, perhaps rhetorical, question of Romans 6:1-2 on why a Christian saved by grace and not restrained by the Law of Moses will not continue in sin. Paul has presented the first of seven arguments or reasons found in Romans chapter eight on why or how the man of Roman 7:24 has been set free from the body of death by the efforts of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. When a person saved by grace understands what deity has done and is doing to help them overcome sin it would be illogical for one to think they require the Law of Moses to keep them from continuing in sin. The ones Paul is addressing are not interested in only using the Law of Moses as personal tool but want to bind the Law’s requirements, and perhaps some of their own, on those saved by the gospel as a means to be sanctified.
2. Preview — The part played by the Holy Spirit in helping the saved remain saved. A failure to understand how the Holy Spirit operates has caused some misunderstanding of the Holy Spirit’s efforts or work in our salvation and sanctification.
B. Question For Discussion?
1. What does being led by the Holy Spirit mean?
C. Questions For Encouraging Discussion...
1. (8:5) “do mind”; “mind”; “set mind” = G5426; phroneo; verb; to have understanding, be wise; to direct one’s mind to a thing, to seek, to strive for, to judge. Paul is not addressing one obeying (minding) but a person that is understanding.
2. (8:5) Is the contrast of masters between the outward man (flesh) and the inward man (spirit) or the Holy Spirit?
a. It is an issue between the flesh and deity, i.e., the Holy Spirit, for the inward man (mind, spirit), which is also the battle ground. (Rom 8:1-4)
3. (8:5) What is the contrast in this verse?
a. Serving the God given physical desires of the flesh or the desires of the Holy Spirit.
b. Not suggesting “flesh” is evil for flesh is neither good or evil, Paul only means one serving the flesh is controlled by physical desires, be they good or bad desires.
OBSERVATION (8:5) Two types of people, those whose understanding (function of inward man) is mastered by the desires of physical (may or may not be evil) and those whose understanding (function of inward man) is mastered by the desires of the Holy Spirit. (cf. Rom 7:25)
4. NOTE: (8:6) “minded”; “mind” = noun; what one has in the mind, the thoughts and purposes (the inward man)
5. (8:6) Is the issue the results of a mind set on good and a mind set on evil?
a. No. The issue is a mind set on serving the flesh and a mind set on serving the Holy Spirit.
6. (8:6) What is the death Paul is discussing?
a. The death of the soul, i.e., separation from God for eternity.
OBSERVATION (8:6) The issues is not good or evil (the man of Rom 7:7-24 was trying to do good) but if one’s master (the one they serve) is the flesh or things of the Holy Spirit (cf. 8:5)
7. (8:7-8) Why can the mind (inward man) set on the flesh not able to serve God?
a. All we know is the mind (inward man) wants to do good (obey the law of God [Rom 7:15-17]) but the mind’s master is the Flesh, thus, the mind (inward man) must serve Flesh (physical desires, Mr. Sin) and Flesh (the physical) is hostile toward serving God.
(1) Evidently “Flesh” has been hostile toward God from the beginning of time, even in the Garden of Eden.
8. PONDER: What is required for a mind set on the physical (flesh) to be saved?
a. Has been established the man of Romans 7:24 wants to serve God and knows he is not serving God, thus, he is not totally depraved, he just needs God’s help and that help is the gospel, God’s salvation power (Rom 1:16) — he needs to hear and accept the gospel.
9. PONDER: Considering Rom 7:24 why does a person with mind set on flesh serve flesh, even when he does not want to do so?
a. He does not have the power to be set free from serving the flesh, he needs help and knows he needs help.
b. To say it is because one is totally depraved is to let doctrine determine the passage’s meaning and not let the passage determine doctrine, for at this point we are not told why the man is powerless.
OBSERVATION (Chapters 7-8) Gives the why of the fact stated in verse 6, the mind (inward man) whose master is the flesh is hostile toward God and does not subject itself to God’s commandments, in fact it is powerless to do so. The issue is not what a person does, but why a person does what they do.
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A LOOK AHEAD
10. (8:9) “dwell” (reside) is used in Romans only at 7:17,18,20 and 8:9,11. As Paul is using the word what does he mean by “dwell in”?
a.
11. (8:9) What are your thoughts on flesh and Spirit, i.e., is Spirit referring to the Holy Spirit or the inward man (spirit)?
a.
12. (8:9) Is this verse teaching God has a Spirit, Christ has a Spirit, and there is also a Holy Spirit?
a.
13. (8:10) Considering the contrast is it “Spirit” or “spirit”?
a.
14. (8:10) Is “dead” and “life” referring to physical, spiritual, or something else?
a.
15. (8:11) The conflict of 7:16 is the inward man wants to serve God but the outward man will not let him. How does this verse prevent the doctrine that our relationship with the Holy Spirit means the inward man can serve God and the outward man can or will continue to serve evil and will not impact their spending eternity with God?
a.
16. (8:12-13) When a disciple of Christ is obligated to the flesh does this mean they are obligated to do evil?
a.
17. (8:12-13) What is meant by “shall die”?
a.
18. What is the eternal consequences of being obligated to the flesh?
a.
19. PONDER: Does “putting to death the deeds of the body” mean just stop doing evil?
a. .
OBSERVATION (8:12-13)
The readers do not have an obligation or a debt to serve the outward man, to strive to please the outward man, to live according to the desired (be they good or bad) of the flesh. For living as if you have a relationship with (serving) the flesh you will die spiritually, if you live as if you have a relationship with (serving) the Holy Spirit you will not die a spiritual death.
20. In what sphere of influence does a son of God live?
a. .
21. Paul does not inform how one is lead by the Holy Spirit, why not?
a.
OBSERVATION (8:14)
Those belonging to God are lead by the Holy Spirit, not feeling, emotions, or desires (be they good or bad) of the flesh. If one ceases to walk in the sphere of Holy Spirit influenced they cease being a son of God, even if they have been baptized to receive remission of their sins.
D. Evidence Applied [Discussion Question Answered] — What does being led by the Holy Spirit mean?
1.
E. Conclusion —

XIII. {Rom 8:15-16} Third Argument