The Spirit and the Flesh 

Scripture Reading: Romans 8:1-17.

Memory Verse: "For as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name" (John 1:12).

Introduction: What does it mean to be "in Christ?" In these verses of Romans, Paul begins a discourse on the Christian's status with God. Although the believer is subject to failings and weaknesses, Paul reminds us that we are "in Christ"--we are connected with Christ by faith and His Spirit gradually transforms us to be more and more like Jesus.
  William A. Mueller (Basic Christian Doctrines) tells us that the phrase "in Christ Jesus" occurs 164 times in Paul's writings. He continues by telling what Paul encompasses in the phrase, "in Christ": "In Christ" we were chosen, called, foreordained, created unto good works . . .; "In Christ" each believer is justified, sanctified, but also crucified . . .; "In Christ" and in Him alone we have redemption, eternal life, and righteousness . . .--Paul Lee Tan, Encyclopedia of 7,700 Illustrations: Signs of the Times, pp. 517,518.
  God does not just command the believer to keep the Law without providing His power to enable us to keep it. Because we are "in Christ" we are given the ability to live righteously and obey His commands. "In Christ" God causes us to triumph, and that always, without failure.
  The story is told of Ludwig Nommensen, a missionary to the Batak tribesmen,  who was told that he could stay for two years to study the customs and traditions that ruled the people. At the end of the time, the chief asked him if he saw any differences between the tribe's traditions and the Christian religion. "We, too, have laws that say we must not steal, nor take our neighbor's wife, nor bear false witness," the chief said.
  The missionary answered, "My Master gives the power to keep His laws." The chief was startled. "Can you teach my people that?" he asked.
  "No, I cannot," the missionary replied. "But God can give them that power if they ask for it and listen to His Word."
  The missionary was permitted to stay another six months, during which time he preached just one thing--the power of God. At the end of that time, the chief said, "Stay; your law is better than ours. Ours tells us what we ought to do. Your God says, 'Come, I will walk with you and give you strength to do the good thing.' "
  There are now over 450,000 Batak Christians, with their own independent church organizations.--Dr. Edgar C. James, Romans: Amazing Grace, p. 76.

Lesson Questions:

1. What remarkable forgiveness do we have in Christ, and how was it achieved? Romans 8:1,2; John 3:18; 5:24; Isaiah 43:25; Romans 12:5; 1 Corinthians 10:17; 2 Corinthians 3:17; Galatians 5:1-6.
The comparison between the old Law and the new Law of the Spirit can be understood by considering the principal that operates every time an airplane flies. The law of gravity says it should never fly. But the law of aerodynamics counteracts that law and the airplane flies. The law of gravity is not eliminated--it still exists and controls--but it is superseded.--Donald Grey Barnhouse, God's Heirs, Volume 3, p. 60.

2. How were we made free from the Law of sin and death? Romans 8:3,4; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 9:14; 1 Peter 1:18-21; Galatians 3:13; Ephesians 4:8.

3. Contrast the focus and the fate of the carnal mind to that of the spiritual mind. Romans 8:5-8; 12:2; Ephesians 4:17,22-24; Colossians 2:18; Titus 1:15; 2 Corinthians 10:5; Philippians 4:8; Proverbs 21:16.

4. What is it, ironically, that causes men to dwell in the Spirit of God? Romans 8:9; John 14:16,17,20,23; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19; Ezekiel 36:27; 1 John 2:27.

5. How does God compensate for the corruption of our flesh and sinfulness? Romans 8:10,11; 2 Corinthians 4:11; 1 Corinthians 15:50-53; John 11:25.

6. What is the only way that a man can gain victory over his flesh? Romans 8:12,13; Galatians 5:16,24; Colossians 3:5; 1 Peter 4:2.
It is not within the power of man to overcome in his own strength, but it is within our power to submit to the Holy Spirit for His leading and guidance, and for His work of mortification within us.--Donald Grey Barnhouse, God's Freedom, Volume 3, (Romans 6:1-7:25), p. 91. No man can crucify himself. Such a death must be inflicted by another.--Donald Grey Barnhouse, God's Heirs, Volume 3, pp. 138,139.

7. Identify those whom the Bible calls "sons of God." Romans 8:14,15; John 1:12; 2 Corinthians 6:17,18; Galatians 4:4,6.

8. In what ways does the Holy Spirit bear witness with our spirit? Romans 8:16,17; 5:5; 2 Corinthians 5:5; 1:7; Ephesians 4:30; Titus 3:7; Galatians 3:29; 2 Timothy 2:12.
All that it means to be joint-heirs with Christ is a study unto itself. If you wish to research in more depth, refer to the  study outline provided.