Romans 8.10
But if Christ is in you,
then even though your body is subject to death because of sin,
the Spirit gives life [or, your spirit is alive] because of righteousness.
[NIV 2011]
Paul's argument in Romans 8: Blessed Assurance because we are in Christ
The presence of the SPIRIT of God [1-27]
The eternal PURPOSE of God [28-34]
The powerful LOVE of God [35-39]
Paul's argument in Romans 8.9-11
You are in the Spirit [9]
Christ is in you and you ARE alive [10]
God WILL raise you up body and soul [11]
Paul's firm belief in the Trinity
Paul's message of assurance based on what God is doing in us
- Our human nature includes the outer man and the inner man
a. Outer man: physical body
b. Inner man: spirit, soul, mind, heart, personality
- There is a tension between the two
Though outwardly we are wasting away,
yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. [2 Cor 4:16]
The spirit is willing, but the body is weak. [Matt 26.41]
- The body IS death
a. Because of Adam's sin [Rom 5.12]
b. outwardly we are wasting away
- The spirit IS life
a. Because of Christ's righteousness [Rom 5.21]
b. inwardly we are being renewed [Rom 6.11, 13, 20-23]
- Christ is the One who makes all the difference
So what?
Assurance [Rom 8.38-39]
Obligation [Rom 8.12-13]
John Olson