Be careful of false teaching

See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. Colossians 2:8

There are many various philosophies and teachings; it is difficult to sort out what is true. Paul’s warning is direct: See to it that no one takes you captive. Captive means “to carry away” or “kidnap.” Here it refers to someone being carried away from the truth into the slavery of error. Scripture teaches that anything is false if it lures us away from an unswerving devotion to the absolute supremacy of Christ.

This is not a blanket indictment against all philosophy. The reference here is to the particular philosophy, as seen in Paul’s description that follows, being promoted by the false teachers. This philosophy is hollow and deceptive, literally, an empty deception which stands in stark contrast to the fullness in Christ. The hollow and deceptive philosophy of the false teachers promises much but delivers nothing.

Rooted and Strengthened

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. Colossians 2:6-7

When we stop going forward, we stall; when we stall, we can fall. We received Christ Jesus as Lord; now we are to continue to live with him as our Lord. We should conduct every area of our lives in conscious submission to the lordship of Jesus Christ.

Plants without roots become tumbleweeds. It is the same for Christians that are not rooted in Christ; they are blown about by every wind of doctrine or any new appealing idea that comes along. Roots don’t exist for themselves: they exist to give the plant strength and help the plant get its necessary nutrients. The plant grows naturally when it is living in the right environment (rooted and strengthened). We grow naturally in Christ as live a faithful life, relying on his grace (just as we were taught).

One of the natural outcomes of a growing spiritual life is thankfulness. A thankful believer is not easily led away from Christ. A discontented, grumbling, whiny believer, however, will be easy prey for false teachers who are more than willing to offer “just what you’ve been missing.”

Paul's message

We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me. Colossians 1:28-29

I love the saying, “For God so loved the world that he didn’t send a committee.” The gospel is not a system, hierarchy, or set of regulations; it is the person and work of Jesus. Paul’s purpose was “to present everyone perfect in Christ.” And, he was willing to work and suffer to relay that message.

Paul used the term “struggling,” which occurs here and in the next verse (2:1), was used of athletes who painfully pursued athletic glory. Paul claimed, however, that his struggle was accompanied by God’s energy which energized him. We work hard, but Christ is at work in us; we are willing to suffer, but Christ gives us the strength and protection not to be burdened beyond what we, through His strength, can bear.

Rejoice in Suffering?

Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness. Colossians 1:24-25

The world today is all about pleasure and happiness. We go out of our way to make sure that our lives are filled with happiness and to avoid suffering at all costs. Paul reminds us in this passage that life includes suffering. The good news for the believer is that God uses suffering to make us more like Jesus and to mold and mature our character.

Paul knew suffering “up close and personal.” This letter to the church at Colosse was written from prison. He certainly wasn’t in prison by his own choice, however, he used his sufferings on behalf of others and because it allowed him to identify with Jesus Christ. When Paul says he is filling up what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, he isn’t saying that Jesus’ suffering on the cross was insufficient. On the contrary, Paul’s attitude is Jesus took the punishment for him; and that suffering brings about an identification with the Savior that nothing else can.


Philippians 3:10-11, “I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.”

Established and firm in the faith

“…if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.” Colossian 1:23

Paul is worried whether the Colossians will remain faithful, as he later states that he is confident they have understood what it means to be reconciled they will remain faithful to the gospel that reconciled them (Col. 2:5). He writes this as an expression both of confidence and as a warning to avoid the religious fads of the false teachers. It is obvious that Paul is also concerned about the sin of neglect; we simply stop paying attention and being drawn not toward God looking at faith, but rather ourselves.

God grant us a steadfast heart; one that is focused solely on you and the wonderful provisions you have made for our reconciliation. Let nothing, including ourselves, be allowed to move us away from the center of your will.

Made right with God

Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation. Colossians 1:21-22


Before reconciliation everyone was and is at odds with God. All of us were alienated and separated from God. See Ephesians 2:11–12 for another perspective on our position before reconciliation.

We were enemies in our minds. Our thoughts and our attitudes were hostile to God. Before we trusted Christ, our entire way of thinking was contrary to God’s. For us, and for those who have yet to be reconciled, the problem was and is simple; we refused to accept God’s evaluation of us as being sinners. We would also not accept God’s remedy for the situation, which is total dependence on Christ.

We were also enemies in our behavior. It’s not just that we thought wrong; we also acted wrong. Despite our opposition to God, he reconciled us through the death of Jesus.

The outcome of this reconciliation is peace and a future of hope. Our slate of sin has been wiped clean, and we look forward to the day we will stand before God holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation.

Reconciliation

For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. Colossians 1:19-20

Jesus was not just a good man or teacher; he is much more than that. Jesus is the full embodiment of God’s attributes and saving grace. It is only through Jesus that God is able to reconcile to himself to you and me. Reconciliation is the taking away of hostility and the reinstating friendly relations to parties who have been at war. God has reconciled us by making peace through Jesus’ blood, shed on the cross; therefore moving us toward restored harmony with him.

Christ is supreme

And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. Colossians 1:18

Jesus is sovereign over creation; and he is sovereign over the church. Jesus began his church, and he is its source of life and strength. The church takes its direction from Jesus and is under his authority. Our allegiance, as members of his chrch, is to Jesus.

Firstborn here has nothing to do with time. Others preceded Jesus in rising from the dead; Lazarus is one example (John 11:38–44). Jesus is first in rank. Others were raised only to die again. Jesus was the first person to rise, never to die again. He conquered death! (Now that is good news!) We have hope because of his death and resurrection (Philippians 3:10). Because of his resurrection, we are assured of our own resurrection (1 Cor. 15:20–23).

“He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” Colossians 1:17

Jesus is eternal, which is an attribute that can only be true of God; scripture states “he is before all things.” Jesus is also the powerful sustainer of the universe. The work of creation includes continually sustaining what was created. His power guarantees that the universe is under control and not chaotic, regardless of what things appear.

God does not create something, and then abandon it. No, he sees things through until completion. That includes the world he created, but also his work in us. Paul said in his letter to the Philippians (vs. 6), “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion…” And, as the old Sunday School song says,

He's still working on me to make me what I ought to be.

It took Him just a week to make the moon and stars,

The sun and the earth and Jupiter and Mars.

How loving and patient He must be, He's still working on me.

What a great God!

He is Lord!

“For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.” Colossians 1:16

There is a simple reason why Jesus holds the highest rank in creation; because he is the Creator of all things. There is nothing in the created order that Jesus did not create (John 1:3). Because he is the Creator, Jesus has absolute supremacy over all creation, including anything that is worshipped by those who choose not to follow him. Since only God can be the Creator, this means that Jesus, the perfect “photograph” of God, is even more than that; Jesus is God!

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. Colossians 1:15

Most people think Jesus was a good person and teacher; they have no problem at all with Jesus until you say, “no one comes to the Father, except through him” (John 14:6). According to false teachers in Paul’s day, Jesus got equal billing with a vast number of spirits flowing out of God. They said Jesus could be prominent, but he certainly wasn’t preeminent. Paul boldly tells the truth about Jesus.

Jesus is the image of God. The word Paul used here for image is the closest in ancient Greek to our word for photograph. Jesus is the perfect representation of God. This verse and others (John 1:18; 1 Tim. 1:17) tell us that God is invisible. The Phillips translation states (vs. 15), “Christ is the visible expression of the invisible God.”

Not only is Jesus the perfect picture of God, but he also holds the highest rank in the universe. Jesus is the firstborn over all creation. Firstborn is a term of rank more than it is a word of time (Ps. 89:27). The right of the firstborn was the right of privilege and priority. It was the honored position in the family. Jesus is the firstborn—the highest rank—in all of creation.

Redeemed and Forgiven

“For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:13-14

The good news of the Gospel is God Himself has rescued us from the dominion of darkness; therefore, delivering us from the ruling power of sin. The good news doesn’t end there; God has brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves. God has transferred us; he has moved us from one place to another. He has taken us from Satan’s dark realm and placed us into the bright light of Jesus’ kingdom.

God’s work of salvation includes redemption and forgiveness. To redeem someone means “to buy them back and set them free.” Jesus’ death was the price paid to buy us back and set us free from sin. Because of Christ’s death, we are set free from both the penalty and the power of sin. He has forgiven us, which is the canceling of the debt of our sin; something we could never repay. Thanks to God we are redeemed and forgiven.

Inheritance of righteousness

“…who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.” Colossians 1:12b

“Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord” Hebrews 12:14. This alone is a strong statement, however, taken in view of Isaiah 64:6, “All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags,” it goes into the realm of impossible. Left to our own devices, we are truly lost.

The good news is God alone qualifies us for anything coming to us (inheritance). God has always taken the initiative in bringing believers into his righteous presence. Perhaps Paul was thinking of Leviticus 11:44, “Be holy, because I am holy” (also 1 Pet 1:15). No one can claim holiness, apart from God’s declaration. When God qualifies us for his kingdom, he supplies righteousness, a necessary requirement for salvation. Since he declares us to be righteous by his grace, he alone qualifies us for entrance into the kingdom. Is it any wonder why this verse begins by the words, “giving thanks to the Father?”

Thankfulness

“…giving thanks to the Father...” Colossians 1:12a

Those who walk in the will of God are to be joyful thankful. This thankfulness is a heartfelt, genuine thankfulness that grows out of the experience of our salvation. We must never forget what God has done for us, and we should allow that life-changing experience to bring daily joy. God is to be thanked because he qualified us for an inheritance (1:12); he rescued us from darkness (1:13a); and he brought us into the Son’s kingdom (1:13b). We need to be consciously aware of our salvation; and we need to continually thank God for it.

Divine power

"being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience..." Colossians 1:11

Power is shown in two ways, first it is the ability to power something, and second, it is the power to rule or control. Here the text reads, "being strengthened with all power." Paul stresses that power is available to all believers. We need power to endure circumstances of life and to positively relate to other people. Endurance is the capacity to bear up under difficult circumstances.  All of us face events in life that must be endured; that power is available from Christ.

Patience is being emotionally calm in the face of provocation or misfortune without complaining or irritation. If we are honest with ourselves, we must admit that aggravation usually comes from other people. However, Christ provides us with the power to endure the struggles that come our way, and to do so with patience. Neither circumstances nor people are to upset the believer who is centered in the will of God.  The good news is that this power is available to all who know Christ.

Pleasing God

And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God. Colossians 1:10

A characteristic of those in God’s will is continued spiritual growth. There are two elements of spiritual growth that come together in this verse: valuable service (fruit) and growth in knowledge of God. “Bearing fruit in every good work” refers to the reproductive aspect of the Christian’s calling. A natural product of our Christian life must be the fruit of the Spirit evident in our lives. Second, there will be an increase in the knowledge of God. We, as believers, should be ever increasing in our knowledge of God, both mentally and spiritually. This should be a primary goal or motivation of our life. Paul, in his testimony to the Philippians (3:10), stating emphatically, “I want to know Christ…” Paul’s prayer is that we may live a life worthy of, and pleasing to, the Lord; to do that we are to bear fruit in every good work and grow in the knowledge of God.

Knowing Him

For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. Colossians 1:9

Paul prayed specifically for knowledge of the will of God, to fill the believers with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. Paul stressed a true knowledge of God and his will. Such knowledge must come from God since he alone clearly reveals his own mind. God takes the initiative to reveal himself (and his will) to those who seek Him. Most truths may be learned; divine truth must be revealed “through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.” Our response is to trust him to do His will.

Spiritual understanding includes wisdom: the acquisition of knowledge and the appropriate application of that knowledge. It gives the believer the ability to “act and think spiritually.” We must place ourselves in spiritual environments with hope and expectation that God will reveal his will regarding specific situations and matters. Paul’s point was not the difficulty of knowing God; it was the attitude required by the seeker of knowledge. God desires us to know Him; and that knowledge is readily available through Christ.

Faithfulness

You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf, and who also told us of your love in the Spirit. Colossians 1:7-8

The gospel message advances through the world by men and women who are called by Christ, and faithfully,communicate Gospel message of grace. Paul spoke of Epaphras, and his faithfulness. This is all we know about him, yet, there is no higher attribute than faithfulness. What is the one thing that you and I will be noted for?

Gospel of Christ

“…that has come to you. All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood God’s grace in all its truth.” Colossians 1:6

The Gospel will always bear fruit and grow! The growth is both reproductive (“bearing fruit”) and maturing (“increasing”); together the gospel accomplishes the work God intends. Paul uses the same term in verse 10 in his prayer for the Colossian Christians for their growth in the knowledge of God’s will; that they would please God by, “bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God.”

The Gospel must be solely focused on the person and work of Christ; there must be no other message preached. The advance of the gospel is the advance of the work of God in changing the lives of those who hear and believe the message.

Hope

“…the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel.” Colossians 1:5

Hope, subjectively, is an attitude or feeling that things will turn out okay. However, Paul used “hope” here in an objective sense; “that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel.” Hope inspires us and gives assurance and peace, even in life’s most difficult situations. Hope produces spiritual fruit (love and faith).

The Gospel of Christ gives us hope. The literal translation reads, “the truth, which is the gospel which came to you.” We have no need to seek some new teaching; the gospel is the word of truth.

Practicing faith

“…because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints.” Colossians 1:4

Paul had never visited the church at Colosse, however, he knew of its faithfulness. The wording, “faith in Christ Jesus,” suggests a 'practicing of faith,' rather than simply a statement of faith. Faith is the basis of our relationship with Christ. Paul refers to the writing of Habakkuk in Romans (1:17), “just as it is written, ‘the righteous will live by faith.” In fact, without faith (Hebrews 11:6), "it is impossible to please God."

The second evidence of the Colossian Christians’ growth was the presence of love. Love within the Christian community is indiscriminate, “love you have for all the saints.” Jesus said that love is the basis for unity in the Christian community (John 17:20–26). Such love fulfills two divine objectives: It represents Jesus to the world and it perfects the body of Christ.

Thank God for others

We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you. Colossians 1:3

Throughout his writings, we see the importance of prayer for Paul. He could pray in times of difficulty, and he could pray in times of joy. Here he demonstrates his thanksgiving in prayer. Paul wanted the people to know that he actually remembered them in prayer, although he had never met them. He was, as we read on, thankful for their faith and growth.

Paul believed in the supremacy of Christ; all things begin with, and are held together by Christ. Therefore, it should be no surprise that Paul begins his demonstration of gratitude with prayers of thanksgiving to God. When we pray for others in brings God into the equation. When we tell others that we thank God for them in our prayers, it makes the thankfulness more powerful.

Perfect love

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39

We have confidence that there is nothing that can separate us from the love of God that comes to us in Jesus. Paul’s list of ten terms moves from physical danger through the hierarchy of superhuman powers, those that now exist or ever will, powers from on high or from below, and concludes in the inclusive phrase “anything else in God’s whole world.” There is absolutely nothing that can ever separate the child of God from the love of his or her Heavenly Father. It is true that life contains its full share of hardships. But, our God is greater than any circumstance, and is at work in all things to conform His children into the likeness of his Son. Although we may be involve with some serious pruning from time to time (John 15:2), we may be sure that love is at work on our behalf. We are forever united with the one who is perfect love.

Victorious

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. Romans 8:37

Psalm 44:22 says, “Yet for your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered,” which Paul found so appropriate to his situation. The troubles that we face as Christian are nothing new; but have always been the experience of God’s people. Nevertheless in all difficult situations we are winning an overwhelming victory through the One, who has proven his love for us over and over again. It is the love of Christ that supports and enables the believer to face adversity and to conquer it. God does not want us to “grin and bear it; no, we are to be victorious through our faith in Christ, who is ever present in our trials. We are to cling to His promise to never leave nor forsake us. It is Christ's love and presence in our lives that will empower us to overcome all the obstacles of life.

Nothing can separate us from the love of God

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” Romans 8:35-36

The love of Christ is incomparable and inconceivable. Who or what can separate us from the love of Christ? Paul lists a litany of disasters, none of which can effect a separation between Christ and the believer. Actually, far from weakening the bonds of love, trouble and hardship strengthen them. Persecution drives the true believer to the arms of the one who knows suffering. Famine and nakedness are powerless to affect the love of Christ. Danger and the sword lose their terror in view of the presence of the one in whom we find safety. Few things are certain in this world; however, praise God, His love is one that is.

Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Romans 8:33-34

Who is there who dares to bring an accusation against those whom God has chosen (v. 33)? No one! It is God himself who pronounces his people righteous. There is no higher court. Who is the one with the authority to condemn (v. 34)? Jesus has that authority, but said in John 12:47, “I did not come to judge the world, but to save it." Paul answers his own question: “Will Christ? No: For he is the One who died for us.” If he is for us, he certainly will not condemn us. Far from condemning us, he is right now at the right hand of God interceding on our behalf. Not only does the Spirit intercede for us (8:26) but the glorified Christ as well.

If God is for us, what does it matter who is against us?

What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Romans 8:31-32

We believe that as children of God we have been adopted into his family (v. 15); we are co-heirs with Christ (v. 17); we have received the Spirit as the guarantee of final redemption (v. 23); our prayers to God are offered up by the Spirit (v. 26); though sinners by nature, through faith we have been pardoned (v. 30); our future glorification is so certain that God speaks of it as already having taken place (v. 30). If this is all true, then the next statement certainly is as well, “what does it matter who may be against us.” Since God did not spare his own Son but delivered him over to death for us all, will he not along with this gracious gift also lavish upon us everything else he has to give? A God who sacrificed his own Son on our behalf will certainly not withhold that which by comparison is insignificant. The immeasurable greatness of God’s love is seen in his sacrifice on our behalf.

God's desire: Our conformity to his Son

For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. Romans 8:29-30

God is at work for us in the circumstances of life (v. 28) because God has “destined” to “share the likeness of his Son” As Jesus “learned obedience from what he suffered” (Heb 5:8), we too should expect our share of difficulties in the process of being conformed to his image. God has foreordained that believers be brought into “moral conformity to the likeness of his Son. He wants us to bear a family resemblance to him.

Not only is God’s desire for believers to be conformed to his likeness, he also called, justified, and glorified them. Scripture teaches that glorification awaits our future resurrection (1 John 3:2). Although glorification, as we understand it, is in the future, even now we enjoy a portion of the spiritual benefits of God’s redemptive work on our behalf.

God works all things together for our good

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

Often in our times of trial we turned to Paul’s reassuring words that God has not deserted us but is at work in every circumstance of life. God uses the circumstances of life in such a way that, for those who love him, the outcome is always beneficial. The “good” of which Paul spoke is not necessarily what we think is best, but as the following verse implies, the good is conformity to the likeness of Christ, which is God’s ultimate plan for each of us. With this in mind it is easier to see how our difficulties are part of God’s total plan for changing us from what we are by nature to what he intends us to be.

The Spirit prays for us

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will. Romans 8:26-27

Hope helps us through times of suffering (vv. 24–25). The Spirit comes to help us when we find ourselves struggling so much that we are unable to pray as we ought. Paul said that the Spirit “helps us in our weakness.” God is listening; we understand that. But, how many times have we wondered how to pray for a friend suffering a serious illness? Sometimes, out of desperation, we send up volumes of prayer (praying for every possible outcome…covering all our bases), but the response from heaven was not what we wanted or expected. It is in these times, the Spirit himself intercedes on our behalf.

God understands what the Spirit desires even though it is inexpressible in human terms (v. 27). God knows our heart better than we do ourselves. His knowledge of our heart is direct, not dependent upon my inability to articulate my thoughts into words. The Psalmist told us that God is a searcher of hearts; He also knows the desires of the Spirit as the Spirit intercedes for us. The Spirit comes to our aid and takes our concerns to God. Our groans (v. 23) become his (v. 26) as he intercedes on our behalf.

Hope

We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. Romans 8:22-25

The pain of childbirth is not meaningless; it is accompanied by a hope of new life. The same for creation, as it carries with it the hope of redemption. Paul says that we too are inwardly groaning as we await the final phase of our adoption — the redemption of our bodies (Phil 3:21). In the Old Testament first fruits consisted of the initial portion of the harvest that was given in sacrifice to God. Paul used the same term in reference to the gift of the Spirit as down payment or promise of what is to come. The Spirit is evidence that at the present time we are the sons of God. Our salvation involves the hope that our mortal bodies will someday be freed from the bondage of decay (v. 24). We are not saved by hope, but our salvation is encouraged by hope. Why would we hope for that which is in plain view? So since we are hoping for something that is still unseen, we are to wait for it with patience.

Good news is coming

For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. Romans 8:20-21

As a consequence of his disobedience, Adam and all to come must work for food and livelihood from the cursed ground. However, with God’s grace, there is good news; the curse is not permanent. There is hope (v 21). The day is coming when the created order will be set free from its curse. It will share in “the freedom of the glory of the children of God.” As Adam’s sin brought the curse of death to the universe, the day is coming when God’s glorious Kingdom will set (2 Pet 3:13; Rev 21:1).

Creation restored

The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. Romans 8:19

Paul tells us that creation itself eagerly waits the time when the glorious future of the sons of God is realized. Phillips’s translation states, “The whole creation is on tiptoe to see the wonderful sight of the sons of God coming into their own.” Throughout scripture we see the personification of nature; examples include reference to the rivers “clap their hands” and the mountains “sing together for joy” (Ps 98:8; Isa 55:12). Adam and Eve’s disobedience in the garden not only caused the fall of man, but also the earth as well (Gen 3:17–18; 5:29). When God’s redemptive work is completed, not only man will be restored, but creation will become all that God intended it to be.

Incomparable glory

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. Romans 8:18

Patience is something we struggle with in our society; we want what we want, and we want it now. This runs contrary teaching throughout scripture. Peter and Paul agree about suffering comes before glory (I Peter 4:12-13). Suffering for the sake of Christ is a great teaches us dependence upon Christ; however, the good news is that the glory to come far outweighs any suffering we may endure. Paul encourages three times in this chapter: (1) the glory that will be revealed (vv. 18–25), (2) the help of the Holy Spirit (vv. 26–27), and (3) the fact that all things work together for good (vv. 28–30). Paul tells us that our citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20); and, that this earthly life is but a moment in time in comparison with eternity. If we allow the difficulties of life to absorb our attention, they will effectively blot out the glory that awaits us. Our focus needs to be on things above (Colossians 3:2), spiritual concerns of eternal significance (2 Corinthians 4:18).

Co-heir with Christ

Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. Romans 8:17

What an incredible statement; as children of God, we are co-heirs with Christ. We will share in the inheritance of Christ, both his sufferings and glory. This is not a condition, (“if indeed”) it is actually a simple statement of fact. Sharing the sufferings of Christ leads to sharing his glory. While, we do not share the redemptive suffering of Christ, we do share the consequences in terms of opposition from the world (in the world you will face challenges John 16:33). We can take comfort, because Christ has overcome the world; and we can share in his ultimate victory.

I am a child of God

"The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children." Romans 8:16

God enables us to cry out “Abba Father,” endorsing our assurance that we are children of God. Our spirit is strengthened by the powerful inward testimony of God’s Spirit. I used to sing the song that asks the question, “You ask me how I know He lives; He lives within my heart.” I know that I am a member of God’s family because His spirit tells me it is so.

Spirit of sonship

For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” Romans 8:15

Being led by the Spirit does not enslave us; rather, God's spirit gives us the realization that we have become adopted sons of God. For that reason, we cry out “Abba, Father.” In adoption all previous relationships are severed. The new father exercises authority over the new son, and the new son enters into the privileges and responsibilities of the natural son. “Abba,” the Aramaic word for “father,” was used primarily within the family circle; it underscores the intimate nature of our relationship with God, which is so clearly the opposite of fear.

Child of God

“…because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” Romans 8:14

In his book on Romans, Harrison writes that “the relation of the Spirit to the sons of God is presented as being much like that of a shepherd to his sheep. They are ‘led’ by him as their guide and protector.” This is an excellent answer to the question, “Who is a child of God?” We can debate doctrinally on this question; however, no amount of theological acuteness can substitute for the guiding presence of the Spirit. While God is the Father of all in the sense of creation, the only way for a person to become a child of God is through faith in Jesus Christ.

“Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation—but it is not to the sinful nature, to live according to it. For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.” Romans 8:12-13

Dietrich Bonhoeffer stated, "Grace is free; but it is not cheap." Paul reminds us that the assurance of resurrection by the indwelling Spirit places us under obligation. That obligation is not to the sinful nature and to live according to its demands; it no longer has any claim on us. Rather, we are to “put to death the misdeeds of the body.”

The lower nature does not automatically fade away when a person comes to Christ. Putting to death the evil practices of the body is an ongoing process. Freedom from our old nature only comes as we constantly rely on the active presence of the Spirit.

We must continually allow the Spirit to work in us with his instruction, exhortation, and discipline. By doing so, He will renew our lives, and at the same time,put to death our old sinful nature. Holiness is not only the standard and goal of Christians; it is also our divine calling.

“But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness. And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.” Romans 8:10-11

Death comes as a result of sin; life is the gift of justification. Therefore, whether we have the Spirit of God living in us is truly a life and death matter.

Paul drew a close connection between the resurrection of Christ and our ultimate resurrection. In II Corinthians he wrote, “The one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus” (4:14). The requirement for resurrection is the presence of God’s spirit in us. Not only has the spirit of the Christian been made alive, but ultimately the body will be resurrected as well. The indwelling Spirit is our guarantee of future life.

“You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.” Romans 8:9

Paul reminds us that we are not under the control of the sinful nature; rather, our lives are under the direction of the indwelling Spirit of God. The word “if” is better translated “since.” This is a confirmation of his words in Romans 6:1-2, “What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase (you cannot out sin God’s grace)? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?” A person who has the Spirit of Christ belongs to Christ; and, God has given us his Spirit that “we know that we live in him and he in us” (1 John 4:13).

Why our best intentions fail

“…the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God.” Romans 8:7-8

Paul states a theological truth that is certainly not politically correct today; our old nature is antagonistic to all that God is and stands for. The old nature refuses to submit itself to the law of God; in fact, it cannot. James, who was never known for mincing words, wrote that “friendship with the world is hatred towards God” (James 4:4). That is why our best intentions fail when we try to change the old nature. The hostility between the sinful mind and the Spirit is diametrically opposed. Individuals, regardless of how good they are in the world’s eyes, who are controlled by their lower nature, cannot please God. Persons apart from Christ are “totally depraved,” and in their rebellious state cannot please God.

Eternal benefits

“The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace” Romans 8:6

According to Barclay, “to allow the things of the world completely to dominate life is self extinction; it is spiritual suicide.” Paul tells us that we have good news; the Spirit-controlled mind leads to life and peace. Paul repeats the same contrast in Galatians 6:8: “The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.”

Lord, give me the grace today to choose to be controlled by your Spirit.

The choice is ours

“Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.” Romans 8:5

We have a choice in the way we live our lives. The first is to follow our human nature; Paul states that those who choose this way of living set their mind and heart on what their sinful nature desires. The other way to live is to place ourselves under the control of the Spirit; our focus then is on the things that interest God’s Spirit.

The way we live determines how we think about things. It has been said that people do not think themselves into the way they act but act themselves into the way they think.

Christ accomplished what the law could not

For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man, in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit. Romans 8:3-4

As good as the law was, it was powerless to conquer sin. This is not because the law was weak; rather it is because of our fallen nature. The New English Bible says that “our lower nature robbed it of all potency.” The law can reveal sin; even stimulate it; but when it comes to overcoming it, our sinful nature undermines its best efforts.

Thanks to God, because what the law could not do, God did by sending his very own Son with a nature that resembled our sinful nature. He came in the “likeness of sinful man.” His mission was to put an end to sin, to condemn its evil power that held the human race captive.

God’s redemptive work in Christ was so that what the law justly demanded of us might be fully satisfied. This righteous requirement is met “in us” not in the sense that we fulfilled its demands but rather that God met it through the sacrificial death of his Son. We no longer must be under the control of a sinful lower nature, but can now are guided and empowered by the Spirit of God.

Now, that is good news!

Living in the Law of the Spirit

“…because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.” (Romans 8:2)

Why is there no condemnation? Because the law of the Spirit, that is, life in Christ Jesus, has set us free from the law of sin. Paul was contrasting two different laws (or principles); the old law is the power of sin that inevitably results in death and the new law, which sets the believer free from the power of the old, is the law of the Spirit. The new law of the Spirit says that only by living in union with Christ Jesus can believers break the power of sin in their lives. Sheer determinism or willpower will never be able to break the bonds of sin. It is the Spirit of God who provides victory, and that Spirit is the available to every true child of God.

When the freedom of the Spirit that is the theme of Romans 8 is compared with the oppressive power of sin in chapter 7, it seems strange that both could be operating concurrently in the same person. The believer has a choice to live by the old law of the flesh or the new law of the Spirit. We lose the battle when we engage the enemy without the resources supplied by His Holy Spirit. Jesus said, “Apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). The difficulties of the Romans 7 experience are self-imposed; they show the natural outcome of failing to appropriate the Spirit of God. The victory of Romans 8 results from living in vital union with Christ Jesus, sustained and empowered by the Spirit of God.

Not guilty verdict for those whose trust is in Christ. Romans 8:1

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1

One would think that after being a Christian for almost 40 years, I would understand the most basic of all Christian principles; that God’s sacrifice has fully compensated for all of my sin, shortcomings and inadequacies. However, I must admit I still struggle with the idea that I must somehow live a better life or be a better person to live up to Christ’s standard. Scripture is clear that the penalty incurred by the sins of the human race was paid by the death of Christ and the unfavorable verdict has been removed. All of us who are living in Christ are the beneficiaries of that forgiveness. My insistence on feeling guilty is nothing more that thinking that I can help God with my salvation. Lord, please free me from the deeply imbedded human nature that influencing my self-righteousness theology!