The book of Romans is referred to as the constitution of the Christian faith. The Apostle Paul wrote the letter to the Roman church in about 56 A.D. The letter served to establish the foundation of Christian salvation through faith and Christian living in the Holy Spirit of Christ Jesus. Just like a constitution established the rights of its citizens, Romans also establishes the rights of all who have faith in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. More specifically, Romans 8 serves as a summary of all the rights a citizen of the Christian faith receives through the Holy Spirit, which can only be received through faith in Christ Jesus.
In the beginning verses of Romans 8, Paul reestablishes the freedom from sin achieved through Jesus Christ. In the first four verses he makes it very clear that it is through the “law of the spirit”, received through Jesus Christ that we are set free from “the law of sin” and death (v.2). For there is no other road to freedom, not even the law (v.3) was capable of freeing man from the bondage of sin and condemnation. The law only brought us condemnation and awareness of our sins, but the ultimate sacrifice of Christ Jesus brought us righteousness, freedom, and life. The sacrifice of Jesus Christ is the ultimate solution. He lived a perfect life, fulfilled all the demands of law, and paid the penalty for our sins on the cross. His spirit lives in those who have faith in his sacrifice. Those who once were weak and enslaved to sin no longer live a life under sin but are now stronger because they live under the holy spirit of Christ Jesus (v. 4).
But what does it mean to live a life under the Holy Spirit? When we are in temptation or trials we are forced to make decision, whether we are going to be dominated by our carnal desires or if are going to be dominated by the Holy Spirit. In Galatians 5:17, Paul writes” for the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature”, making...