Romans 8:10
Verse
Context
Walking by the Spirit
9You, however, are controlled not by the flesh, 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. 10But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness. 11And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit, who lives in you.
Sermons
Paris Reidhead
Stephen Olford
F.J. Huegel
Sandeep Poonen
Bertha Smith
Dean Taylor
Richard E. BieberSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And if Christ be in you, etc. - This is the criterion by which you may judge of the state of grace in which ye stand. If Christ dwell in your hearts by faith, the body is dead because of sin, δι' ἁμαρτιαν, in reference to sin; the members of your body no more perform the work of sin than the body of a dead man does the functions of natural life. Or the apostle may mean, that although, because of sin, the life of man is forfeited; and the sentence, dust thou art, and unto dust thou shalt return, must be fulfilled on every human being, until the judgment of the great day; yet, their souls being quickened by the indwelling Spirit of Christ, which enables them to live a life of righteousness, they receive a full assurance that their bodies, which are now condemned to death because of sin, shall be raised again to a life of immortal glory.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
And if Christ be in you--by His indwelling Spirit in virtue of which we have one life with him. the body--"the body indeed." is dead because of--"by reason of" sin; but the spirit is life because--or, "by reason" of righteousness--The word "indeed," which the original requires, is of the nature of a concession--"I grant you that the body is dead . . . and so far redemption is incomplete, but," &c.; that is, "If Christ be in you by His indwelling Spirit, though your 'bodies' have to pass through the stage of 'death' in consequence of the first Adam's 'sin,' your spirit is instinct with new and undying 'life,' brought in by the 'righteousness' of the second Adam" [THOLUCK, MEYER, and ALFORD in part, but only HODGE entirely].
John Gill Bible Commentary
And if Christ be in you,.... Not as he is in the whole world, and in all his creatures, or circumscriptively, and to the exclusion of himself elsewhere; for his person is above in heaven, his blood is within the vail, his righteousness is upon his people, and his Spirit and grace are in them; and so he comes to be in them, he is formed in their hearts by the Spirit of God in regeneration, when the Father reveals him not only to them, but in them; and he himself enters and takes possession of them as his own, manifests himself to them, communicates his grace, and grants them communion with him. This being their case, the body is dead because of sin: by which is meant, not the body of sin, though this is called a body, and a body of death, yet is not dead, much less is it so by reason of sin; but this fleshly body, because liable to afflictions, which are called deaths, has the seeds of mortality in it, and shall in a little time die, notwithstanding the gift of it to Christ, though it is redeemed by his blood, and united to him; the reason of it is not merely the decree of God, nor does it arise from the original constitution of the body, but sin is the true reason of it, sin original and actual, indwelling sin, but not by way of punishment for it, for Christ has bore that, death is one of the saints' privileges, it is for their good, and therefore desired by them; but that they might be rid of it, and free from all those troubles which are the consequences of it: but the spirit is life, because of righteousness; not the Spirit of God, who lives in himself, is the author of life to others, of natural and spiritual life, continues as a principle of life in the saints, is the pledge of everlasting life, and is so to them because of the righteousness of Christ nor grace, or the new creature, which is sometimes called Spirit, and may be said to be life, it lives unto righteousness, and is owing to and supported by the righteousness of the Son of God; but the soul of man is here meant, in opposition to the body, which is of a spiritual nature, immaterial and immortal; and this may be said in believers to be life or live, for it not only lives naturally, but spiritually; it lives a life of holiness from Christ, a life of faith upon him, and a life of justification by him, and will live eternally; first in a separate state from the body after death, till the resurrection morn, it does not die with the body, nor sleep with it in the grave, nor is it in any "limbus" or state of purgatory, but in paradise, in heaven, in the arms and presence of Christ, where it is not inactive, but employed in the best of service: and after the resurrection it will live with the body in glory for evermore; and this is owing to righteousness, not to the righteousness of man, but the imputed righteousness of Christ; for as it was sin, and loss of righteousness thereby which brought death on man, the righteousness of Christ is that on which believers live now, and is their right and title to eternal life hereafter.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
In these verses the apostle represents two more excellent benefits, which belong to true believers. I. Life. The happiness is not barely a negative happiness, not to be condemned; but it is positive, it is an advancement to a life that will be the unspeakable happiness of the man (Rom 8:10, Rom 8:11): If Christ be in you. Observe, If the Spirit be in us, Christ is in us. He dwells in the heart by faith, Eph 3:17. Now we are here told what becomes of the bodies and souls of those in whom Christ is. 1. We cannot say but that the body is dead; it is a frail, mortal, dying body, and it will be dead shortly; it is a house of clay, whose foundation is in the dust. The life purchased and promised does not immortalize the body in its present state. It is dead, that is, it is appointed to die, it is under a sentence of death: as we say one that is condemned is a dead man. In the midst of life we are in death: be our bodies ever so strong, and healthful, and handsome, they are as good as dead (Heb 11:12), and this because of sin. It is sin that kills the body. This effect the first threatening has (Gen 3:19): Dust thou art. Methinks, were there no other argument, love to our bodies should make us hate sin, because it is such an enemy to our bodies. The death even of the bodies of the saints is a remaining token of God's displeasure against sin. 2. But the spirit, the precious soul, that is life; it is now spiritually alive, nay, it is life. Grace in the soul is its new nature; the life of the saint lies in the soul, while the life of the sinner goes no further than the body. When the body dies, and returns to the dust, the spirit if life; not only living and immortal, but swallowed up of life. Death to the saints is but the freeing of the heaven-born spirit from the clog and load of this body, that it may be fit to partake of eternal life. When Abraham was dead, yet God was the God of Abraham, for even then his spirit was life, Mat 22:31, Mat 22:32. See Psa 49:15. And this because of righteousness. The righteousness of Christ imputed to them secures the soul, the better part, from death; the righteousness of Christ inherent in them, the renewed image of God upon the soul, preserves it, and, by God's ordination, at death elevates it, and improves it, and makes it meet to partake of the inheritance of the saints in light. The eternal life of the soul consists in the vision and fruition of God, and both assimilating, for which the soul is qualified by the righteousness of sanctification. I refer to Psa 17:15, I will behold thy face in righteousness. 3. There is a life reserved too for the poor body at last: He shall also quicken your mortal bodies, Rom 8:11. The Lord is for the body; and though at death it is cast aside as a despised broken vessel, a vessel in which is no pleasure, yet God will have a desire to the work of his hands (Job 14:15), will remember his covenant with the dust, and will not lose a grain of it; but the body shall be reunited to the soul, and clothed with a glory agreeable to it. Vile bodies shall be newly fashioned, Phi 3:21; Co1 15:42. Two great assurances of the resurrection of the body are mentioned: - (1.) The resurrection of Christ: He that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken. Christ rose as the head, and first-fruits, and forerunner of all the saints, Co1 15:20. The body of Christ lay in the grave, under the sin of all the elect imputed, and broke through it. O grave, then, where is thy victory? It is in the virtue of Christ's resurrection that we shall rise. (2.) The indwelling of the Spirit. The same Spirit that raiseth the soul now will raise the body shortly: By his Spirit that dwelleth in you. The bodies of the saints are the temples of the Holy Ghost, Co1 3:16; Co1 6:19. Now, though these temples may be suffered for awhile to lie in ruins, yet they shall be rebuilt. The tabernacle of David, which has fallen down, shall be repaired, whatever great mountains may be in the way. The Spirit, breathing upon dead and dry bones, will make them live, and the saints even in their flesh shall see God. Hence the apostle by the way infers how much it is our duty to walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit, Rom 8:12, Rom 8:13. Let not our life be after the wills and motions of the flesh. Two motives he mentions here: - [1.] We are not debtors to the flesh, neither by relation, gratitude, nor any other bond or obligation. We owe no suit nor service to our carnal desires; we are indeed bound to clothe, and feed, and take care of the body, as a servant to the soul in the service of God, but no further. We are not debtors to it; the flesh never did us so much kindness as to oblige us to serve it. It is implied that we are debtors to Christ and to the Spirit: there we owe our all, all we have and all we can do, by a thousand bonds and obligations. Being delivered from so great a death by so great a ransom, we are deeply indebted to our deliverer. See Co1 6:19, Co1 6:20. [2.] Consider the consequences, what will be at the end of the way. Here are life and death, blessing and cursing, set before us. If you live after the flesh, you shall die; that is, die eternally. It is the pleasing, and serving, and gratifying, of the flesh, that are the ruin of souls; that is, the second death. Dying indeed is the soul's dying: the death of the saints is but a sleep. But, on the other hand, You shall live, live and be happy to eternity; that is the true life: If you through the Spirit mortify the deeds of the body, subdue and keep under all fleshly lusts and affections, deny yourselves in the pleasing and humouring of the body, and this through the Spirit; we cannot do it without the Spirit working it in us, and the Spirit will not do it without our doing our endeavour. So that in a word we are put upon this dilemma, either to displease the body or destroy the soul. II. The Spirit of adoption is another privilege belonging to those that are in Christ Jesus, Rom 8:14-16. 1. All that are Christ's are taken into the relation of Children to God, Rom 8:14. Observe, (1.) Their property: They are led by the Spirit of God, as a scholar in his learning is led by his tutor, as a traveller in his journey is led by his guide, as a soldier in his engagements is led by his captain; not driven as beasts, but led as rational creatures, drawn with the cords of a man and the bands of love. It is the undoubted character of all true believers that they are led by the Spirit of God. Having submitted themselves in believing to his guidance, they do in their obedience follow that guidance, and are sweetly led into all truth and all duty. (2.) Their privilege: They are the sons of God, received into the number of God's children by adoption, owned and loved by him as his children. 2. And those that are the sons of God have the Spirit, (1.) To work in them the disposition of children. [1.] You have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear, Rom 8:15. Understand it, First, Of that spirit of bondage which the Old Testament church was under, by reason of the darkness and terror of that dispensation. The veil signified bondage, Co2 3:15. Compare Rom 8:17. The Spirit of adoption was not then so plentifully poured out as now; for the law opened the wound, but little of the remedy. Now you are not under that dispensation, you have not received that spirit. Secondly, Of that spirit of bondage which many of the saints themselves were under at their conversion, under the convictions of sin and wrath set home by the Spirit; as those in Act 2:37, the jailer (Act 16:30), Paul, Act 9:6. Then the Spirit himself was to the saints a spirit of bondage: "But," says the apostle, "with you this is over." "God as a Judge," says Dr. Manton, "by the spirit of bondage, sends us to Christ as Mediator, and Christ as Mediator, by the spirit of adoption, sends us back again to God as a Father." Though a child of God may come under fear of bondage again, and may be questioning his sonship, yet the blessed Spirit is not again a spirit of bondage, for then he would witness an untruth. [2.] But you have received the Spirit of adoption. Men may give a charter of adoption; but it is God's prerogative, when he adopts, to give a spirit of adoption - the nature of children. The Spirit of adoption works in the children of God a filial love to God as a Father, a delight in him, and a dependence upon him, as a Father. A sanctified soul bears the image of God, as the child bears the image of the father. Whereby we cry, Abba, Father. Praying is here called crying, which is not only an earnest, but a natural expression of desire; children that cannot speak vent their desires by crying. Now, the Spirit teaches us in prayer to come to God as a Father, with a holy humble confidence, emboldening the soul in that duty. Abba, Father. Abba is a Syriac word signifying father or my father; patēr, a Greek work; and why both, Abba, Father? Because Christ said so in prayer (Mar 14:36), Abba, Father: and we have received the Spirit of the Son. It denotes an affectionate endearing importunity, and a believing stress laid upon the relation. Little children, begging of their parents, can say little but Father, Father, and that is rhetoric enough. It also denotes that the adoption is common both to Jews and Gentiles: the Jews call him Abba in their language, the Greeks may call him patēr in their language; for in Christ Jesus there is neither Greek nor Jew. (2.) To witness to the relation of children, Rom 8:16. The former is the work of the Spirit as a Sanctifier; this as a Comforter. Beareth witness with our spirit. Many a man has the witness of his own spirit to the goodness of his state who has not the concurring testimony of the Spirit. Many speak peace to themselves to whom the God of heaven does not speak peace. But those that are sanctified have God's Spirit witnessing with their spirits, which is to be understood not of any immediate extraordinary revelation, but an ordinary work of the Spirit, in and by the means of comfort, speaking peace to the soul. This testimony is always agreeable to the written word, and is therefore always grounded upon sanctification; for the Spirit in the heart cannot contradict the Spirit in the word. The Spirit witnesses to none the privileges of children who have not the nature and disposition of children.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
8:10 the Spirit gives you life: The Spirit opposes sin (which leads to physical death) and brings resurrection from the dead.
Romans 8:10
Walking by the Spirit
9You, however, are controlled not by the flesh, 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. 10But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness. 11And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit, who lives in you.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Cost of Discipleship - Part 12
By Paris Reidhead5.5K20:50Cost Of DiscipleshipMAT 25:35ROM 8:102CO 5:17GAL 2:20In this sermon, the speaker explains that when we open our hearts to receive Jesus Christ, we close the gap between us and God. Through faith, we can connect with God and receive His blessings. The speaker emphasizes that when we receive Jesus, we receive the broadcast from Calvary, where our sins are forgiven and we have peace with God. The sermon also shares a powerful story of a man named Karga who, despite the pain of his father's murder, chose to share the message of Christ with the people responsible. Through his testimony, many people came to know Jesus and a church was established. The sermon concludes by highlighting the mystery of the Trinity and the fact that God is present in every aspect of our lives.
Christ's Indwelling
By Stephen Olford3.0K30:07Indwelling SpiritMAT 6:33ROM 8:102CO 13:5GAL 2:20EPH 3:16COL 1:271PE 3:15In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of sanctifying the Lord God in one's heart. He urges the audience to give Christ complete lordship over their lives. The speaker shares a testimony of a missionary who initially lacked joy, power, and fruitfulness in her service. However, after seeking a private interview with a servant of God, she realized that she had never truly experienced Christ's indwelling. The speaker concludes by highlighting the need for a supreme empowering to receive the indwelling of Christ, acknowledging that the heart may have reservations about His absolute indwelling.
Romans 7 - Bitter Tears
By F.J. Huegel2.6K42:27ROM 3:23ROM 6:23ROM 7:7ROM 7:14ROM 7:24ROM 8:2ROM 8:10In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the theme of Romans 7, which he refers to as an Everest. He explains that the Apostle Paul presents a moral giant facing the demands of the law and expressing despair at his inability to fulfill them. The speaker emphasizes that many Christians spend their days in this state of fear and legalism, but there is nothing to fear because grace can do more than the law. He concludes by sharing a story from Watchman Nee's book, where a lifeguard hesitates to save a drowning person, highlighting the controversy surrounding Romans 7 and leaving the interpretation to the listeners.
Songs That David Couldn't Sing
By Sandeep Poonen1.3K45:38LUK 19:40ROM 8:10EPH 2:1
This sermon emphasizes the importance of having a deep, intimate relationship with God, focusing on being engaged to Jesus as the bridegroom. It explores the concept of singing songs that reflect the unique connection between the bride and the bridegroom, highlighting the hunger for Jesus and the need to keep our hearts full of the Holy Spirit. The speaker encourages a life of simplicity and purity in devotion to Jesus, seeking a bridal relationship where we share secrets and burdens with our bridegroom.
Reviving Prayers Answered Blend
By Bertha Smith1.3K51:29Prayer For RevivalROM 6:11ROM 8:101CO 15:222CO 5:17GAL 2:20EPH 2:1COL 3:3In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and facing one's true self. He encourages the audience to set aside time for introspection and to write down their deepest thoughts and struggles. The preacher assures the audience that this exercise is meant to be kept private between them and God. He also mentions the need for honesty and cooperation in order to find victory and glory over these inner struggles. The sermon includes anecdotes about a woman's experience in church and the preacher's determination to continue preaching.
There Were Two Trees in the Midst of Eden
By Dean Taylor1.2K1:24:16LifeJER 13:27ROM 3:9ROM 3:25ROM 3:28ROM 4:22ROM 5:2ROM 7:1ROM 7:9ROM 7:25ROM 8:6ROM 8:10ROM 8:17ROM 8:28ROM 8:37ROM 8:39In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of entering into God's rest. He references Hebrews chapter three, which talks about how Jesus has provided a rest for the people of God. The preacher also mentions a story from the book "The Normal Christian Life" about a drowning man being rescued by a skilled swimmer. He emphasizes the importance of entering into God's rest and not falling into unbelief. The sermon concludes by addressing the fear that may hold back a person from accepting salvation and encourages them to take that step towards God.
Abide in Me
By Richard E. Bieber23118:04AbidingJHN 15:2ROM 8:10GAL 2:20PHP 2:12In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of abiding in Jesus and having a living relationship with Him. He highlights how the eleven disciples, who had seen Jesus in the flesh, continued to abide in Him even after His resurrection. The speaker also mentions how other men and women, like Saul of Tarsus, became branches on the vine and drew their life from Jesus. The sermon emphasizes the need to trust in Jesus as the only anchor in this world and to work with Him in bearing fruit.
Developing Your Full Potential in Christ - the Plan of Grace
By Paris Reidhead12841:33Grace Of GodMAT 6:33ROM 8:102CO 13:5GAL 2:20EPH 3:17EPH 3:20COL 1:27In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of abiding in Christ and being crucified with Him in order to have victory over oneself. He encourages listeners to look to Christ for release from the power of temptation and to be buried with Him in order to have victory over the seductive allure of the world. The speaker also shares a personal experience of hearing a preacher who had a deep understanding of the Word and challenged listeners to look at the cross from the inside. He concludes by mentioning the convenience of using cassette recorders to listen to God's truth while driving. Overall, the sermon focuses on developing one's full potential in Christ through a deep and intimate relationship with Him.
1 Corinthians 9
By John Nelson Darby0Accountability in PreachingMinistryJHN 10:28ROM 5:5ROM 8:101CO 9:18PHP 1:192TI 2:5HEB 3:141JN 3:4REV 22:14John Nelson Darby expounds on 1 Corinthians 9, emphasizing the nature of ministry and the responsibilities of preachers. He highlights Paul's refusal to exercise his rights as an apostle for the sake of the gospel, illustrating the importance of serving without seeking personal gain. Darby discusses the balance between being supported by the church and maintaining independence in ministry, stressing that preachers are ultimately accountable to God. He warns against the dangers of legalism and the necessity of living a life consistent with one's preaching to avoid being a 'castaway.' The sermon concludes with a call to uphold the integrity of the gospel while navigating the complexities of ministry.
The Predicament of Translators
By G.W. North0Understanding ScriptureThe Spirit of God vs. the Spirit of ManROM 8:10G.W. North addresses the complexities faced by translators of the Bible, particularly regarding the interpretation of the word 'spirit' in various contexts. He highlights instances where the Authorized Version may have miscapitalized 'spirit', leading to confusion about whether it refers to the Spirit of God or the spirit of man. North emphasizes the importance of understanding the distinction between these spirits, especially in the context of the believer's union with God. He illustrates how this union transcends mere grammar, as it involves a profound spiritual connection that enables intercession. Ultimately, the sermon calls for careful consideration of the text to grasp the intended meaning of the scriptures.
Epistle 151
By George Fox0Transformation through FaithChrist WithinLUK 24:47ROM 8:102CO 13:5GAL 5:24COL 1:27COL 2:17HEB 7:3HEB 12:22HEB 13:12George Fox emphasizes the evolution of the apostles' preaching, starting with the proclamation of Christ's death and fulfillment of prophecy, moving to the revelation of Christ within believers. He highlights that while the apostles preached repentance and faith to the world, they also taught that Christ dwells in those who believe, transforming them and making them new creations. Fox points out that for the redeemed, the teachings of repentance and baptism become unnecessary as they are already brought to God. He stresses the importance of recognizing the eternal priesthood of Christ, who is without beginning or end, and encourages believers to embrace this truth.
Getting Acquainted With Christ.
By J.R. Miller0Personal Relationship with ChristFriendship with GodPSA 139:7MAT 28:20JHN 14:17JHN 15:15ROM 8:10GAL 1:16PHP 4:13COL 1:27HEB 13:51JN 4:15J.R. Miller emphasizes the importance of developing a personal friendship with Christ, noting that many young Christians may trust Him as their Savior without truly knowing Him as a friend. He recounts a poignant experience with a young woman who, despite her devout life, realized for the first time the personal relationship she could have with Christ. Miller explains that recognizing Christ's presence and companionship can transform a believer's life, bringing comfort, joy, and a deeper understanding of faith. He encourages Christians to seek this intimate relationship, which can lighten burdens and enrich their spiritual journey. Ultimately, he asserts that having Christ as a close friend is essential to the Christian experience.
Christ in You
By Theodore Epp0Christ In UsPersonal Relationship with ChristJHN 14:20ROM 8:101CO 6:192CO 13:5GAL 2:20EPH 3:17PHP 1:6COL 1:27COL 3:31JN 4:4Theodore Epp emphasizes the profound truth of 'Christ in you' from Colossians 1:27, illustrating how this understanding transforms our perception of Christ and ourselves, as well as our prayer life. He recounts his personal journey of realizing the significance of having Christ dwell within him, which led to a renewed outlook on life and a deeper prayer experience. Epp stresses that Christ must be personally received as Savior, moving beyond mere intellectual acceptance to experiencing His living power daily. This truth is central to the teachings in the Book of Colossians, highlighting the necessity of faith and personal relationship with Christ.
Knowing This, That Our Old Man Is Crucified
By A.B. Simpson0Identity in ChristFaithJHN 12:24ROM 6:11ROM 8:102CO 5:17GAL 2:20EPH 2:5PHP 3:10COL 3:31PE 2:241JN 5:4A.B. Simpson emphasizes the importance of faith in recognizing that our old self is crucified with Christ. He explains that while our senses may contradict this truth, we must yield and reckon on God's Word to transform faith into reality. This act of surrender and faith is a pivotal moment in the spiritual journey, marking a transition to living in the resurrection life. Simpson encourages believers to adopt a mindset of being dead to sin and alive to God, highlighting that this is not a continual process but a definitive act followed by a habitual recognition of our new identity in Christ.
A God-Possessed Soul
By Thomas Cook0JHN 15:4ROM 8:101CO 6:19GAL 2:20EPH 3:17PHP 4:13COL 1:27COL 3:31JN 4:4Thomas Cook preaches about the importance of having a God-possessed soul, emphasizing the need for both the negative aspect of purging sin and the positive aspect of being filled with the life of God. He explains that Christ must dwell within us to cleanse us from indwelling sin and enable us to live a victorious life. Cook highlights that holiness is the outshining of the Divine life within us, transforming us to reflect Jesus Christ. He stresses the necessity of fully surrendering to Christ, allowing Him to possess and control every aspect of our lives for true holiness and sanctification.
The Holy Spirit of Promise
By H.J. Vine0ROM 8:10H.J. Vine preaches about the significant role of the Holy Spirit in the Epistle to the Ephesians, emphasizing His mission in securing the assembly as the body and bride of Christ, in alignment with God's eternal purpose. The Spirit's work revolves around revealing the glory and love of Christ, sealing believers, and providing a foretaste of heavenly glory while guiding, comforting, and strengthening them. The Spirit's ministry focuses on exalting Jesus, leading believers into truth, and maintaining unity and vitality in the body of Christ, ensuring that they are sealed until the day of redemption.
Fadeless Glory!
By George Warnock0EXO 34:35ROM 8:102CO 3:7George Warnock delves into the comparison between the old covenant and the new covenant, emphasizing how the former had no lasting glory while the latter is a ministration of righteousness and life that continues in glory. He highlights the spiritual blindness and lack of faith that hindered the Israelites from fully experiencing God's glory, cautioning against veiling our hearts from God's intended visitation. Warnock urges believers to seek a genuine encounter with God, allowing His glory to transform them and lead them to die to self, rather than settling for religious activities that lack the life and righteousness the New Testament is meant to bring.
Easter: The Message of Redemption, Reconciliation, Restoration and Resurrection
By Bishop M.A. Lalachan0MAT 16:21JHN 11:25JHN 14:6JHN 14:19ROM 1:4ROM 6:9ROM 8:10ROM 14:91CO 15:17EPH 2:6Bishop M.A. Lalachan preaches about the significance of Jesus Christ as the meeting place of eternity and time, blending deity and humanity, and uniting heaven and earth. The resurrection of Jesus is a historical fact supported by various sources, setting Christianity apart from other beliefs. The evidence of Christ's resurrection is undeniable, fulfilling His prediction and confirming His identity as the Son of God. The resurrection of Jesus transformed lives, offering hope, restoration, and eternal life to believers, showcasing His power over sin and death.
Today in Paradise
By Ernest O'Neill0JHN 15:5ROM 8:10GAL 2:20EPH 3:17COL 3:3Ernest O'Neill preaches about the reality of Christ living inside us, desiring to work through us each day to fulfill His plans and bring delight to the Father. He explains that our true life is found in Christ, and the life we live independently is a temporary shadow of what could have been without God. O'Neill emphasizes the importance of realizing this truth, as it leads to a paradigm shift from a self-centered existence to a life filled with the thoughts, feelings, and actions of Christ, resulting in a new plane of existence where eternity's brightness and power transform our character and behavior.
Victory Over Dispositions and Tendencies
By Asa Mahan0ROM 6:6ROM 8:102CO 5:17GAL 5:222PE 1:3Asa Mahan preaches on the transformative power of Christ's work within believers, emphasizing the removal of evil tendencies and the impartation of a divine nature that leads to obedience and holiness. Through embracing the promises of the new covenant by faith, believers are enabled to escape the corruption of the world and partake in the divine nature, experiencing a fundamental change in their propensities and dispositions. The process involves Christ taking away sinful tendencies and replacing them with a new nature that prompts love, joy, and righteousness, leading to a life characterized by obedience to God's will and freedom from the power of sin.
Sin and Selfishness
By W.R. Inge0GEN 3:6ROM 8:10GAL 2:20PHP 2:6COL 1:27W.R. Inge delves into the concept of sin as the turning away from the unchangeable Good to the changeable, emphasizing the error of claiming ownership over anything good, leading to a fall similar to that of the devil and Adam. He highlights the necessity of God taking on human nature to heal the fall of mankind, stressing the need for God to be made man in each individual for true healing and restoration.
The Nature of Death
By Robert Haldane0PSA 23:4PSA 34:7PSA 116:15ROM 8:10HEB 13:5Robert Haldane preaches about the transformative nature of death for believers in Christ, where it changes from a curse to a blessing, leading them from sin and troubles to perfect holiness and happiness in the presence of the Lord. Death becomes the passage through which believers enter their heavenly inheritance, akin to the children of Israel crossing the Jordan River into the promised land. Just as the ark of the covenant was with the Israelites, Jesus Christ is with His people in their journey through death, ensuring they are not overwhelmed but safely carried to the paradise of God.
The Fallacy of "Secret Sin"
By A.W. Tozer0MAT 10:28LUK 12:22ACT 2:27ROM 8:10EPH 6:61TH 5:232TI 4:22HEB 4:12HEB 6:191PE 2:11The preacher delves into the multifaceted meanings of the Greek word 'psuche' (soul), emphasizing that its interpretation is context-dependent and can vary based on whether one is a dichotomist or trichotomist. 'Psuche' can refer to the principle of life, earthly existence, or the inner nonmaterial life of man encompassing thoughts, feelings, and desires. The sermon explores how 'psuche' is distinct from 'pneuma' (spirit) and its significance in understanding personal existence, emotions, and spiritual growth.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And if Christ be in you, etc. - This is the criterion by which you may judge of the state of grace in which ye stand. If Christ dwell in your hearts by faith, the body is dead because of sin, δι' ἁμαρτιαν, in reference to sin; the members of your body no more perform the work of sin than the body of a dead man does the functions of natural life. Or the apostle may mean, that although, because of sin, the life of man is forfeited; and the sentence, dust thou art, and unto dust thou shalt return, must be fulfilled on every human being, until the judgment of the great day; yet, their souls being quickened by the indwelling Spirit of Christ, which enables them to live a life of righteousness, they receive a full assurance that their bodies, which are now condemned to death because of sin, shall be raised again to a life of immortal glory.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
And if Christ be in you--by His indwelling Spirit in virtue of which we have one life with him. the body--"the body indeed." is dead because of--"by reason of" sin; but the spirit is life because--or, "by reason" of righteousness--The word "indeed," which the original requires, is of the nature of a concession--"I grant you that the body is dead . . . and so far redemption is incomplete, but," &c.; that is, "If Christ be in you by His indwelling Spirit, though your 'bodies' have to pass through the stage of 'death' in consequence of the first Adam's 'sin,' your spirit is instinct with new and undying 'life,' brought in by the 'righteousness' of the second Adam" [THOLUCK, MEYER, and ALFORD in part, but only HODGE entirely].
John Gill Bible Commentary
And if Christ be in you,.... Not as he is in the whole world, and in all his creatures, or circumscriptively, and to the exclusion of himself elsewhere; for his person is above in heaven, his blood is within the vail, his righteousness is upon his people, and his Spirit and grace are in them; and so he comes to be in them, he is formed in their hearts by the Spirit of God in regeneration, when the Father reveals him not only to them, but in them; and he himself enters and takes possession of them as his own, manifests himself to them, communicates his grace, and grants them communion with him. This being their case, the body is dead because of sin: by which is meant, not the body of sin, though this is called a body, and a body of death, yet is not dead, much less is it so by reason of sin; but this fleshly body, because liable to afflictions, which are called deaths, has the seeds of mortality in it, and shall in a little time die, notwithstanding the gift of it to Christ, though it is redeemed by his blood, and united to him; the reason of it is not merely the decree of God, nor does it arise from the original constitution of the body, but sin is the true reason of it, sin original and actual, indwelling sin, but not by way of punishment for it, for Christ has bore that, death is one of the saints' privileges, it is for their good, and therefore desired by them; but that they might be rid of it, and free from all those troubles which are the consequences of it: but the spirit is life, because of righteousness; not the Spirit of God, who lives in himself, is the author of life to others, of natural and spiritual life, continues as a principle of life in the saints, is the pledge of everlasting life, and is so to them because of the righteousness of Christ nor grace, or the new creature, which is sometimes called Spirit, and may be said to be life, it lives unto righteousness, and is owing to and supported by the righteousness of the Son of God; but the soul of man is here meant, in opposition to the body, which is of a spiritual nature, immaterial and immortal; and this may be said in believers to be life or live, for it not only lives naturally, but spiritually; it lives a life of holiness from Christ, a life of faith upon him, and a life of justification by him, and will live eternally; first in a separate state from the body after death, till the resurrection morn, it does not die with the body, nor sleep with it in the grave, nor is it in any "limbus" or state of purgatory, but in paradise, in heaven, in the arms and presence of Christ, where it is not inactive, but employed in the best of service: and after the resurrection it will live with the body in glory for evermore; and this is owing to righteousness, not to the righteousness of man, but the imputed righteousness of Christ; for as it was sin, and loss of righteousness thereby which brought death on man, the righteousness of Christ is that on which believers live now, and is their right and title to eternal life hereafter.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
In these verses the apostle represents two more excellent benefits, which belong to true believers. I. Life. The happiness is not barely a negative happiness, not to be condemned; but it is positive, it is an advancement to a life that will be the unspeakable happiness of the man (Rom 8:10, Rom 8:11): If Christ be in you. Observe, If the Spirit be in us, Christ is in us. He dwells in the heart by faith, Eph 3:17. Now we are here told what becomes of the bodies and souls of those in whom Christ is. 1. We cannot say but that the body is dead; it is a frail, mortal, dying body, and it will be dead shortly; it is a house of clay, whose foundation is in the dust. The life purchased and promised does not immortalize the body in its present state. It is dead, that is, it is appointed to die, it is under a sentence of death: as we say one that is condemned is a dead man. In the midst of life we are in death: be our bodies ever so strong, and healthful, and handsome, they are as good as dead (Heb 11:12), and this because of sin. It is sin that kills the body. This effect the first threatening has (Gen 3:19): Dust thou art. Methinks, were there no other argument, love to our bodies should make us hate sin, because it is such an enemy to our bodies. The death even of the bodies of the saints is a remaining token of God's displeasure against sin. 2. But the spirit, the precious soul, that is life; it is now spiritually alive, nay, it is life. Grace in the soul is its new nature; the life of the saint lies in the soul, while the life of the sinner goes no further than the body. When the body dies, and returns to the dust, the spirit if life; not only living and immortal, but swallowed up of life. Death to the saints is but the freeing of the heaven-born spirit from the clog and load of this body, that it may be fit to partake of eternal life. When Abraham was dead, yet God was the God of Abraham, for even then his spirit was life, Mat 22:31, Mat 22:32. See Psa 49:15. And this because of righteousness. The righteousness of Christ imputed to them secures the soul, the better part, from death; the righteousness of Christ inherent in them, the renewed image of God upon the soul, preserves it, and, by God's ordination, at death elevates it, and improves it, and makes it meet to partake of the inheritance of the saints in light. The eternal life of the soul consists in the vision and fruition of God, and both assimilating, for which the soul is qualified by the righteousness of sanctification. I refer to Psa 17:15, I will behold thy face in righteousness. 3. There is a life reserved too for the poor body at last: He shall also quicken your mortal bodies, Rom 8:11. The Lord is for the body; and though at death it is cast aside as a despised broken vessel, a vessel in which is no pleasure, yet God will have a desire to the work of his hands (Job 14:15), will remember his covenant with the dust, and will not lose a grain of it; but the body shall be reunited to the soul, and clothed with a glory agreeable to it. Vile bodies shall be newly fashioned, Phi 3:21; Co1 15:42. Two great assurances of the resurrection of the body are mentioned: - (1.) The resurrection of Christ: He that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken. Christ rose as the head, and first-fruits, and forerunner of all the saints, Co1 15:20. The body of Christ lay in the grave, under the sin of all the elect imputed, and broke through it. O grave, then, where is thy victory? It is in the virtue of Christ's resurrection that we shall rise. (2.) The indwelling of the Spirit. The same Spirit that raiseth the soul now will raise the body shortly: By his Spirit that dwelleth in you. The bodies of the saints are the temples of the Holy Ghost, Co1 3:16; Co1 6:19. Now, though these temples may be suffered for awhile to lie in ruins, yet they shall be rebuilt. The tabernacle of David, which has fallen down, shall be repaired, whatever great mountains may be in the way. The Spirit, breathing upon dead and dry bones, will make them live, and the saints even in their flesh shall see God. Hence the apostle by the way infers how much it is our duty to walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit, Rom 8:12, Rom 8:13. Let not our life be after the wills and motions of the flesh. Two motives he mentions here: - [1.] We are not debtors to the flesh, neither by relation, gratitude, nor any other bond or obligation. We owe no suit nor service to our carnal desires; we are indeed bound to clothe, and feed, and take care of the body, as a servant to the soul in the service of God, but no further. We are not debtors to it; the flesh never did us so much kindness as to oblige us to serve it. It is implied that we are debtors to Christ and to the Spirit: there we owe our all, all we have and all we can do, by a thousand bonds and obligations. Being delivered from so great a death by so great a ransom, we are deeply indebted to our deliverer. See Co1 6:19, Co1 6:20. [2.] Consider the consequences, what will be at the end of the way. Here are life and death, blessing and cursing, set before us. If you live after the flesh, you shall die; that is, die eternally. It is the pleasing, and serving, and gratifying, of the flesh, that are the ruin of souls; that is, the second death. Dying indeed is the soul's dying: the death of the saints is but a sleep. But, on the other hand, You shall live, live and be happy to eternity; that is the true life: If you through the Spirit mortify the deeds of the body, subdue and keep under all fleshly lusts and affections, deny yourselves in the pleasing and humouring of the body, and this through the Spirit; we cannot do it without the Spirit working it in us, and the Spirit will not do it without our doing our endeavour. So that in a word we are put upon this dilemma, either to displease the body or destroy the soul. II. The Spirit of adoption is another privilege belonging to those that are in Christ Jesus, Rom 8:14-16. 1. All that are Christ's are taken into the relation of Children to God, Rom 8:14. Observe, (1.) Their property: They are led by the Spirit of God, as a scholar in his learning is led by his tutor, as a traveller in his journey is led by his guide, as a soldier in his engagements is led by his captain; not driven as beasts, but led as rational creatures, drawn with the cords of a man and the bands of love. It is the undoubted character of all true believers that they are led by the Spirit of God. Having submitted themselves in believing to his guidance, they do in their obedience follow that guidance, and are sweetly led into all truth and all duty. (2.) Their privilege: They are the sons of God, received into the number of God's children by adoption, owned and loved by him as his children. 2. And those that are the sons of God have the Spirit, (1.) To work in them the disposition of children. [1.] You have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear, Rom 8:15. Understand it, First, Of that spirit of bondage which the Old Testament church was under, by reason of the darkness and terror of that dispensation. The veil signified bondage, Co2 3:15. Compare Rom 8:17. The Spirit of adoption was not then so plentifully poured out as now; for the law opened the wound, but little of the remedy. Now you are not under that dispensation, you have not received that spirit. Secondly, Of that spirit of bondage which many of the saints themselves were under at their conversion, under the convictions of sin and wrath set home by the Spirit; as those in Act 2:37, the jailer (Act 16:30), Paul, Act 9:6. Then the Spirit himself was to the saints a spirit of bondage: "But," says the apostle, "with you this is over." "God as a Judge," says Dr. Manton, "by the spirit of bondage, sends us to Christ as Mediator, and Christ as Mediator, by the spirit of adoption, sends us back again to God as a Father." Though a child of God may come under fear of bondage again, and may be questioning his sonship, yet the blessed Spirit is not again a spirit of bondage, for then he would witness an untruth. [2.] But you have received the Spirit of adoption. Men may give a charter of adoption; but it is God's prerogative, when he adopts, to give a spirit of adoption - the nature of children. The Spirit of adoption works in the children of God a filial love to God as a Father, a delight in him, and a dependence upon him, as a Father. A sanctified soul bears the image of God, as the child bears the image of the father. Whereby we cry, Abba, Father. Praying is here called crying, which is not only an earnest, but a natural expression of desire; children that cannot speak vent their desires by crying. Now, the Spirit teaches us in prayer to come to God as a Father, with a holy humble confidence, emboldening the soul in that duty. Abba, Father. Abba is a Syriac word signifying father or my father; patēr, a Greek work; and why both, Abba, Father? Because Christ said so in prayer (Mar 14:36), Abba, Father: and we have received the Spirit of the Son. It denotes an affectionate endearing importunity, and a believing stress laid upon the relation. Little children, begging of their parents, can say little but Father, Father, and that is rhetoric enough. It also denotes that the adoption is common both to Jews and Gentiles: the Jews call him Abba in their language, the Greeks may call him patēr in their language; for in Christ Jesus there is neither Greek nor Jew. (2.) To witness to the relation of children, Rom 8:16. The former is the work of the Spirit as a Sanctifier; this as a Comforter. Beareth witness with our spirit. Many a man has the witness of his own spirit to the goodness of his state who has not the concurring testimony of the Spirit. Many speak peace to themselves to whom the God of heaven does not speak peace. But those that are sanctified have God's Spirit witnessing with their spirits, which is to be understood not of any immediate extraordinary revelation, but an ordinary work of the Spirit, in and by the means of comfort, speaking peace to the soul. This testimony is always agreeable to the written word, and is therefore always grounded upon sanctification; for the Spirit in the heart cannot contradict the Spirit in the word. The Spirit witnesses to none the privileges of children who have not the nature and disposition of children.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
8:10 the Spirit gives you life: The Spirit opposes sin (which leads to physical death) and brings resurrection from the dead.