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#36.
Romans 5: 12 - 8: 39.
Key-words: Spirit.
pp. 97 - 100
A most important key-word is now before us. With one exception, which occurs in
Rom. 7:, all the references to pneuma are found in Rom. 8:, the message of which
they characterize. In this chapter there are 21 occurrences, which is roughly one
reference for every two verses.
Rom. 7: 6 sums up the argument, Rom. 8: 4 sets it out in doctrinal terms, and the
remaining references expand its several features. Let us see for ourselves.
(1) The summing up of the argument of Rom. 5: 12 - 7: 5.
"But now we are freed from the law, having died to that in which we were held, so
that we may serve in newness of spirit, and not in oldness of letter" (Rom. 7: 6).
(2) The doctrinal setting-out of this summary.
"For the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus, set me free from the law of sin and
death" (Rom. 8: 2).
(3) The expansion of essential features of this setting-out.
(1:) The relation of this spirit to law.
(2:) The relation of this spirit to liberty.
(3:) The relation of this spirit to life.
(1:)
LAW.--"That the righteous requirements of the law may be fulfilled in us,
who walk not after the flesh, but after the spirit" (Rom. 8: 4).
(2:) LIBERTY.--"For you received not a spirit of bondage again to fear . . . . .
the freedom of the glory of the children of God" (Rom. 8: 15-21).
(3:) LIFE.--(a)
Newness of life.
(b)
Sphere of this life.
(c)
Nature of this life.
(d)
Expression of this life.
(a) Newness of life.
"For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that
are after the spirit the things of the spirit" (5).
"For the minding of the flesh is death, but the minding of the spirit is life and
peace" (6).
"If Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin: but the spirit is life
because of righteousness" (10).
"For if ye live after the flesh ye shall die; but if ye through the spirit do
mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live" (13).