Articles
Victory in Jesus (Romans 8:10-25)
The battle to resist the flesh and follow God’s will is one that we cannot win on our own. Thankfully, as Paul transitions from Romans 7 into Romans 8, he proclaims that Jesus offers us the victory we so desperately need. Through Christ, we are credited with His righteousness and freed from the guilt of sin and the penalty of death. The Holy Spirit, who dwells in us, empowers us to overcome sin’s control over our lives.
In our last lesson, we explored victory over the flesh and sin’s dominance. In this article, let’s continue in Romans 8:10-25 and consider the victory we have in Jesus over death, obscurity, and hopelessness.
Victory Over Death
In Romans 8:10-13, Paul declares that, through the Holy Spirit, Christians have victory over death. While our bodies are subject to sin and death, the Spirit gives life to our mortal bodies, just as He raised Christ from the dead. The Holy Spirit is God’s presence in believers, sealing us and guaranteeing our inheritance. Through the Spirit’s power, we can live in accordance with God’s will and experience victory over death—both physical and spiritual.
Key Takeaways:
- The Holy Spirit makes our bodies His temple (1 Corinthians 3:16).
- The Holy Spirit seals us for our inheritance (Ephesians 1:13-14).
- By the Spirit, we put to death the deeds of the body and live (Romans 8:13).
Victory Over Obscurity
In Romans 8:14-17, Paul reminds us of our victory over obscurity and a lack of identity in Christ. Through the Holy Spirit, we are no longer slaves to fear, but children of God, adopted into His family. As believers, we can call God our “Abba” Father, a term of intimacy and affection. We have the security of knowing who we are: heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ. Though we may suffer with Him, we will also share in His glory.
Key Takeaways:
- As Christians, we are God’s adopted children (Romans 8:14-15).
- God is our loving Father, and we can cry out to Him in times of distress (1 Peter 5:6-7).
- Our identity as children of God gives us confidence in our spiritual journey.
Victory Over Hopelessness and Discouragement
In Romans 8:18-25, Paul addresses the reality of suffering and hardship in this world. Life is filled with pain, but Paul encourages us to keep our struggles in perspective. The sufferings of this present time cannot compare to the glory that awaits us. We eagerly await a new world where sin, death, and sorrow will be no more, and our bodies will be glorified like Christ’s. This hope sustains us through difficult times.
Key Takeaways:
- The creation, along with believers, waits for the redemption and renewal of all things (Romans 8:21-23).
- Our hope is not based on what we see but on what is to come, which gives us strength to endure (Romans 8:24-25).
- The future glory of God’s new creation far outweighs any temporary suffering (2 Corinthians 4:17).
Through Jesus, we have victory over death, obscurity, and hopelessness. In the next lesson, we will explore the incredible love of God that makes all this victory possible. Outside of Christ, there is no lasting victory. But in Christ, there is no true defeat.
Are you in Christ?
If not, come and experience the victory He offers today.
