Literary Context

Romans 8:1-8 ESV

Paul was led by the Spirit of God to explain God’s plan of salvation to both the Jews, and
the Gentiles. The means by which Paul informs his readers is by building revelation on top of
revelation throughout his letter, titled Romans. The first topic Paul addresses in his letter is the
root of the real problem, that is humanities sin nature and God’s judgement of sin. Throughout
the first five chapters, Paul discusses humanity’s universal sin nature (1:18-3:20), then he
addresses justification by faith in Christ (3:21-5:21). Throughout these chapters, he explains
how the Law was unable to fulfill God’s requirement for sin by clearly stating a person cannot
be saved by the Law. He follows these chapters by explain that sin has been broken and one
does not have to live by being controlled by their old sinful nature. Paul is a realist, he
approaches the truth concerning the battle one has with their old sinful nature, and their new
nature when it comes to which one will control their lives. He shows how he personally
struggles with his old nature of sin, compared to his new life in Christ. He exposes himself by
stating he does what he doesn’t want to do and doesn’t do what he wants to do. Throughout
chapters six through eight, Paul is describing sanctification by God’s Spirit and one’s future
glorification (6-8).
He enters chapter eight of Romans by conveying to his readers the means by which the
power of sin is broken. He explains there is no commendation to those who have accept Jesus
as their Lord and Savior. He shows how the power of God has been revealed through the
atoning work of Jesus Christ on the cross. Then he reinsures his readers that the law could not
save them, but God sent His only Son to pay the penalty for humanity’s sin by declaring an end
to sin’s control over mankind. Paul doesn’t leave his reading wondering if this atoning work was
complete when he states that anyone who has received the sacrifice offered through Jesus is no
longer under sin’s control.
Paul then concludes his letter by addressing topics concerning how to live by this new
life in Christ to support chapter eight. He explains the transformation of the body and mind in
Romans 12:1-2. He shows how to use the spiritual gifts given in the new life (12:3-8), what
Christian love and submission is (12:9 – 13), and how to exercise and restrain one’s freedom in
Christ (14 – 15).