In Romans 8, Paul highlights a fundamental truth about Christianity and the Gospel that even many Christians miss to their own harm and detriment. The point is simply stated: the Christian life is lived by God's power not by our own strength or determination. In the chapters prior, Paul has made the point that the Old Testament Law was not able to make us righteous. This is not because of a fault in the Law. It is because of a fault in us. Our sinful nature prevented us from responding to the Law as we should. That is why Christ came. He came so that through His work we might receive the Holy Spirit and have the power to live righteously. Now, this side of heaven we do not obtain perfection. Our sinful nature lives on. But, we now can make choices contrary to that sinful nature, choices that lead to obedience, because we have the Spirit. Making these choices is not easy. In verse 16, Paul likens obedience in the Spirit to the sufferings of Christ. But through Christ, we can now battle to obedience.
It is important to know that the Christian life is never lived in our strength. Our willpower or determination do not lead to obedience. Instead, we obey and stand in the power of Christ.
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