January 30 - Romans 8:12-13

Today's Sermon: Being the Church: A More Excellent Way

Audio from Today's Study

Paul’s Epistle to the Romans

January 30, 2022

Opening Prayer

Almighty, everlasting God, who through Thy Son has assured forgiveness of sins and deliverance from eternal death, we pray Thee, strengthen us by Thy Holy Spirit, that we may daily increase in this trust in Thy grace in Christ, and hold fast to the hope that we shall not die, but fall asleep and on the last day be raised to eternal life, through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.[1]

Prolegomena

Holy Ghost vs. Holy Spirit?

Looking ahead to Lenten Devotions.

Romans 8:12-13

So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. ¹³ For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

v. 12

We are debtors, people who are under obligation.

-        To whom/what? And why?

-        How is this different from living according to the law?

-        What is the significance of this statement?

v. 13

For if you live according to the flesh, you are about to die …

-        This isn’t a simple future tense verse.

-        There is an imminence in the message.

-        Why, if we live according to the flesh, would we be about to die?

But if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

-        Notice the violent imagery.

o   Much of the language of the Church has become therapeutic.

o   There are two movements of the faith –

§  The healing power of the gospel with the resurrection from death.

§  The wrestling of faith in a fallen world.

·       Israel -  “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven (sarah) with God and with men, and have prevailed.”

·       El = God

-        It is very strong language – not subdue, nor resist – put to death.

-        Prayer, Meditation and Struggle make a theologian. – Luther.

-        How do we struggle?

o   Ephesians 6:10-18a - ¹⁰ Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. ¹¹ Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. ¹² For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. ¹³ Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. ¹⁴ Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, ¹⁵ and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; ¹⁷ and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, ¹⁸ praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.

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[1] This prayer was written by Veit Dietrich (1506-1549), recorded in Doberstein’s, Minister’s Prayer Book, Fortress, 1986, p. 55. Dietrich was a friend and confidant of Martin Luther.