The Christian's Way of Life
A Sermon on Romans 8:3-4
Originally preached Feb. 26, 1960
Scripture
3For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: 4That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not …
Sermon Description
According to Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones in this sermon on Romans 8:3–4, the Christian life is about trusting in God. Salvation comes not through works, but as a free gift in Christ Jesus. All attempts to seek God on one’s own are doomed to fail for it is God that reveals Himself and gives the gospel. What is the gospel? It is the message that Christ has died for sinners in order that they would not have to suffer for their own sin. For under the law, there is condemnation but Jesus died in order to fulfil the law. Christians are to live now in the power of Christ and seek holiness and righteousness. Yet, the Bible never says that humanity will be completely free from sin in this life. Nevertheless, Christians are still free from the power of the flesh and sin. By trusting in Jesus, they are made right with God and though they sin, their hope remains in Christ and not themselves. Dr. Lloyd-Jones preaches the most important message because it concerns the eternal destiny of everyone: “do you believe in Jesus?”
Sermon Breakdown
- The apostle Paul is describing all Christians, not just some Christians who have chosen to go further in their faith. There is no indication in the passage of two types of Christians.
- To "walk after the flesh" means to have an outlook and attitude opposed to God's way of salvation through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. It refers to trying to be righteous through one's own efforts.
- To "walk after the Spirit" means to be led and guided by the Holy Spirit. It refers to having a new life in Christ through the work of the Holy Spirit.
- Paul adds this description to show how the righteousness of the law is fulfilled in us through the work of the Spirit.
- Paul adds this description to show the certainty of salvation for those in Christ. Christians have assurance because they are no longer under condemnation but are made righteous through Christ and sanctified by the Spirit.
- This description provides a test for Christians to examine themselves. True belief in Christ results in a changed life as evidence that one is walking after the Spirit, not just an intellectual belief.
Sermon Q&A
Understanding 'Walking After the Spirit' in Romans 8:4
What does Paul mean by "walking after the flesh versus walking after the Spirit" in Romans 8:4?
According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, "walking after the Spirit" is not describing specific actions but rather the general tenor of a Christian's life. It refers to the realm in which a believer lives. Walking "after the flesh" means viewing salvation from a carnal, human standpoint, while walking "after the Spirit" means being led and guided by the Holy Spirit. This contrast isn't primarily about behavior but about the fundamental orientation of one's life.
Is "walking after the Spirit" an optional experience for some Christians only?
No. Dr. Lloyd-Jones strongly refutes the teaching that divides Christians into "carnal Christians" and "spiritual Christians." He emphasizes that walking after the Spirit is true of every genuine Christian. There is no such thing as a Christian who is "merely justified" but not walking after the Spirit. When Paul says in Romans 8:4 that "the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit," he is describing all Christians, not a special group who have attained a higher spiritual experience.
How does "flesh" in this context differ from other uses in Scripture?
The word "flesh" has three main uses in Scripture: 1. Mankind in general ("all flesh shall see the salvation of God") 2. The physical body (as in Galatians 2:20, "the life I now live in the flesh") 3. Unrenewed human nature (the meaning in Romans 8:4)
In this context, "flesh" refers to human nature apart from the influence of the Holy Spirit. It doesn't necessarily mean gross immorality; even respectable, moral people who aren't Christians are "walking after the flesh."
What evidence shows that a person is walking after the Spirit?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that genuine faith produces evidence both internally and externally. He rejects "believism" (or Sandymanianism) that suggests merely saying you believe is sufficient for salvation. Rather, true faith transforms a person's mindset, desires, and conduct. As 1 John 3 teaches, those who are born of God do not continue in sin as the general pattern of their life. This doesn't mean Christians never sin, but that sin is no longer their way of life.
Why did Paul add this description about walking after the Spirit?
According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, Paul added this description for three reasons: 1. To show how the righteousness of the law is fulfilled in us (through the Spirit's work) 2. To demonstrate the certainty of our salvation (the Spirit ensures our sanctification) 3. To provide a test for genuine faith (examining whether we're truly walking after the Spirit)
This phrase serves as a crucial reminder that justification and sanctification begin simultaneously at regeneration. One cannot be justified without the sanctifying work of the Spirit beginning at the same time.
The Book of Romans
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981) was a Welsh evangelical minister who preached and taught in the Reformed tradition. His principal ministry was at Westminster Chapel, in central London, from 1939-1968, where he delivered multi-year expositions on books of the bible such as Romans, Ephesians and the Gospel of John. In addition to the MLJ Trust’s collection of 1,600 of these sermons in audio format, most of these great sermon series are available in book form (including a 14 volume collection of the Romans sermons), as are other series such as "Spiritual Depression", "Studies in the Sermon on the Mount" and "Great Biblical Doctrines". He is considered by many evangelical leaders today to be an authority on biblical truth and the sufficiency of Scripture.