No Romans Eight Fruit Of The Spirit Without Romans Six Death Of The Flesh

[Mr. M]

After tracing the problem of sin in man to Adam's disobedience in Romans Five, the Spirit lays out in Romans Six what we must do to defeat sin in the flesh. In Romans Seven Paul presents why the Law was incapable of accomplishing this righteous requirement by which we find ourselves caught in the dilemma of sin dwelling in us (G3611-oikeo means to occupy). Sin does not simply abide in us, it is a homewrecker, heartbreaker seizing control as an occupying force for the cause of rebellion. 

The Spirit then uses the same word in Romans Eight to describe the fruit of Victory when sin has been put to death, and the Spirit Reigns, not simply abides. Again, the translation is normally 'dwell', which does not fully convey the war for peace in the soul.

Herein is where the false doctrine presents itself. Time and time again I see people quoting Romans 8 in a classic "the Bible says it, I believe it, that settles it" by confessing favorite verses from this "beloved" chapter. This is often referred to as "name it, claim it" theology without any regard for the demands the Spirit places on the Saints in Romans 6 to defeat the dilemma of ch. 7 and enjoy the fruit of ch. 8. 

Jesus said "seek first the Kingdom and its righteousness", another popular and familiar verse. So how is the seeking accomplished? Thank you! Romans 6. The entire chapter lays out a full explanation of this endeavor, and leaves nothing optional, because in Romans 8 is where we see IF, stated several times. In other words, as we continue to strive and abide in Romans 6 works of righteousness, only then will we begin to see the fruit of Righteousness in Romans 8.

16 Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness? 17 But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. 18 And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness. 19 I speak in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves of uncleanness, and of lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves of righteousness for holiness.

I am just speculating here, but I believe the issue could be the whole "slave" thing. A slave does not pay lip service to His Master's wishes, nor seeks fruit for their own benefit, but for the Household (of faith).

James 3:18 Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

[Mr. M]

5 hours ago, Mr. M said:

Jesus said "seek first the Kingdom and its righteousness", another popular and familiar verse. So how is the seeking accomplished? Thank you! Romans 6. The entire chapter lays out a full explanation of this endeavor, and leaves nothing optional, because in Romans 8 is where we see IF, stated several times. In other words, as we continue to strive and abide in Romans 6 works of righteousness, only then will we begin to see the fruit of Righteousness in Romans 8.

Romans Eight:

9 But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. 10 And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.

12 Therefore, brethren, 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. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 

[Mr. M]

5 hours ago, Mr. M said:

Thank you! Romans 6.

5 For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, 6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. 7 For he who has died has been freed from sin. 8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, 9 knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him. 10 For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. 11 Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

20 For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. 21 What fruit did you have then in the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. 22 But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life.