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"What the law could not do..."

Text: Romans 8:3

THE CHALLENGE OF EXPRESSING THEOLOGICAL IDEAS

Theological truth seems to be particularly hard to express. Paul had been making many statements that must be carefully studied and interpreted, or they could lead to serious misunderstanding. Here is another text that must be carefully handled:-

“For what the law could not do in that it was weak
through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son
in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin:
He condemned sin in the flesh.”
Romans 8:3

1. Did Paul think that the law was intrinsically weak?

a) The answer is “No!”

b) The law is described as “weak” only because the flesh made it appear thus.

c) If there is any weakness at all, it is to be located in the flesh.

2. Was Paul suggesting that Jesus had sinful flesh?

a) Again the answer is “No!”

b) Jesus was given the same chance Adam had; He was born without sin.

c) He was subjected to all the weaknesses that human beings possessed.

d) He was tempted and tested, but He did not sin (Cf. Hebrews 2:17; 4:15)

3. What does it mean for Christ to condemn sin in the flesh?

a) The only way Jesus could deliver us from sin would be to identify with us fully.

b) He would have to bear all our sins on Himself.

c) He was condemned to die on our behalf (vicarious atonement).

d) Sin’s hold on man was now broken

i) The penalty of sin has been set aside.

ii) The power of sin has now been broken forever.

iii) Christ had effectively dealt with sin in the flesh! He condemned it!