Romans 8:4 –walking in accord with flesh or spirit?

…that the just requirement of the law may be fulfilled in us, who are not walking in accord with flesh, but in accord with spirit.

It is impossible for the law to be fulfilled “through the flesh” (: 3). That, in one sentence, is the history of the failing “old covenant” which also shows the need for a new covenant that does not rely on the accomplishments of “the flesh.” And that is exactly what God had in mind when sending his Son. In the death and resurrection of Christ, God set aside “the flesh”. Because through his spirit He himself guarantees the fulfillment of what is written in the law.

The expression “walk in the flesh” refers to man who believes he can fulfill the law. But “the just requirement of the law” is only fulfilled where man has no expectations of himself and therefore makes no attempt to do so. To “walk in the spirit” means, God’s spirit that raised Christ from the dead works through the same “spirit of life” (: 2) through us who trust in Him. As Abraham received resurrection power according to the promise given to him, so that same power will work in us too. Anyone who relies on it is never put to shame.

Delen: