Studies From Romans
Lesson #8: Why Jesus Came in the Flesh (Romans 8:1-4)
In this lesson we are going to look at the phrase “in the likeness of sinful flesh” to show what it means and why it is so important regarding our salvation.
The Problem with the Law:
According to verse 3 in our passage the law is weak through the flesh. This is not saying that the law is weak but that our flesh is the problem. Ever since Adam sinned, we have been born with a sinful nature (Romans 5:12). This is why all have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Therefore, the law is not the problem. The problem is that we cannot keep the law.
As a part of this we must discuss another reason that we sin. In James 1:13-15 we see that we are tempted when we are drawn away of our own lust and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived it bringing forth sin and sin when it is finished bringeth forth death. From this we see that there is natural lust in our flesh that when it mixes with temptation can conceive sin. This is defined in 1 John 2:16 as: lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. These are 3 categories of sin. Any sin we commit will be done because of one of these three things.
The Likeness of sinful flesh:
When Jesus came, he is said to be in the likeness of sinful flesh. This is important because it shows us that even though he was born without sin through the virgin birth (Luke 1:26-38), he was in a body that was capable of sinning. (If Jesus was not capable of sinning the temptation by the Devil was absolutely pointless).
In Jesus temptation by the devil (Luke 4:1-13), he was tempted with lust of the flesh (verse 3), lust of the eyes (verses 6-7), and the pride of life (verses 9-10) and yet he resisted every temptation without sin. This is why he is a faithful and merciful high priest that understands everything we could possibly go through as human beings (Hebrews 2:16-18 ; 4:14-16).
Condemned sin in the flesh:
The key for us in this lesson is that Jesus was tempted and defeated sin in the flesh. Therefore, he is the only one to face temptation and not sin. This allowed him to become the perfect sacrifice that was needed for our redemption (1 Peter 1:18-19).
As a result of this we can now have the righteousness of the law fulfilled in us through salvation in the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 8:4). Even though we have sinned and broken the law, in Jesus we are seen as righteous just as if we have never broken the law.
Studies From Romans
Lesson #8: Why Jesus Came in the Flesh (Romans 8:1-4)
Handout
1) According to our passage what was the problem with the Law?
2) Give a verse for Jesus being God manifest in the flesh.
3) Why is it important that Jesus is said to be “in the likeness of sinful flesh”?
4) How did Jesus condemn sin in the flesh?
5) What is the result of Jesus condemning sin in the flesh?