Romans 8:3

For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful man, as an offering for sin. He thus condemned sin in the flesh,

Study Bible

For what the law was powerless to do
This phrase highlights the inherent limitations of the Mosaic Law. The Greek word for "powerless" is "ἀσθενές" (asthenes), meaning weak or without strength. The Law, while holy and righteous, could not empower individuals to overcome sin due to human weakness. Historically, the Law served as a tutor to lead people to Christ (Galatians 3:24), revealing sin but not providing the means to conquer it. The Law's purpose was to show humanity's need for a Savior.

in that it was weakened by the flesh
The term "flesh" (σάρξ, sarx) refers to human nature in its fallen state, prone to sin and rebellion against God. The Law was weakened not because of any deficiency in itself, but because of the sinful nature of humanity. The flesh is incapable of fulfilling the righteous requirements of the Law, as it is inherently opposed to God's will (Romans 7:18).

God did
This phrase emphasizes the divine initiative in salvation. Where the Law was powerless, God intervened. The Greek word for "did" (ποιέω, poieo) implies action and accomplishment. It underscores the active role of God in achieving what the Law could not, highlighting His sovereignty and grace.

by sending His own Son
The sending of Jesus is central to the Christian faith. The phrase "His own Son" underscores the unique and intimate relationship between the Father and the Son. The Greek word for "sending" (πέμπω, pempo) indicates a mission with purpose. This act of sending is a demonstration of God's love and the fulfillment of His redemptive plan, as prophesied throughout the Old Testament (Isaiah 9:6).

in the likeness of sinful man
The word "likeness" (ὁμοίωμα, homoioma) signifies resemblance but not identity. Jesus came in the form of humanity, fully human yet without sin (Hebrews 4:15). This phrase affirms the doctrine of the Incarnation, where Jesus took on human flesh to identify with us, yet remained sinless, qualifying Him to be the perfect sacrifice for sin.

as an offering for sin
The Greek term for "offering" (περί, peri) in this context refers to a sin offering, echoing the sacrificial system of the Old Testament. Jesus' death on the cross was the ultimate fulfillment of these sacrifices, once and for all (Hebrews 10:10). His sacrifice was sufficient to atone for the sins of humanity, achieving what the Law could not.

He condemned sin in the flesh
The word "condemned" (κατακρίνω, katakrino) means to judge against or to pronounce a sentence upon. Through Jesus' sacrificial death, God passed judgment on sin, breaking its power over humanity. This act of condemnation was accomplished "in the flesh," signifying that Jesus, in His human body, bore the penalty for sin, thus liberating believers from its dominion (Colossians 2:14-15).

Persons / Places / Events

1. God
The sovereign Creator who initiates salvation by sending His Son.

2. Jesus Christ
Referred to as "His own Son," who came in the likeness of sinful man to be an offering for sin.

3. The Law
The Mosaic Law, which was unable to bring about righteousness due to human weakness.

4. Sin
The power and principle that opposes God's will, condemned in the flesh by Christ's sacrifice.

5. Flesh
Refers to human nature in its fallen state, which is incapable of fulfilling the law's demands.

Teaching Points

The Limitation of the Law
The law, while holy and good, is powerless to save due to human weakness. It serves to reveal sin but cannot overcome it.

The Incarnation of Christ
Jesus came in the "likeness of sinful man," fully identifying with humanity yet without sin, to accomplish what the law could not.

The Condemnation of Sin
Through Christ's sacrificial death, sin is condemned in the flesh, breaking its power over those who are in Christ.

The Sufficiency of Christ's Sacrifice
Christ's offering is complete and sufficient for salvation, emphasizing the grace of God in providing a means of redemption.

Living in the Spirit
Believers are called to live according to the Spirit, not the flesh, empowered by the victory Christ achieved over sin.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding the limitation of the law help us appreciate the work of Christ in Romans 8:3?

2. In what ways does Jesus' coming in the "likeness of sinful man" impact our understanding of His role as Savior?

3. How does the condemnation of sin in the flesh through Christ's sacrifice affect our daily battle with sin?

4. What are some practical ways we can live according to the Spirit, as opposed to the flesh, in light of Romans 8:3?

5. How do the connections to other scriptures, such as 2 Corinthians 5:21 and Hebrews 2:14-17, deepen our understanding of the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Galatians 3:24-25
Discusses the purpose of the law as a tutor leading to Christ, highlighting the law's inability to save.

Philippians 2:7-8
Describes Jesus taking on human likeness, emphasizing His humility and obedience unto death.

Hebrews 2:14-17
Explains how Jesus shared in humanity to destroy the power of sin and death.

2 Corinthians 5:21
Speaks of Christ becoming sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God.

John 1:14
Declares the Word becoming flesh, dwelling among us, full of grace and truth.