THE OPTIMISM OF GRACE
by Dr. Frank Moore
Scripture Background: Romans 8:1-17
Biblical Truth: God brings an incredible change to the lives of those
who believe in Christ as their personal Savior.
This change sets them free to live the life God calls them to live.
disagreed at one crucial point: Whitfield tended to lay
emphasis on the damage of sin to humanity and our
tendency to constantly fall short of God’s lofty goals
for us. He had a rather pessimistic view of the human
condition, even for believers who were recipients of
God’s grace.
Wesley, on the other hand, had a much more
optimistic view of human possibilities—with the help
of God’s grace. Rather than dwelling on how far short
we fall of God’s goals for us, Wesley focused on the
incredible change God makes in our lives and how we
are enabled to live under the direction of the Holy
Spirit.
To this day, Wesleyans carry on this tradition of
emphasizing the optimism of grace. Rather than living as
though every day were a losing battle, Wesleyans look
to what, as a people transformed by God’s grace and
made holy by His action, can accomplish by dedicating
ourselves to following God’s will.
In our Scripture focus for this week, the apostle Paul
explains why it is possible for Christians to live a holy
and transformed life. “You, however, are controlled not
by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God
lives in you” (Rom. 8:9).
Why Adults Need This Session
In the more than two decades I have worked with
students at a Christian university, I have seen many
changes. Hair styles, clothing choices, mannerisms,
personal preferences—every year seems to bring
something new to replace something judged absolutely
essential the previous year. Still, other things remain
constant from generation to generation. Young adults
are still looking for their place in the world, for a
career, a mate, personal significance. At least one other
constant marks college students: they bring a pessimistic
or optimistic view with them about their lives, the world,
and the future.
Adult believers, college age and older, live their
Christian lives either in the pessimism of past and
present failures or the optimism of God’s grace working
in their lives. This session urges us to decide to live in the
optimism of God’s grace rather than the pessimism of
Satan’s lies.
Session in Context
John Wesley and George Whitfield were best
friends and they both had great spiritual influence in
England and the United States. They shared their views
about the Bible, the fall of humanity, and God’s plan
of salvation to restore humanity to a relationship with
himself.
While Wesley and Whitfield agreed on many
doctrines and perspectives of the Christian faith, they
Scripture Background
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those
who are in Christ Jesus, 2because through Christ Jesus
the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of
sin and death. 3For what the law was powerless to do in
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knees. One boy had a big smile on his face in eager
anticipation of what this jolly old man was going to
give him; the other was crying in fear. What a contrast!
Same situation—different reactions.
This session reminds us of a similar difference of
perspective in the Christian community with regard to
God’s plan of salvation for humanity. What attitude
should characterize the lives of believers? Should a
cloud of doubt and failure follow them everywhere they
go, reminding them of their shortcomings, weaknesses,
and sins? Or, should a song of “Victory in Jesus” flow
from their mouths as they live the Spirit-filled life? It’s all
a matter of perspective. Are you a spiritual optimist or
a spiritual pessimist?
As we study this passage of Scripture, pay particular
attention to the contrasts Paul makes between our old
way of life prior to coming to Christ and our new way
of life in Him. Sadly, many Christians continue to live
in the mindset of bondage to their old life of sin, even
after they trust Christ for their salvation. They think as
long as we occupy this human body and live in a fallen
world, we are doomed to endless failure. Paul reminds
us that our condemnation has passed, “because through
Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from
the law of sin and death” (Rom. 8:2). Through Christ we
are able to live in optimistic victory!
that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by
sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a
sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man, 4in
order that the righteous requirements of the law might
be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful
nature but according to the Spirit.
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Those who live according to the sinful nature have
their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who
live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on
what the Spirit desires. 6The mind of sinful man is death,
but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace;
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the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to
God’s law, nor can it do so. 8Those controlled by the sinful
nature cannot please God.
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You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature
but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And
if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not
belong to Christ. 10But if Christ is in you, your body is
dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of
righteousness. 11And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus
from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from
the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through
his Spirit, who lives in you. 12 Therefore, brothers, we have
an obligation—but it is not to the sinful nature, to live
according to it. 13For if you live according to the sinful
nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death
the misdeeds of the body, you will live, 14because those
who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15For
you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again
to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by
him we cry, “Abba, Father.” 16The Spirit himself testifies
with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17Now if we
are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and coheirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in
order that we may also share in his glory. Romans 8:1-17
(NIV)
The Two Ways (8:1-9)
The key to understanding today’s passage lies
in verse 1: “Therefore, there is now no condemnation
for those who are in Christ Jesus” (emphasis added).
“Therefore” in this verse refers back to the condemnation
of the Law explored in Romans 7. Christ took our place
on the Cross; therefore, He freed us from sin. We don’t
need to wait for death to bring deliverance from the
bondage of sin. That deliverance is ours now as we
walk in the Spirit. This incredible freedom of which
Paul speaks requires only that we make a choice to
live in Christ Jesus. But what does “living in Christ Jesus”
mean?
Romans 8:2-9 clearly differentiates between life in
the flesh and life in the Spirit of Christ. Paul refers to
the flesh more than 12 times and the Spirit 16 times in
Romans 8. There are two alternative ways of thinking,
valuing, and living. First, is life according to the flesh
Scripture Exposition
Introduction
One of my favorite human interest photographs
appeared on the front page of our newspaper a
few years ago at Christmas. The photo showed a set
of identically-dressed twin boys sitting on Santa’s
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(the way we were before coming to Christ); second is
life according to the Spirit (the way God urges us to live
now). The first way sees God as a God of judgment; the
second way shows Him as the God of persistent grace.
Let’s compare and contrast these two alternative views
in the contrasting pairs given below.
the heart of God. This law guides our thinking, feelings,
actions, and attitudes. It’s not so much a list of rules as
the safety zone for our relationship with God. This love
relationship with God causes us to long for His ways, as
taught to us by His Spirit.
“The law of death.” This law comes from the evil
one. It tells us to do as we please. It’s a law that calls
for us to disregard all other laws and loyalties. Think
what you want to think. Do what you want to do. Make
yourself happy. The problem with this law? It leads
straight to destruction and death.
Two preferences (8:1, 8-9)
“In Christ Jesus.” We are in Christ; He is in us. The
Spirit brings the living presence of Christ not just to us
but in us. We are united with Him in a mystical connection
that makes possible daily communion between our spirit
and His Spirit. Our spirit is not absorbed by His so as to
nullify our personhood or cancel our free will. Thus, we
still make our own choices and think our own thoughts
but with the advantage we receive advice and intimate
council from Him through the Spirit.
“In the flesh.” The Bible uses flesh in three main ways:
(1) our physical bodies, (2) the human point of view, and
(3) our selfish nature. Paul intends the third way in this
passage of Scripture. In this sense, the flesh represents
a mindset, in which we make no attempt to choose God
over our own desires. We do what we want, when we
want, and in the manner we want. We seek our own
happiness over all other priorities.
Two powers (8:3-4)
“The power of Christ.” Christ became our
representative on the Cross. By His sacrifice, we now
have full remission for our sins. The result is amazing. To
God, we are fully and completely forgiven. There’s a big
difference between God forgiving us but remembering
our sins and God forgiving and forgetting our sins. He
does the latter. Christ’s power gives us a new heart
toward God and a new start with Him. Amazing power!
Amazing grace!
“The power of the Law.” The law tells us we must
follow every regulation with exacting precision in order
to please God. However, that leads to frustration and
failure. And when we fail or fall short, the law condemns
us. It offers no power to succeed or hope that we can
ever meet its demands. Like a taskmaster who cannot
be pleased, the law tells us we’re wrong but offers no
help for correcting our way.
Two walks (8:1, 4-5, 9)
“Spiritual walk.” A spiritual walk keeps us in step
with God. Our own self-preferences are put aside as
we choose to do God’s will over our own. Often, this
path runs counter to what we might choose for ourselves,
but we want God’s will so much we will endure personal
discomfort and uncertainty for His presence and plan.
“Fleshly walk.” This walk keeps us in step with our own
desires. Selfishness, self-seeking, and self-gratification
mark the path for this walk. Sometimes, this path runs
counter to the feelings and well-being of others, but no
matter; self gratification is the target. While we may
not intend to disregard God’s ways, we do not allow
His ways to lead us away from our perspective and
desires.
Two loyalties (8:5)
“Loyalty to the Spirit.” This loyalty lovingly directs
us to God’s will. Our preference is to please God. Our
personal desires fall subject to God’s holy, pure, and
loving desires for us. It’s not that we long to do one thing
but force ourselves to do something else. It’s that our
desires become at one with His. Our pleasure is to do
His pleasure.
“Loyalty to the flesh.” This loyalty subjects us to
the powerful whims of our desires, our addictions, and
our shortsighted passions. We become obsessed by
everything that looks good to us. We are obsessed
because we think they are best for us. We have no other
opposing point of reference so we enter into the flow
Two laws (8:2)
“The law of the Spirit of life.” This law comes not
from a rule book or a court bench but it comes from
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day in step with the Spirit of God. We must not continue
to live in bondage to our old life of sin. We can be
pessimistic about how less-than-perfect our lives are
in this fallen world and about how many mistakes we
make in our bodies. Or, we can be optimistic about the
incredible resources of God’s grace that work within us.
The choice is ours. Live with optimism!
of the obsession. Loyalty to the flesh defies wisdom. It
needs no other argument than “because it seems good
and I want to.”
Two destinies (8:6-7)
“Life.” It’s quite ironic. Jesus said to save your life,
you must lose it (Matt. 16:25). So, when you surrender
everything—your will, your preferences, your desires,
your hopes, your dreams, your plans—when you
surrender body, soul, mind, and spirit to God’s Spirit,
rather than losing your life, you actually gain life to the
fullest. We need not wait for the end of our journey on
earth to start to enjoy eternal life. Life lived in the Spirit
gives us the joys and benefits of eternal life right now.
“Death.” This path ends in total destruction. The
final stage of addiction brings total bondage. The final
stage of self-seeking brings total selfishness. The final
stage of the life of the flesh brings physical, spiritual,
psychological, and emotional death.
Further Reflection
• Which benefits of life in the Spirit do you most
appreciate right now in your life?
• Which future benefits of life in the Spirit do you
most anticipate?
• Given such a clear-cut distinction between the
pessimism of the old life of sin and the optimism
of life in the Spirit, why would any Christian not
choose to be optimistic about the future?
Session Navigator
Glorious Benefits (8:10-17)
We have just seen how Paul has contrasted two
ways of living. One path leads to life in the Spirit; the
other leads to death. The choice seems simple, but in
case we aren’t persuaded, Paul now moves on to the
glorious benefits of choosing life in the Spirit. Note
these benefits:
• The Spirit of Christ dwelling in our hearts (v. 10)
• Physical resurrection from the dead (v. 11)
• Adoption into the family of God (vv. 14-15)
• The witness of God’s Spirit to our spirit (v. 16)
• Joint heirs with Christ (v. 17a)
• Glorification in heaven (v. 17b)
Words fail to properly describe the incredible
reward awaiting those who decide to live on God’s
terms—life in the Spirit of Christ. We validate our
consecration and affirm our sanctification daily as we
continue in the optimism of His grace to live out our
resolve to make Christ Lord of all!
1. Engage Interest
Begin by comparing the two ministers, John Wesley
and George Whitfield, mentioned in the section entitled
Session in Context. Note they were both believers in Christ;
both were ministers of the gospel; both believed in the
basic beliefs of the Christian faith; both preached to large
crowds; both led many people to Christ, and so on.
Now, note the big difference in their ministries.
George Whitfield emphasized the damage of sin and
the tendency to fall short of God’s plan for our lives. John
Wesley emphasized the indwelling presence of the Holy
Spirit in our lives, and the power He gives us in order that
we might have victory over sin. While both men were
effective evangelists, John Wesley helped turn England
back from the brink of social collapse because of his
belief God could make a difference in society. Explore
these two men’s perspectives and discuss the reasons each
one might have chosen their emphasis in ministry. Which
emphasis do you believe is more reasonable, given the
message of scripture, and why?
Conclusion
2. Explore the Word
The Bible is full of stories that tell of great reversals.
God turns the destruction of sin and a flood to a new
This session reminds us of the incredible benefits we
enjoy as children of God. Paul urges us to live each
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beginning. God turns slaves into a great nation. A
widow, without hope and resources, out of loyalty and
love leaves home to care for her aging mother-in-law.
She will become the grandparent of a King. The stories
are too numerous to mention here. Each story had its
distracters; those who lacked faith anything good would
come out of the circumstances. Like Job’s comforters,
they preach only doom. But the God of the Bible is a
God of redemption, restoration, and hope.
Ask participants to share biblical accounts where
people have endured significant setbacks and then
God has redeemed the situation. List as many as you
can before moving on. Then ask your adults to recall
if in any of the situations there were those who were
pessimistic about the situation, not believing God would
intervene. List as many of those people, or groups of
people as possible.
Now, apply this same process to recent or present
issues. Encourage everyone to share ways in which two
Christians might perceive the same situation differently.
Reflect on both minor incidents (bumper to bumper
traffic, an angry co-worker, a struggling child) and
major incidents (loss of a job, death of a loved one, a
bad investment). How might two Christians see God’s
involvement in the same situation differently? In your
opinion, what does it take to move from a pessimistic
view of the situation to an optimistic view?
How would you describe the lifestyle of a
person who chooses a spiritual walk?
• Two laws: “the law of the Spirit of life” or “the law
of death” (8:2)
What are the biggest differences between
these two laws?
Why is the law of the Spirit of life not really a
law as we normally think of the concept?
• Two powers: “the power of Christ” or “the power of
the Law” (8:3-4)
If the Law cannot help us to achieve God’s goal
for our lives, what purpose does it serve?
What is God’s goal for our lives? (a close
personal relationship and partnership with
Him)
How does the power of Christ help us reach
God’s goal for our lives?
• Two loyalties: “loyalty to the Spirit” or “loyalty to
the flesh” (8:5)
How does loyalty to the flesh manifest itself in
daily life?
How does loyalty to the Spirit manifest itself in
the life of a believer?
•
Two Ways
Describe each of the contrasting pairs Paul offers in
Romans 8 and invite participants to discuss the questions
about each pair.
• Two preferences: “in Christ Jesus” or “in the flesh”
(8:1, 8-9)
What is the appeal of living according to our
own desires rather than to Christ’s desires for
us?
What are the advantages of choosing Christ’s
ways over our own?
Two destinies: “life” or “death” (8:6-7)
Why would anyone choose to live a way of life
that ends in final destruction?
Explain the irony of Jesus’ observation that to
save our lives, we must lose them.
Glorious Benefits
Not only does life in the Spirit remove the
condemnation of our old way of life before we knew
Christ, but it also provides us with many benefits.
Ask participants to comment on the incredible
blessing of:
• The Spirit of Christ dwelling within
• Physical resurrection from the dead
• Adoption into the family of God
• God’s Spirit witnessing to our spirit
• Joint heirs with Christ
• Glorification in heaven
• Two walks: “spiritual walk” or “fleshly walk” (8:1,
4-5; 9)
How would you describe the lifestyle of a
person who chooses a fleshly walk?
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3. Examine Life
We are a Christian people. We are a holiness
people. We are a missional people. When we apply
these core values to our lives, our lifestyle, value system,
worldview, and everything else that characterizes a
person will be transformed into Christlikeness. These
values should give believers an attitude of optimism for
what the grace of God: (1) has already done for us, (2)
is currently doing for us, and (3) will do for us in all of
our tomorrows until we join Christ in Heaven.
• What does a Christian lifestyle look like when
compared to a non-Christian one?
• What does an optimistic perspective on being a
holiness people look like when compared to the
outlook of those who do not believe holiness can
be experienced in the life of believers?
• What does an optimistic perspective on being a
missional people look like when compared with
the perspective of those who do not fully join
God in His mission to the world?
Goal
This week, set a goal for yourself to concentrate
more on the optimism of God’s grace at work in your
life and in the lives of fellow believers. Over time,
extend this weekly goal into a life goal. Become a
person who lives in the optimism of grace!
Option #1
Have participants think of someone who has
been miraculously-changed by God’s work in their
lives. These examples may be friends, loved ones, or
themselves. Without saying the name of the person,
invite participants to describe these people before they
came to Christ. Make a list on a chalk or white board
of these observations. Next, make a separate list of the
changes in the lives of these people now that Christ is
in their hearts and lives. Then, compare the two lists. Do
you see any reasons to be optimistic about the grace of
God that works in our lives?
4. Exercise Your Faith
Take time at the conclusion of the session to give
participants an opportunity to quietly reflect on the
following questions. (NOTE: Answers to these questions
should not be shared aloud. Rather, they should be
answered privately through personal examination.)
• Do you consider yourself to be more of an
optimistic or a pessimistic person?
• How does this dominant perspective cross over
into your spiritual life?
• Does your perspective encourage others to want
to follow Christ or not?
• What would you need to change about your
perspective to be more optimistic about the
possibilities of the grace of God at work in your
life and in the lives of others?
Option #2
Print the words to the verse of Charles Wesley’s
beloved hymn And Can It Be? which begins with the
words, “No condemnation. . . .” Have participants
analyze the message of this song in light of today’s
session.
Close the session with prayer. Pray we will allow
God to transform our perspective of life to one of
optimism; optimism not based on human will, skill, or
circumstance, but on God’s love and grace.
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