Romans 8:4 – “In order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.”

Extended Explanation

This verse explains the purpose behind Jesus’ sacrifice. Romans 8:3 tells us that Jesus condemned sin in the flesh by offering Himself as a sacrifice. Now, in verse 4, Paul reveals why this had to happen—so that the righteous requirement of the law could be fulfilled in believers.

The phrase “righteous requirement of the law” refers to God’s perfect moral standard. The law shows what righteousness looks like, but no one (except Jesus) has ever been able to keep it fully. The law demands holiness, and because of human weakness, everyone has failed to meet that standard (Romans 3:23).

However, what was impossible for sinful people to do, Jesus did on their behalf. When someone puts their faith in Christ, His righteousness is counted as theirs (2 Corinthians 5:21). As a result, believers are no longer judged by their own imperfect obedience, but by the perfect righteousness of Jesus.

The second part of the verse describes those who benefit from this righteousness—they are people who “do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” This means they are no longer controlled by their sinful nature but are led by God’s Spirit. This does not mean Christians will be perfect, but it does mean that their lives will be marked by a new way of living.

Paul is making it clear that Jesus’ work was not just about forgiving sin—it was about transforming lives. Those who belong to Him will walk in step with the Spirit, rather than following the desires of their flesh.

Historical Context

Paul was writing to a mixed audience of Jews and Gentiles in Rome. Many Jewish believers struggled with how the law fit into their new faith in Jesus. They had been taught that obedience to the law was how a person became righteous. But Paul is explaining that righteousness does not come from human effort—it comes through Christ.

For Gentile believers, the idea of following God’s moral standard might have been new. They were used to a culture that had little regard for God’s commands. Paul is showing them that salvation does not mean lawlessness. Even though they are not under the law in the same way the Jews were, they are now called to live holy lives by the power of the Spirit.

The phrase “walking according to the Spirit” would have been especially meaningful in a Roman world where people were ruled by their passions, desires, and ambitions. Christianity was calling people to something different—not just external obedience, but an inward transformation by the Holy Spirit.

Theological Implications

Romans 8:4 teaches several key truths about Christian life and salvation:

• Jesus fulfilled the law for believers – Christians do not have to try to earn righteousness; it has already been given to them through Christ (Romans 10:4).
• Righteousness leads to transformation – Those who have received Christ’s righteousness will live differently because of the Spirit’s work in them (Galatians 5:16-18).
• True obedience is Spirit-led – Instead of following a list of rules in their own strength, believers now obey God through the power of the Holy Spirit (Ezekiel 36:26-27).

This verse shows that salvation is not just about avoiding punishment—it’s about being changed from the inside out. Jesus didn’t die just to take away sin, but to enable His people to live righteously through the Spirit.

Literary Analysis

Paul’s wording is intentional. He does not say “the law is abolished” but that its righteous requirement is fulfilled in believers. This means that God’s moral standard still matters, but it is now met in a different way—through Christ’s righteousness and the Spirit’s work in a believer’s life.

The contrast between “flesh” and “Spirit” is a major theme in Romans 8. The “flesh” represents human nature apart from God, driven by selfish desires and sinful tendencies. The “Spirit” represents the new way of life for those who belong to Christ.

The phrase “who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit” is a description of believers, not a condition for salvation. Paul is not saying, “If you live according to the Spirit, then you will be saved.” Instead, he is saying, “Because you are saved, you will live according to the Spirit.” This is an important distinction—obedience flows from salvation, not the other way around.

Biblical Cross-References

• Romans 10:4 – “Christ is the culmination of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.”
• Galatians 5:16-18 – “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”
• Ezekiel 36:26-27 – “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.”
• 2 Corinthians 5:21 – “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

Many people struggle with guilt, feeling like they can never live up to God’s standards. Romans 8:4 is a reminder that righteousness is not something believers achieve—it is something they receive through Christ.

At the same time, this verse challenges Christians to examine how they live. If they have been saved, their lives should reflect that reality. Walking according to the Spirit means surrendering daily to God’s leading, rather than following selfish desires.

This is also an encouragement for those struggling with sin. Change is possible—not by willpower, but by the Spirit’s work in their lives. God does not just call people to holiness—He provides the power to live it out.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is shown in how He provides everything needed for salvation. He did not just set a high standard and then leave people to struggle under it. Instead, He sent Jesus to meet that standard and gave the Holy Spirit to help believers live it out.

This verse reveals that God’s desire is not just to forgive but to transform. He loves His people too much to leave them as they are. Instead, He works in them through the Spirit to shape them into the image of Christ.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Everything in this verse hinges on Jesus.

• He fulfilled the law’s demands – Matthew 5:17 – “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.”
• He gives believers His righteousness – Philippians 3:9 – “Not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.”
• He makes it possible to walk by the Spirit – John 14:26 – “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”

Jesus not only saves, but He also enables believers to live righteously through the Spirit. His work on the cross provides both justification (being made right with God) and sanctification (growing in holiness).

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What does it mean for the “righteous requirement of the law” to be fulfilled in believers?
2. How does walking according to the Spirit differ from trying to follow religious rules?
3. Do you rely on the Holy Spirit for strength, or do you try to live the Christian life in your own power?
4. How does this verse challenge the way you think about obedience and righteousness?
5. How can you daily walk according to the Spirit in practical ways?

Romans 8:4 is a beautiful reminder that salvation is not about trying harder—it’s about trusting in what Christ has already done. Those who belong to Him are declared righteous and are empowered by the Spirit to live it out.