Romans 8:4

That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Romans 8:4 (KJV)

Context

Romans 8:4 concludes the thought begun in Romans 8:3, where Paul explains that God, by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, condemned sin in the flesh. The purpose clause “that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us” points to the result of Christ’s work: believers are enabled to fulfill the law’s righteous requirement. This verse is part of the broader context of Romans 8, which deals with the power of the Holy Spirit and the life of a believer in Christ.

Meaning

The “righteousness of the law” refers to the moral law, not the ceremonial law, and denotes the obedience the law requires—holiness of nature and righteousness of life. The Greek term δικαίωμα (dikaiōma), translated “righteousness” in the KJV, is rendered as “requirement” or “ordinance” in many translations, emphasizing the law’s just demand. This is not a righteousness achieved by human effort but is fulfilled “in us” as we walk after the Spirit.

The phrase “who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit” describes the characteristic lifestyle of those in Christ: they are no longer controlled by the sinful nature but are led by the Holy Spirit. The “flesh” represents our sinful nature and our inclination to pursue selfish desires rather than obeying God’s commands. To walk after the Spirit means to live in obedience to the guidance and leading of the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to live according to God’s will.

Biblical connections

The law served as a standard of righteousness, outlining what is right and wrong according to God’s perfect standard. However, no one could perfectly fulfil the law, as all have sinned (Romans 3:23). Jesus Christ came to fulfil the law on our behalf (Matthew 5:17), and through faith in Him, we receive His righteousness. The verse does not teach that believers become sinless, but that the Spirit enables them to fulfill the law’s righteous requirement in their daily walk.

Application

For believers, this verse is a call to rely on the Holy Spirit’s power rather than on our own strength. By yielding ourselves to the Spirit’s leading, we are enabled to overcome the desires of the flesh and live in a way that pleases God. The law’s righteousness is not set aside but is fulfilled in the lives of those who walk by the Spirit. This is a present reality for those who are in Christ Jesus, who are no longer under condemnation (Romans 8:1).

Reflection

Romans 8:4 emphasises the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer. It is the Spirit who empowers us to live in righteousness and enables us to fulfil the righteous requirements of the law. By relying on the Spirit’s guidance, we can experience true spiritual growth and live a life that reflects the character of Christ, rather than being controlled by our sinful nature.