Paul’s emphasis in the first half of chapter 8 is on the stark contrast between believers’ situation in the Spirit and their previous situation in the flesh, dominated and inhabited by Sin (Romans 7:7–25).

For God’s children in Christ, the Spirit replaces sin as the indwelling power that determines our direction and behavior.

We are now enabled to please God (8:1–13) and to live as God’s adopted children (8:14–17).