1. God did what the law was powerless to do (1-4)

After intense deadly battle with sin and the law (Ch.6-7), Paul gives a climactic "therefore" and introduces Christian life in the Spirit. This is life "in Christ Jesus." The law had no power to save us. So God saved us through Jesus Christ, the sin offering for us. In Jesus, we are not condemned. Rather, all who live in Christ and according to the Spirit are righteous.

2. The mind of the flesh or the Spirit (5-8)

The fleshly, carnal mind is fixed on pleasing myself, such as through pleasure, human glory and pride. This mind is rebellious, displeases God and ends in death. The mind of the Spirit within the Christian is set on pleasing and seeking God, and growing in the mind and heart of Christ-his life and peace.