Romans 8:4

that the ordinance of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. "that" -in order that, with this purpose in mind. God sent His Son to die for sin, 'in order that'.

"ordinance" -1345. dikaioma dik-ah'-yo-mah; from 1344; an equitable deed; by implication,. statute or decision: -judgment, justification, ordinance, righteousness.

-'righteous requirement of the law' (Rhm)

The requirement of the law was sinlessness, perfection, flawlessness. (Galatians 3:12) The complete fulfillment of all the statues in the law.

'Paul is making it very clear that his doctrine doesn't oppose. life of holiness and logically lead to. life of sinning (Romans 6:1). Indeed not. What the Law condemned (violations of it, sin) was condemned in Christ (Romans 8:3). What the Law wanted (innocence, absence of guilt due to flawlessness) was secured in Christ The Law sought for God, acceptable service. It couldn't get it from sinners for it demanded sinlessness. But in Christ, not only was. sinless record gained for the believer (Romans 8:1) (through obedient faith and forgiveness) but. life of practical holiness..'

"who walk not after the flesh" -to walk is to live or conduct oneself in. certain way. 'Manner of life'.

"after the flesh" -'To live in or after the flesh is to live as though there were nothing but the flesh.' It is to allow our physical body to be used as the instrument of sin (Romans 6:13); it is to allow our desires to be corrupted (Galatians 5:16); it is to place too much importance upon the 'world' (1 John 2:15); to set our minds on earthly things (Colossians 3:2); to make the things of the material world our highest ambition (1 Peter 3:19; Matthew 6:19; Matthew 6:32). It is to depend utterly upon oneself.

"but after the Spirit" -remember, it was the translators who decided when to capitalize the word 'Spirit'. The Christian is to follow ('walk') after the instructions of the Spirit revealed in the Gospel (1 Corinthians 2:13; 1 Corinthians 14:37); but the Christian's own 'spirit' (inner man) must cooperate (Romans 7:22; Colossians 3:1).

Note: The righteous requirement of the Law is ONLY fulfilled in Christians who 'walk after the Spirit'. It is only in this condition that the blood of Christ forgives sin and thus enables you to remain in. state of 'no condemnation'. Paul offers no comfort for the unfaithful (those who persist in sin and refuse to repent (Hebrews 10:26 ff) in these verses. (Romans 8:8). **Paul is talking to Christians in these verses, Christians that could 'walk after the flesh', if they wanted to.