Tag: Law of Sin and Death
Law of the Spirit of Life!
Scripture reading for June 24th: Romans 8
“Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so He condemned sin in sinful man, in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit.” (Romans 8:1-4)
Paul explained that he found deliverance from the sinful nature and the condemnation of a life of sin through Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ, God’s Son, was a man like us, but without sin. He was made to be a sin offering for sinful man to pay the penalty for our sins–through His death! Now, through the gift of the Spirit, (from God our Father), we have been declared righteous! This is the same Holy Spirit that raised Jesus Christ from the dead that now gives eternal life to our mortal bodies! (Romans 8:10-11)
Paul next explained that those who are set free from the law of sin and death now live by the Holy Spirit. They must allow the Spirit to lead them in the way of Jesus the Son. In fact, the Holy Spirit confirms that we are children of God, adopted into His family! “For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you have received the Spirit of sonship. And by Him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” (Romans 8:15-16)
The Spirit of Life!
Scripture reading for July 22nd: Romans 7:15-8:8
The Jewish way of life produced frustration for the godly Jew who sought obedience. Paul knew what he was talking about as a Pharisee who was zealous for keeping the law. He knew that the law was holy and he wanted to keep it. But he found that the harder he tried, the more he broke that law that he had set out to keep! His description of this is classic!
“So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death?” Paul’s experience was that of failure and frustration over the sin in his members. If his experience ended here, there would be no hope. ” Thanks be to God–through Christ Jesus our Lord!” (Romans 7:25a)
It was Jesus Christ who set Paul and us free from sin in our members. Jesus was made sin for us and bore that sin in His body on the cross on our behalf. Those that have believed on Jesus Christ are no longer under condemnation or left in a wretched condition of helplessness. The new law of the Spirit of life liberates us from sin and death. Now the requirements of the law are met in us through the Spirit. We are free now to live by the Spirit and not be under condemnation from failing to keep God’s law. We know God’s grace and forgiveness through Christ’s sacrifice.
Our minds must be set on the Spirit, however. A mind set on the Spirit produces life and peace in our everyday walk. We cannot set our minds back on the sinful nature. If we do that, death will result. The mind that is set on the sinful nature is hostile to God and cannot please God. (Romans 8:6-8) So we see that the Spirit gives freedom from condemnation, frustration, and a feeling of hopelessness. Are you making the choice to set you mind on the Holy Spirit today?
Sunday Rest and Reflection:No Condemnation!
Dear Friends,
Greetings and hope today in Jesus Christ, our wonderful Lord and Savior. He has rescued us from eternal damnation and darkness and transferred us into eternal blessedness and light! As we approach this Thanksgiving holiday, we Christians have much to thank God for. Every day is a day of thanksgiving and rest in God’s great love! Every day is a feast of His blessings and provision. Take time today to gather with God’s people and to give Him thanks and worship!
One of the most encouraging passages in this past week’s reading comes from Romans 8:1-4. “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering, and so He condemned sin in sinful man, in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit.”
We are free from condemnation that comes upon all who are under the law of God. The ten commandments bring a knowledge of sin to those under the law. (Jews) (Romans 3:20) The Gentiles are also under a law written on their consciences that also brings a knowledge of sin and results in condemnation. (Romans 2:12-16) Therefore, all Jews and Gentiles alike have sinned and are under condemnation.
Because God is just, sin must be paid for by death. God provided a way to remove the condemnation through sending His Son, Jesus Christ, to be a sin offering. He met the righteous requirements of the law as a sin offering by offering Himself on our behalf. After His resurrection from death, He has given us the Holy Spirit to empower us to live in obedience to God and live victoriously as witnesses.
We have great joy and freedom as people bought back from eternal condemnation. What a blessing it is to share the good news of Jesus Christ with all who will listen! Every Sunday is a celebration of resurrection and a coming Savior!
In His Love, Pastor John
Abba, Father (Daddy)!
Scripture reading for November 20th: Romans 6-8
Fathers are important people in the lives of their children. God has given fathers the responsibility of modeling for their children the character of God, the Father. They are to teach their children how to love, serve, and give their lives to God and others. Sin has marred this process so that many times fathers teach the opposite to their children. Children hate their fathers or in many instances don’t even know their father. In Romans 8, Paul teaches us about the new relationship that salvation brings with our heavenly Father through the Holy Spirit.
“For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by Him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs–heirs of God and co -heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in His sufferings that we may also share in His glory.” Romans 8:15-17
When we repent and invite Jesus to be Lord of our lives, the Holy Spirit comes to live in us. We are adopted into the family of God and made a part of that family. The Holy Spirit gives us a deep understanding that we are children of God and our inner man cries out, “Abba”, which is the Greek word for “Daddy”. It is the affectionate title of a family member for their father! Jesus taught His disciples to pray, “Our Father in heaven.” (Matthew 6:9) He told them that He only did what his Father showed Him to do. (John 5:19-20)
We become “co-heirs” with Christ in the Father’s family! (Romans 8:17) This means that we are in the will! We have an inheritance from our Daddy’s estate! What does that estate contain? God owns everything! He made the universe, stars, planets, and every living thing visible and invisible! He rules as King! We are heirs of the highest royalty! This truth is beyond our comprehension with our natural mind! We must have revelation to grasp what God has given us!
There is one stipulation that is often overlooked. We will share in this inheritance of glory if we are willing to share in His sufferings. What does this mean? When Jesus lived on earth, he suffered temptations and overcame them by the Holy Spirit. He suffered persecution, physical torture, and even death because of His willing obedience to the Father who loved Him and us. He loved us enough to endure the pain and shame of crucifixion so that we might be adopted into Father’s family! (Hebrews 12:1-2) Now that we are part of that family, we must obediently submit to a path of suffering to enter into glory!
As you go through your day today, take time to talk to your “Abba” and tell Him how much you appreciate what He has provided! Take any inconvenience or suffering as opportunity to thank Him for the coming glory!