Romans 8 – Freedom
Ephesians 2:1-5 “As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.”
Romans 8:1 “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,”
Romans 8:2-4 “because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.”
Paul mentions three laws here:
- Law of Moses – Had righteousness, but was powerless to fix our sinful nature problem.
- Law of sin – Which had power over us and no righteousness
- Law of the Spirit – Which has a righteousness that also has the power to fix our problem.
Romans 8:5-8 “Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. 7 The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. 8 Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.”
Paul uses the word governed:
- Which means ruled over.
- What is ruling over your mind?
If you see someone struggle – WE DON’T CONDEMN.
If you see someone struggle – We encourage, support and assist where we can.