Simple lessons from Romans – part 8
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. Romans 8:1
No condemnation! It is a comfort to know that through Christ our destiny changed from condemnation to life. Through Christ’s sacrifice we were redeemed from the bondage of sin. However, to continue living a life free of condemnation, we must take a daily decision to not to live by (walk according) to the desires of this world (the flesh), but according to the direction of Spirit.
For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. – Romans 8:5-6
That which drives our choices define our direction.
- Those whose decisions are guided by their flesh belong (set their minds) to this world.
- Those led by the Spirit belong to Christ.
Now, the direction we take defines our destination, and the related consequences, which in this case has eternal implications:
- Those guided by their flesh: death
- Those guided by the Spirit: life and peace
Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. – Romans 8:7-8
What is the problem of living according to the flesh (carnal mind)? The desires of the flesh are against (is not subject) to the God’s purposes. If we do not subject to God’s law we are indeed rejecting God as Lord over our lives, leading us in a direction opposite to God. Therefore, living according to the flesh makes us His enemies (enmity against God).
But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. – Romans 8:9
If we belong to Christ, His Spirit lives in us, and He has dominion over our decisions. If this is not true in your life, that means that you have not defined your relationship with Christ in the way it should be. This is a reason to be worried, but only if you do nothing about it.
Therefore, brethren, we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. – Romans 8:12-13
When the consequences of our decisions are clearly seen, it makes it easier to make a decision. In this case, our decision may lead us to only two destinations: death or life. I think that it should not be difficult to decide.
For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” … and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. – Romans 8:14-17
Deciding to allow Christ to guide our lives has its advantages:
- Sons of God
- We can approach God with confidence
- Heirs
I decide to follow Christ.
Comments
Simple lessons from Romans – part 8 — No Comments
HTML tags allowed in your comment: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <s> <strike> <strong>