“Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1 These words send, should send, a believer to their knees in praise and thankfulness to God. He opens our hearts to understand the vastness of what His grace accomplishes! But no longer are we off our knees than the world and our sinful flesh begins to rear its ugly head and we begin to fear and questions. This is the reality, we live between the beginnings of our salvation waiting for the return of Christ and the redemption of our bodies. The scriptures teach us we are no longer obligated to live to the flesh but to the Spirit. How then do we live? The Holy Spirit gives us the answer in Romans 8:11-27. We live obligated and equipped in the Hope of our calling!
We Are Obligated
So then, brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh_
The first seven chapters of Romans give a panoramic view of the story of God and mankind. We learn that God reveals His wrath from heaven, why God’s wrath rests on mankind, and how He extends grace to His enemies through His One and Only Son Jesus Christ. As believers we find ourselves living in the reality of chapters 7 and 8 doing the things we hate but obligated to live according to the spirit. Privilege comes with responsibility! We do not live out our privilege legalistically but through love. Always looking at what God has done! The love of Christ should compel us to live in obedience to Him.
According to Romans 8:13 our love for Christ obligates us to put to death the deeds of the flesh. As one who has always lived according to the flesh, how do we go about putting it to death?
We Are Equipped
God never gives a command without the means to live it out! He has equipped and given us everything we need for life and godliness. 2 Peter 1:3. This section of Romans teaches that God has equipped the believer with the Holy Spirit. Ephesians describes the Holy Spirit as the Promise, our guarantee of equipping and future adoption.
You and I cannot put the deeds of the flesh to death in our own strength and power. Romans 8:13 says, ” For if you are living according to the flesh you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the flesh, you will live.”
Only through the equipping and working of the Spirit can we put to death the deeds of the flesh. Our responsibility is to walk in obedience to what the Holy Spirit reveals to us.
The Holy Spirit enlightens our hearts and minds through the word of God to see the sin that still so easily entangles us. Once we see that sin we are to repent and turn away from it. 1 John 1:9 teaches, “If we confess our sins He is faithful and righteous to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” The Holy Spirit sears that truth into ours hearts that we may cry out Abba Father and no longer live in fear of death and condemnation.
We Live in Hope
The creation groans to be set free into the freedom of the glory of the children of God. We groan within ourselves waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. Groaning denotes one caught in a dreadful situation with an internal squeezing of wanting to be set free. But with our groaning comes a hope that is an anchor for our souls. “For in hope, we have been saved.” Romans 8:24. The scripture also says that hope is not seen. We cannot see it with our eyes we see it with our hearts. It is a supernatural hope that cuts through all of fear and anxiety that we feel and experience. Only through the power of the Holy Spirit can we see it and be at rest.
The book of Hebrews defines our hope this way, ” This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil.” Hebrews 6:19
Jesus Christ is our hope. He is our Advocate with the Father and He lives to intercede for us!
No longer do we need to live in fear God equips and continues to work out His plan of salvation for us. We are in faithful hands. His Spirit will continue to guide and equip us on this journey.
Praise God for the means to carry out the commands He gives us. This is a wonderful reminder I needed to read tonight. Thanks, Lisa, for sharing with Thankful Thursdays.
Yes, Lori, praise Him for everything He supplies for us to live according to His commands!What a Might God we serve!
The word equipped might be a great word for my year. I didn’t come up with one for this year but the word is standing out to me today! Thanks for the thoughtful words, Lisa!
Equipped would be a good word for the year! God has equipped us with everything we need! You are welcome, Kathy! Thank you for stopping by!
Do you have hard copies of y I ur studies as all I have us my po hone and I do much better with hard copy in hand. Thank you.
Hi, Georgia! I have downloadable copies. Are you needing ones already printed?