Liberated Life in Christ

Text: Romans 8:1-13
 
Introduction: If you had only one chapter left to read in your bible, what would it be?
Some say Psalm 23!
Some say Matt 5 or 6!
Some say John 14!
Some say 1 Cor 13!
Some say Rev 21 or 22!
Some say Gen 1!
Some say 1Cor 15!
Martin Luther said Rom 8!
 
Why?
 

Because when you look at it, you discover that Romans chapter eight begins with NO CONDEMNATION…. it ends with NO SEPARATION…. and in between is PLENTY of LIBERATION! See for yourself:

“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”

“For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

“For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. 14For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 15For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 16The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 17And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.”

Now. Do you agree with me that Romans 8 is a fabulous passage? For this devotion, consider the two (2) parts of Rom 8:13.
 

1. If we live after the FLESH! (Rom 8:13)

“3For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.”

Most people misquote Romans 8:1. Or should I say, do not read ALL of it. They say,

“1There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus.”

**This is true. However, read the last part of the verse.

“1There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus,…..who walk not after the FLESH, but after the SPIRIT.”

**The bottom line of Rom 8:1-8. Trying to please God by keeping the law – the “Flesh” – is enmity against God.

**The word “enmity” is ἔχθρα, : (ekh’-thrah), which means hostility, alienation.

“So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.” (Rom 8:8)

Living after the FLESH – SELF – is carnality. Are you living after the FLESH? This describes the way the world acts & reacts toward money, people, etc.
 

2. If we live after the SPIRIT! (Rom 8:13)

“3For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.”

** The word “mortify” is θανατόω, than-at-o’-o, which means to put to death, subdue; pass: I am in danger of death, am dead to, am rid of, am parted from.

Are you allowing the Holy Spirit to “PUT to DEATH” the works if the FLESH?
 

Conclusion: “LIBERATED LIVING” does not come by trying to live the CHRISTian life by the energy of the FLESH. Rather, SPIRIT-FILLED living is experienced by one continuous life from ABOVE made possible by the dethronement of the FLESH life (carnal thinking, acting, living) and enthronement of JESUS CHRIST by the power of the HOLY SPIRIT.

That is a little HEAVEN here below!
 
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese