Romans 8 - 9.2.26
Scripture
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Rom 8:1)
Observation
In the first 7 chapters of Romans, Paul explains sin and its consequences, and how we cannot help ourselves. It is only because of Jesus Christ that we can overcome sin (Rom 7:25).
Therefore there is no condemnation for those of us who are in Christ Jesus. (Rom 8:1). Paul continues to explain what he means by “those who are in Christ Jesus”. We do not live according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit (Rom 8:4).
The CEV translation makes it very understandable in everyday English what it means to be “in Christ Jesus” in the verses 5-8 - People who are ruled by their desires think only of themselves. Everyone who is ruled by the Holy Spirit thinks about spiritual things. If our minds are ruled by our desires, we will die. But if our minds are ruled by the Spirit, we will have life and peace. Our desires fight against God, because they do not and cannot obey God's laws. If we follow our desires, we cannot please God. (Rom 8:5-8, CEV).
There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit (Rom 8:1, NKJV).
Application
We who have accepted the Lord Jesus as our Savior, and who do not walk according to the world, but according to God’s Spirit, are not under condemnation anymore. We were sinners, but we were washed, we were sanctified, we were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God (1 Cor 6:11).
Now that we are made free, it is not the freedom to sin more, but the freedom to live right. We who have died to sin, cannot live in it any longer (Rom 6:2). We have to stand in the liberty that Christ made us free, and not get entangled in the yolk of bondage, by willfully engaging in a sinful lifestyle (Gal 5:1).
Prayer
Dear Father, Thank you for loving me. Thank you for opening my eyes and revealing yourself to me. I know that I did not choose you, but you chose me (John 15:16). Thank you for washing my sins away with your precious blood. Please help me to walk in the freedom that Christ has made me free and not get entangled in the bondage of sin (Gal 5:1). Thank you because I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil 4:13). Make my life a living sacrifice holy and acceptable to you (Rom 12:1). In Jesus’s name. Amen
Asha Chacko George
