Scripture:
Romans 8:1-8 ESV
[1] There is, therefore, now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. [2] For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. [3] For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, [4] in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. [5] For those who live according to the flesh, they set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. [6] To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. [7] For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it can not. [8] Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
Observation:
I love the first part of the scripture chosen this morning. There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. That’s nice to know. The question becomes, why is there no condemnation? Let’s dig in. The obvious answer is a relationship with Jesus Christ. However, if we did just a little bit deeper, we would see what happens when that relationship is started. Paul explains the plan of salvation in the Book of Romans. This is something he understood well after being knocked on his back on the road to Damascus. With all the education he had in the law… his mindset was changed in an instant. His road prior to this was one of condemnation. Set on the law. The one made weak by the flesh. The encounter Paul had with Jesus exposed the plan of grace to him and allowed him to see the law was not a means of salvation. It was a reflection of who we are and that without putting our flesh to death, we had no hope. The lack of condemnation comes from feeding our spirit rather than our flesh and truly understanding the grace of GOD and the purpose of it. The Damascus road experience showed Paul who he was in the light of who Jesus Christ is. Paul, a flawless man in his mind, knew at that moment he stood guilty in the eyes of Christ Jesus. The grace offered from the dreadful day on the cross was his only hope. It changed how he thought… completely. He understood now that it could not be done. The flesh was never able, and the righteous requirement of the law could only be fulfilled by Christ and Christ alone. The condemnation, stoning, and dragging people off to prison. It was not the way. If people did not want to follow the law, they never would. Their minds would have had to change. Romans 12:2 is more evidence of this stance from Paul. “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by renewing your mind.” Setting it on the Spirit.
Application:
I had to force myself to move on to the application process. I believe the observation this morning is powerful. I know that I have said this before, so bear with me. Picture the flesh as religion and the spirit as a relationship. A religious person will try and try to fulfill the law by their own power. However, it will be to no avail. It just can’t be done. We have to realize that the enemy works through condemnation. He is known as the Accuser of the brethren. He sits in the high places, pointing his finger at us and saying, “See… I told you, and that’s what you died for.” And “does it seem fair?” All the while Jesus is saying,”Yes, that one is mine.” And “my grace has set them free from your condemnation.” This stance on behalf of Jesus is what has changed my mindset. The law is impossible to fulfill. But Christ did it. That action changed my have to into a want to. Because of the price HE paid for me. I want to be a man who is spirit-led and bible fed. A man lacking the condemnation of the enemy because my mind is set on the spiritual principles explained in GOD’S word. I want my life to bring HIM glory. If I condemn myself over every mistake I make, all I will have is a life of guilt shame, and remorse. Jesus has set me free from that. GOD loves me warts and all. HE does not want me hiding because of the condemnation of the enemy. HE has set me free through the grace spilled off the cross so that I can set my mind on the Holy Spirit to guide my steps… yes, even after a mistake. HE does not condemn me. HE is there to pick me up, dust me off, and make me ready to get back to it. When my mind is set on the Holy Spirit, my flesh will not be what is being fed. The point behind ALL of this is this… if you have 2 dogs in your yard and they get in a fight, the one that wins is the one you have fed the most. Feed your spiritman and put your flesh to death. It’s dying anyway.
Prayer:
Father, your plan is so amazing. You have made a way. Your grace is without end, and your infinite wisdom never ceases to amaze me. This morning, our prayer is simple. Help us to set our minds according to your Holy Spirit. Lead us with it. Show us your ways. Allowing us to live in peace that passes all understanding. We know that when we know your SON and what HE did. Your grace covers a multitude of sins. We know that this is not so we can live how we want… but so that your spirit can mold us like HIM. Help us to live more like HIM today and every day following. In the mighty name of Jesus, I pray amen.