When In Romans: Walking in the Spirit The Key to Freedom
Romans Chapter 8: Walking in the Spirit - The Key to Freedom
Romans Chapter 8 is a powerful passage where the apostle Paul teaches about living free from condemnation and walking in the Spirit. In this chapter, we learn that those who have put their faith in Christ are no longer condemned but have been set free.
Experience the Abundant Life
Living Free From Condemnation and Walking in the Spirit
As believers, we must walk according to the Spirit if we want to experience the abundant life that God desires for us. This means living in obedience to God's Word and allowing the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us. We will explore the key points of Romans 8 and how they can help us live a victorious Christian life.
No Condemnation for Those in Christ
Paul starts in Romans 8:1 with the incredible announcement that "There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." What a liberating truth! Because of what Jesus did for us on the cross, paying the penalty for our sins, we who have believed in Him are free from condemnation.
This is not just good news, it's great news! We don't have to sit in church feeling weighed down by guilt and shame. The moment we trusted in Christ, we were forgiven and set free. This freedom is available to us right now in this present moment. We don't have to wait for some future experience. The Bible says "no condemnation" - none whatsoever! As believers, we can boldly approach God's throne of grace, accepted in the Beloved.
"There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." Romans 8:1
The enemy, Satan, wants to keep us condemned and discouraged. That's why he's called "the accuser of the brethren" (Revelation 12:10). But we don't have to listen to his lies anymore. Jesus canceled every accusation against us when He died on the cross for our sins. Now we can rejoice in God's amazing grace and walk in freedom.
Living According to the Flesh vs. the Spirit
In Romans 8:5-6, Paul contrasts living "according to the flesh" versus living "according to the Spirit.”
"Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace." (Romans 8:5-6)
To "live according to the flesh" means we adopt a worldly mindset of indulging whatever desires our sinful human nature craves. This leads only to spiritual death and destruction. But when we "live according to the Spirit," we set our minds on the things of God and develop the fruit of the Spirit - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). This brings life, freedom, and intimacy with God.
As believers, we must walk in the Spirit and keep our minds set on spiritual things. Here are some practical tips for how to do this:
What Are Your Distractions?
What Keeps You From Pursuing God?
● Remove distractions and hindrances. Be willing to eliminate anything from your life that keeps you from pursuing God wholeheartedly. TV shows, websites, music, or relationships - whatever it is, lay it aside.
● Make time for spiritual discipline. Don't get so busy that you neglect prayer, Bible study, church attendance, or Christian fellowship. Set aside consistent time to seek the Lord.
● Pray in the Spirit. Ask the Holy Spirit to lead and empower your prayer life. Praying in your spiritual prayer language is one way to do this.
As we make these kinds of choices, we'll find ourselves thinking about heavenly things rather than earthly things. Our minds and desires will become aligned with God's Spirit. What freedom!
We are Sons and Daughters of God
Romans 8 declares that as believers we have been adopted into God's family and are His sons and daughters:
We Are God’s Adopted Children
We Are Joint Heirs With Jesus, Sharing His Eternal Inheritance!
"For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, 'Abba, Father.' The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children." (Romans 8:14-16)
When we received Christ by faith, God's Spirit came to live within us and gave us full rights and privileges as His adopted children. We can come boldly into God's presence and call Him "Abba Father" - an intimate term like "Daddy." We are joint heirs with Jesus, sharing in His eternal inheritance (Romans 8:17). This is far better than just being God's servants - now we are part of His family forever!
"The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children."
Romans 8:16
The Holy Spirit confirms in our inner being that we belong to God. We don't have to hope we're saved - we can know beyond a shadow of a doubt. What an amazing gift to have this level of assurance! The Spirit is God's guarantee that all His promises are true for us.
Led By the Spirit of God
Romans 8:14 says all who are "led by the Spirit of God" are His sons and daughters. Every believer can and should be led by the Holy Spirit every day. He will guide us into all truth if we let Him.
"For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God." Romans 8:14
Rather than stumbling through life led by our feelings and human wisdom, we have the privilege of being directed by the Spirit of the all-wise God. He knows what is best for us in every situation. As we lean on Him in childlike dependence and faith, He will lead us on the path that brings life, freedom, and blessing.
My prayer is that all who read this will walk in the glorious truth of Romans 8. Do not live condemned and defeated any longer. The Spirit who raised Christ from the dead now lives in you! He will free you from sin and empower you to live in the miraculous. You are a beloved child of God. Walk to the guidance of the Spirit and embrace the freedom, victory, and blessings that Jesus secured for you.
