Triumphing over flesh and sinНамуна

I live in the grace of God

In chapter 7 of the Epistle to the Romans, Paul explains that Jesus set us free from the law of sin. Without the law, sin cannot exist because it is the breaking of the law.

Once we become aware of the law, we realize that we have violated it and are therefore condemned. There is no turning back, there is no hope.

The good news is that Jesus was condemned in our place, so the law is satisfied.

We are dead, so sin no longer has power over us, although it manifests itself in desires that we can refuse (Rom 8:3-4).

Much more than that, by our death in Jesus, we are also dead to the law. That is to say, we are no longer subject to the law, but we are under the new regime of the Spirit and grace (Rom 7:1,6).

What is it all about?

Rom 8.1 There is therefore no condemnation for those who are in Jesus.

The expression "in Jesus" means those who identify with his death through baptism and live by his life, that is, who now follow the Holy Spirit who lives in them.

So how can we live according to the spirit?

This is an important point. To be free from the flesh, you must not fight against it or try to control it, for it is an enemy of God, will always oppose the Spirit of God, and is unable to submit to it (Rom 8:7-8).

By trying on your own, you may find yourself again in the situation of the man without Jesus (which Paul describes in Rom 7:14-17). Although your chains are broken, you have no more strength in yourself, your strength comes only from the Holy Spirit.

God does not leave you alone with yourself (your flesh) waiting for you to succeed in being holy through your efforts.

No, He has put His Spirit in you, the Holy Spirit dwells IN YOU!

It is the proof that you belong to God (Rom 8:9). This is not about baptism in the Holy Spirit, but about being born again (John 3:5-6).

When you were converted, repented, and submitted to the lordship of Jesus, God the Father placed His Spirit within you and united him with your spirit (1 Cor 6:17). This is what makes you sure that you are saved, that you acknowledge God as Father, for His Spirit within you cries out, "Daddy! "(Rom 8:16).

Your role, therefore, is not to listen to the desires of the flesh and of sin, but to listen to the guidance of the Holy Spirit in you and in His word: let yourselves be led by Him! (Rom 8:14)

I invite you to read chapter 8 of the Epistle to the Romans in several different versions.

David Théry

Practical teachings to experience God