Free At Last,...i'm Free From Sin Series

Free At Last, …I’m Free From Sin

Romans 8

“There is not even one bit of condemnation” because of my perfect inner life in Christ (8:1). The opposite of condemnation is justification. There is no waiting for the punishment for us because our punishment has already been paid in full by Jesus Christ.

Works says that we must perform and then God will be impressed with us.

Legalism is obsessed with trying to impress God.

Grace and grace alone enables us to live the Christian life.

Grace sets us free.

Neil Anderson has well said, “Satan will try to convince you that you are an unworthy, unacceptable, sin-sick person who will never amount to anything in God’s eyes.” God says to every believer, “There is therefore no no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (8:1).

We have been set free from the law of sin and death (8:2).

(8:2). “GOD + ME = A WHOLE PERSON.”

(8:3). The Law was powerless to deliver us from sin. It could only convict us of our wrongdoing. It could not come to our aid and give the strength and power to overcome the very sin it convicted us of doing. It could not lend us a hand. It could not deliver us.

However, what the Law could not do, God did by sending His Son to die for us. The second person of the God–head became man, in doing so became our representative and died in our place on the cross. Jesus was sinless. He was made in the “likeness of sinful flesh.” He never experienced personal sin, but He was willing to take the responsibility for our sins. He paid the penalty of our sins and died in our place on the cross. He bore our penalty as our substitute. He became a sin offering on our behalf.

I am free to be habitually dominated and controlled by the Holy

Spirit (8:4).

(8:4). Because Jesus Christ satisfied the justice of God, the Holy Spirit now resides at the control center of my life. He lives in me to produce the very things the law demanded but could not produce.

Beginning with Romans eight there is no further talk of defeat. Christ is the victor.

This new inward principle of action by the Holy Spirit operates as a law in the believer who yields to the Spirit. That principle always works. This new principle of action which the Spirit of Christ has opened up within us sets us free to live the Christian life. He empowers us and sets us free to serve Him. We overcome sin by abiding in His presence. We do the impossible by yielding to Him.

Are you tired to trying to live the Christian life by yourself? Yield to the Holy Spirit. “God helps those who help themselves,” is the most pagan statement you can find as a Christian. God helps those who depend upon Him.

The requirement of the Law is fulfilled in us who walk according to the Spirit (v. 4). Just think of it. As you yield to the Holy Spirit you produce “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23).

Christian holiness is the life of the Holy Spirit producing His fruit in my life. He reproduces Himself in us. He reproduces those graces which were seen in perfection in the life of Christ. Take a long hard look at Jesus Christ and you see the fruit of the Spirit. Only when we walk in the Spirit do we fulfil the Law.

We are set free from the Law as a way of acceptance with God. However, it is still our standard of conduct.

Some Abiding Principles and Practical Applications

1. When you believe on Christ as your Savior God gives you perfect peace and there is now no condemnation. Do you carry a burden of guilt?

2. When you are set free by the Holy Spirit to live Christ, He gives you the power to make daily choices that will please God. Under His leadership, you do that which is pleasing to God. Will you consecrate your life to Christ right now? “I choose to please you Lord, Jesus.” “I choose righteousness.” “I choose to put Jesus Christ and God’s righteousness first in my life.”

3. When you choose daily to allow the Holy Spirit to control your life, you choose to live. I choose daily to allow the Holy Spirit to take control of my life. I choose to submit to Him and let Him live His life through me. It doesn’t happen automatically. I pray that you will do likewise.

(8:5). The “flesh” mindset is dominated by I, ME, and MINE. It is selfish in outlook. Everything is centered on self and how we can satisfy ourselves. His mind is set on power, position, prestige, passion, and possessions.