Apostle Paul – Christian Conservative Coalition

Romans 8:1-11

Romans Chapter 8 is one of my favorite chapters in the Bible, I have even called it the most perfect chapter in the Bible. 😁But then again I declare that of lots of other chapters. Paul has just dealt with people who strive against sin in chapters 6 & 7. Now he turns the page.

“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.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭1‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/114/rom.8.1.NKJV

It begins with the idea of freedom from sin. Once sin is confessed and put under the blood of Jesus, there is no condemnation for the believer. Many Christians suffer from condemnation, but in Christ we are free. Christ came as the righteous requirement of the law. He paid the price for our disobedience.

“For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭5‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/114/rom.8.5.NKJV

Paul warns us in v.5 to set our minds not on the fleshy sinful things, but on the things of the Spirit. I call it “stinking thinking,” focus on the Word and Jesus Christ. Being carnal mined brings death, but spiritual minedness brings life and peace. Read the Word, consume the Word and do the Word! The Bible must be your foundation.

We must realize that once saved, we have moved from death to life. We have a new thought process centered on Jesus. We don’t walk in fleshy or lustful desire, but we walk in the Spirit to please God.

Many struggle with ongoing sin or disobedience. We make mistakes, say the wrong thing, get angry or hurt someone with our words or actions. Pray, ask forgiveness and go on. Remember no condemnation. We have the power through the Holy Spirit to live above our old life. New life fresh and powerful in Christ. Don’t be too hard on yourself, but keep the faith and keep striving to please God. He loves you and knows your heart.

“But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭11‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/114/rom.8.11.NKJV

Let the Holy Spirit be your best friend. Rh

Doing my Bible reading this morning, I came across a text in 2 Corinthians 1:8 that got me thinking of present day Christians. Being an “old guy” I am not expecting the world to be all rosy and perfect. I understand living in the real world. I like to think I am a realist not a pie in the sky kind of person. However, I am a man of faith and have experienced God do great miracles and moved spiritual mountains for me. The text here talks of Paul despairing of life so much that he says he “had the sentence of death within ourselves,” even more he says “we would not trust in ourselves.” Can you imagine the great Apostle Paul feeling down and depressed? Not sure of where to turn or what decision to make? Makes me feel better. I have been there. Down and sad and not sure of my next decision.

Don’t be afraid of showing the Lord your feelings, he already knows. Life is tough and this present world is sick, but the Lord is a very present help in our time of need. He already knows our feelings and Jesus is touched by our pain. He stands ever ready to help us and comfort us.

Notice what Paul says next, “but in God who raises the dead; who delivered us from so great a peril of death, and will deliver us, He on whom we have set our hope.” When we place our hope in Jesus we will never lack or be disappointed.

Much of what I do with CCCoalition is outside the church and I have learned that the Lord is always present to help. Don’t give up, keep fighting, God will see you through it. Rh

Tag: Apostle Paul

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