Series: God In Us Part 2: Sin versus Spirit
Sermon Text: Romans 8:1-11
Supplemental Texts: Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23
Preacher: Josh Kleinfeld
Prior to reading Romans 8…a couple things to understand:
The law of sin and death is against the law of the Spirit.
The Old Testament law is different from both of the laws listed above. It was given to guide the Israelites into life with God.
“The Flesh” is a way of describing the rule/realm of sin, while “the Spirit” is a way of describing the rule/realm of God.
The good news is actually very good news. It is the story of God’s defeat of the power of sin and death FOR US through his Son’s (Jesus Christ) death and resurrection, and the story of God’s triumphant Spirit coming to live IN US for now and into eternity.
Romans 8:1-11
8 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
5 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. 6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. 7 The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. 8 Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.
9 You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. 10 But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. 11 And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.
You have to understand the rules of the game.
The Rules of Sin
Objective: Condemnation
If you are on sin’s side, you have hostility with God.
If you are on sin’s side, you are destined to death.
If you are on sin’s side, you cannot submit to God’s law.
If you are on sin’s side, you cannot even please God.
The Rules of the Spirit
Objective: Justified Resurrection Life
If you are on Spirit’s side, you have peace with God.
If you are on Spirit’s side, you are destined for life.
If you are on Spirit’s side, you are submitted to God’s law and way.
If you are on Spirit’s side, you live to please God.
Quotes to Ponder:
“Jesus became a man of flesh that we might become men and women of the Spirit.” (William Greathouse and George Lyons, Romans 1-8, 237)
“The paradox of the cross demonstrates the victorious love of God for us at the same time that it shows forth his judgment upon sin.”
(Fleming Rutledge, The Crucifixion, 282)
Consider the Parable of the Sower as an invitation to play with the Spirit
Listen to the Word
Seek to understand and apply the Word
Produce the fruit of the Word (this happens when you obey)
Memory Verse:
“And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.”
Romans 8:11
Message Reflection Questions
Read Romans 8:11. Take two minutes to silently repeat this verse in prayer.
Read Romans 7:24-8:11. What does this tell us about God? What does this tell us about humanity? What is the good news in this?
How do you tell the difference between life according to the flesh and life according to the Spirit?
Why is life in the flesh “hostile towards God” and not able to “please God?”
Connection Time: Read Matthew 13:18-23. What happens with person described as the fourth soil? How is that like life according to the Spirit?
Confession Time: Read Matthew 13:18-23. With which of those first three “seed killers” do you struggle most? Understanding God’s word? Dealing with trouble or persecution? Worry or Greed?
Testimony Time: How have you learned to live according to the Spirit instead of the flesh? What are some victories that God has brought to you as you have obeyed Him?
Prayer Time: Pray for someone you know that needs to hear the good news. Ask God to soften their heart and to provide an open door for you or another to share the good news with them.
Daily Readings
From June 4 — September 17, we’ll be exploring the good news that God is for us, in us and with us. Take the learning home with you and read Romans by yourself or with others. You can download the whole plan at www.stillnaz.com/pray.
As you follow the plan, consider these questions:
What does this text say God does "for" or "in" or "with" us?
What does this text invite me to be or do?
Who can I share this with?
Day 1: Romans 7:1-3, Matthew 5:31-32
Day 2: Romans 7:4-6, 2 Corinthians 3:4-8
Day 3: Romans 7:7-13, Exodus 20:1-17
Day 4: Romans 7:14-20, 1 Timothy 1:5-11
Day 5: Romans 7:21-25, Psalm 119:35-36
NEED PRAYER?
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