Victory in the Spirit

Paul began talking about his second main point, sanctification, in Romans 6. Today he concludes that thought in ch.8. Romans 6 introduces us to sanctification: putting into practice what we already are in position--(justification ch.1-5). Romans 7 is about defeat. Paul knew he was justified but questioned why he didn't act like it. He struggled with sin just like we do, and when one struggles, that indicates defeat. Paul concluded ch.7 with this question: "Who will deliver me from this body of death?"(7:24). The key word in that question is "who". Paul answers his own question in 7:25, "I thank God--through Jesus Christ our Lord..." The 'who' is Jesus. Who will deliver me? Not, 'what will deliver me?' It's not a 12 step program or a support group (and those may have their place), but WHO will deliver me? Jesus Christ. That's answer-part one. Answer part two is found in Romans 8. Who will deliver me...? The Holy Spirit! Romans 8 begins with "no condemnation" and ends with "no separation". Ch.8 is about victory through the Holy Spirit. Let's pray back to God those early verses of ch.8.

Prayer: "Lord, now there is no condemnation against me, because I am in Christ Jesus. The power of the life-giving Holy Spirit is mine through Christ Jesus. Jesus I thank you for sending the Holy Spirit for He has released me from the compulsive cycle of sin and lust of my old nature. Now I can obey Your laws by following the leading of the Holy Spirit in my life, and refusing the lust of my old nature. Thank You Jesus for saving me from the penalty of sin, and thank You for sending the Holy Spirit to deliver me from the power of sin daily in my life. It's in Your powerful name I pray, Amen."