Daily Devotions
Romans
"Free from the law of sin and death."
Text: Romans 8:2
THE TENACIOUS POWER OF SIN AND DEATH
The apostle Paul devoted much time and space to establish an important reality- that the law of sin is truly awesome. The final consequence of sin is “death” (Cf. Romans 6-7). Sin is well supported by the presence of evil.
FAILED EFFORTS
All efforts pitted against the law of sin will fail.
1. The strongest human will fail miserably.
2. The noblest intention of the human heart will also be doomed to fail horribly.
3. The carnality of the human flesh offers no assistance in the struggle against sin.
THE MINISTRY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
The ministry of the Spirit of God is given vital attention! Without His ministry in the life of the believer, no victory over sin is possible. Paul highlighted the way in which we may know that the Holy Spirit is truly working in the life of the believer.
1. Those who are in Christ
Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is of paramount importance. Only through faith in the redemption offered by Christ will result in the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit in the believer (Ephesians 1:13-14).
2. Who do not walk in the flesh
The believer in Christ no longer walks in the flesh. His desire is no longer on things of the flesh. The word “walk” is a symbol that means “lifestyle”.
3. But according to the Spirit
The genuine believer now adopts a new lifestyle! He is now able to speak of living according to the Spirit of God leading him.
4. Free from the law of sin and death
Great power would be necessary to break free from the law of sin and death. Human efforts cannot hope to succeed. But the power of the Spirit of God expressed in the above-mentioned ways will result in freedom from the law of sin and death.
CULTIVATION OF A GREAT CONSCIOUSNESS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
Why do so many fail in their Christian life? One reason may be because they have not cultivated a sense of consciousness of the Spirit of God in their lives. Hence they do not know how to draw that needed strength from the Holy Spirit! How we must be challenged to cultivate a greater consciousness of the Holy Spirit who resides in us!