THE LAW OF THE SPIRIT OF LIFE
Text: Romans 8:1-8
19 April 2009
(I) RECOGNISE THAT THE MANNER IN WHICH THE SPIRIT OF GOD WORKS IS “A LAW”
“For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.” Romans 8:2
1. The operation of the Holy Spirit as a law
a) As a law, there are definite and distinct ways in which the Holy Spirit will work
b) The Scripture reveals to us how the Holy Spirit functions (as a law)
2. The features of the law of the Spirit of life
How does the law of the Holy Spirit operate?
a) He will be a helper ( John 14:26 )
b) He will teach us all things ( John 14:26 )
c) He will bring to remembrance things we have learned ( John 14:26 )
d) He will testify of the Lord Jesus ( John 15:26 )
e) He will convict the world of sin ( John 16:8 )
f) He will guide you into all truth ( John 16:13 )
g) He will glorify the Lord Jesus ( John 16:14 )
(II) REALISE THAT LAW OF SPIRIT GIVES LIFE IN CHRIST
1. A life that is freed from the law of sin
“For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.” Romans 8:2
2. A life in which the righteous requirements of the law is fulfilled
“For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” Romans 8:3-4
3. A life that is lived powerfully in our mortal bodies
“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
(III) RESPOND BY LIVING ACCORDING TO THE LAW OF SPIRIT OF LIFE
1. It begins with living in Christ
“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus…” Romans 8:1
2. Walk according to the pattern of the Spirit
“…who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.” Romans 8:1
3. Setting our minds on things of the Spirit
“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
4. To be spiritually minded
“For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” Romans 8:6