He who raised Christ from the dead

Text: Romans 8:1-11
12 April 2009

(I) THE PROBLEM OF SIN

1. It lies in its power

It is described as “the law of sin and death” ( Romans 8:2b )

a) It is so powerful it is called “law”

b) It is so deadly it causes “death”

2. It is compounded by the weakness of man

“…what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh…” Romans 8:3a

a) The law of God can help man only in so far as instruction is concerned

b) Man in his weakness cannot fulfil the law of God

c) He remains trapped by the power of the law of sin

(II) THE POWERFUL PLAN OF GOD TO OVERCOME SIN REVEALED

1. God sent His Son Jesus as the Answer to the problem of sin

“…what the law could not do…God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh…” Romans 8:3a

2. Jesus overcame the power of sin

“…He condemned sin in the flesh” Romans 8:3b

3. The requirement of God’s law was fulfilled completely by Christ

“…the righteous requirement of the law…fulfilled…” Romans 8:4a

(III) THE PERSONAL APPLICATION OF THE SIGNIFICANCE OF EASTER

1. We may have the Spirit of Life in us

“…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. We may walk according to the Spirit

“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

3. We may now become spiritually minded

“…to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” Romans 8:6b

4. We may now have the Indwelling of the Spirit

“…the Spirit of God dwells in you…” Romans 8:9b

5. We may now experience the energizing power of the Spirit

“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

(IV) A PERSONAL INVITATION TO EXPERIENCE THE SALVATION OF GOD

1. We can turn all our defeats by sin to the Lord Jesus Christ

2. We can turn from despair to a new life in the Risen Saviour

3. We can turn from death to life in the Lord Jesus Christ