Faith Talk – August 10, 2025
Sunday: August 10, 2025
Series: Romans: The Righteousness of God
Sermon: The Spirit or the Flesh
Series: Romans: The Righteousness of God
Sermon: The Spirit or the Flesh
Scripture
Romans 8:1-4 – Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus, because the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do since it was weakened by the flesh, God did. He condemned sin in the flesh by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh as a sin offering, in order that the law’s requirement would be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
Summary
Every person is experiencing life according to the Spirit or life according to the flesh. The flesh is not just our body. Paul seems to be referring to our whole human nature that is opposed to God and His ways.
Nothing good lives in the flesh and the flesh has no ability to do what is good.
This is why the flesh can’t keep God’s law. However, God has provided a solution in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
Jesus took upon Himself the punishment or condemnation that we deserved for disobeying God’s law. He was our sin-bearer as He died on the cross. This is why there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Paul says in Romans 8:4 that by Jesus’ sacrifice the requirement of the law is fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. This was the purpose of Christ’s sacrifice. To fulfill the requirements of the law in us.
So, we see in today’s sermon passage that:
Nothing good lives in the flesh and the flesh has no ability to do what is good.
This is why the flesh can’t keep God’s law. However, God has provided a solution in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
Jesus took upon Himself the punishment or condemnation that we deserved for disobeying God’s law. He was our sin-bearer as He died on the cross. This is why there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Paul says in Romans 8:4 that by Jesus’ sacrifice the requirement of the law is fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. This was the purpose of Christ’s sacrifice. To fulfill the requirements of the law in us.
So, we see in today’s sermon passage that:
- God has provided freedom from the penalty of sin for the believer in Jesus Christ.
- God has provided freedom from the power of sin for the believer in Jesus Christ.
- This freedom is based upon the presence and work of the Holy Spirit in the believer.
Home Discussions
- If you are a Christian, share how we should respond to the fact that Jesus took our condemnation so that we can have the righteousness of God?
- How have you experienced God’s power at work within you to overcome sin? If not, how might your struggles point to a need for the work of the Holy Spirit in your life?
Pray Together
Father, thank You that there is no condemnation for the believer in Jesus Christ. Thank You that You have given us the Holy Spirit to give us life now and hope of a resurrected body for all eternity. Help us to live, led and empowered by the Holy Spirit, for your glory. For those who need the Holy Spirit, and have lived according to the flesh, may they come to see and accept that Jesus paid the sacrifice for their sin, and may they be born again by faith in Christ. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Posted in Faith Talk
No Comments