Choosing Freedom – the Spirit vs. the Flesh
Freedom is one of the most powerful words in the Christian life. Yet many believers live as if they’re still chained to old habits, sinful desires, and guilt. Romans 8:1-11 offers a clear, liberating truth: When you are in Christ Jesus, you are no longer under condemnation. The Holy Spirit empowers you to walk in victory instead of defeat.
Freedom from the Penalty of Sin
Paul begins with a bold declaration:
Condemnation means more than feeling guilty — it’s the legal verdict of “guilty” along with the eternal penalty it carries. Scripture makes it clear: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23), and “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). Left on our own, we stand guilty before a holy God.
But through the cross, Jesus took our punishment and gave us His righteousness. In Him, we are declared “not guilty” forever. That’s the freedom from the penalty of sin — a freedom that can’t be earned, only received by faith.
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1).
Condemnation means more than feeling guilty — it’s the legal verdict of “guilty” along with the eternal penalty it carries. Scripture makes it clear: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23), and “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). Left on our own, we stand guilty before a holy God.
But through the cross, Jesus took our punishment and gave us His righteousness. In Him, we are declared “not guilty” forever. That’s the freedom from the penalty of sin — a freedom that can’t be earned, only received by faith.
Freedom from the Power of Sin
Forgiveness is not the end of the story. Romans 8:2 says:
Before Christ, we are bound by the “law” or principle of sin — like gravity, it constantly pulls us down. But the “law of the Spirit of life” lifts us above that pull. This doesn’t mean temptation disappears, but it does mean we are no longer obligated to obey the flesh.
Paul warns in Galatians 5:19-21 that those who habitually practice the works of the flesh — sexual immorality, jealousy, selfish ambition, outbursts of anger, and more — “will not inherit the kingdom of God.” The point is clear: those who belong to Christ are called to walk in step with the Spirit, not be mastered by sinful desires.
“Because the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death.”
Before Christ, we are bound by the “law” or principle of sin — like gravity, it constantly pulls us down. But the “law of the Spirit of life” lifts us above that pull. This doesn’t mean temptation disappears, but it does mean we are no longer obligated to obey the flesh.
Paul warns in Galatians 5:19-21 that those who habitually practice the works of the flesh — sexual immorality, jealousy, selfish ambition, outbursts of anger, and more — “will not inherit the kingdom of God.” The point is clear: those who belong to Christ are called to walk in step with the Spirit, not be mastered by sinful desires.
Freedom in the Presence of the Spirit
This new way of life is possible only because the Holy Spirit dwells in every believer.
The Spirit does two incredible things in us:
“You, however, are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you” (Romans 8:9).
The Spirit does two incredible things in us:
- Gives us spiritual life now — Even though our physical bodies are still subject to death, the Spirit gives us new life because of Christ’s righteousness (Romans 8:10).
- Guarantees resurrection later — The same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead will raise us up too (Romans 8:11; 1 Corinthians 15:52-54).
How to Walk in the Spirit Daily
Living in this freedom is a daily choice:
- Set your mind on the things of the Spirit (Romans 8:5-6). Fill your thoughts with Scripture, worship, prayer, and Christ-centered priorities.
- Confess and repent quickly when the flesh shows up. Don’t justify sin; put it to death by the Spirit’s power (Romans 8:13).
- Stay connected to God’s people who encourage you toward holiness.
- Pursue God’s glory, not your own success — even good things can become flesh-driven if they’re self-centered.
The bottom line: In Christ, you are free from condemnation, free from sin’s control, and filled with the Spirit who gives life now and forever. So the question is — are you living like you’re free?
This blog is based on a message preached by Associate Discipleship Pastor Brandon Ferguson on Sunday, August 10, as part of the Romans: The Righteousness of God series. You can watch the full message here.
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