Scripture to Read: Romans 8:2
As we continue to examine Romans 8:2 today, God’s Word tells us that the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. Yet many Christians struggle with the reality of being set free from the power and even the penalty of sin through Christ. Why do so many Christians struggle with this incredible Truth of being set free? One reason Christians struggle is the battle between our "flesh" and God's Holy Spirit in us. God tells us in Galatians 5:16–17, …walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. 17 For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. Our “flesh” is constantly at odds with God’s Spirit, and our “flesh” lies to us daily. Our “flesh” hungers for what this world offers us, and when we submit to our fleshly desires instead of God’s Holy Spirit, we put ourselves back in bondage to sin's power though Christ has set us free from it. Another reason Christians struggle with freedom is that we tend to believe our “feelings” over God’s Truth. Our feelings are powerful because God gave them to us. Our soul is comprised of our mind, will, and emotions. So, emotions are God-given, but our emotions must be submitted to God’s Spirit or our emotions will lead us back into bondage. The choice is ours, so let’s make the right one.
Challenge & Application
What freedom have you missed out on because of believing your feelings over God’s Truth?
How can you help others understand the freedom Christ gives to all Christians through Christ?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!