In verses 14-17 of Romans 8, Paul continues to unfold the many blessings of the gospel. For those in the Spirit, God is not a stern judge but a gracious helper as he adopts us. There is an inward sense of sonship. There is the promise of present and future inheritance. The path of the cross is the only path to the glory awaiting “fellow heirs with Christ.” The gospel means strength for trials, not escape from them.
Romans 8:12-13 // Killing Sin by The Power of the Spirit
We have seen in Romans 8 the identity of the Christian as one who is in the Spirit. In verses 12-13 Paul begins to show us the activity of the Christian: Because we are no longer captive to the flesh, we should not live according to the flesh. God and Christians each have a role in sanctification: fighting our sin must be by the Spirit and his power, but Christians must also take an active role in battling sinful habits.
Romans 8:9-11 // Life Through The Spirit
What does it mean to live life in and through the Spirit? In this life our bodies are mortal and sin is present. But God’s righteousness through the gospel means that the Spirit brings life. The Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead transforms believers’ everyday lives as he dwells among God’s people. In this passage, Paul teaches that the very resurrection life of Christ dwells in those who have been united to the resurrected Christ.
Romans 8:5-8 // Two Ways To Live
As we continue on in Romans 8, we see a call to reject a life focused on earthly pursuits and desires of the flesh and to live according to the Spirit and set our minds on the things above. We are called to choose life, reject death and submit to God’s law, which we cannot do on our own, but with help from the Holy Spirit, our Helper.
Romans 8:1-4 // No Condemnation
Romans 8 begins with an astonishing declaration. After the anguish of chapter 7; the struggles of sin and wrestling with assurance of salvation, Paul declares that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Christian, you may be frustrated, defeated, discouraged, and overwhelmed, but Christ is sufficient, victorious, sovereign, and loving. If we can grasp the truth of this passage we will discover the most transformative reality of the Christian life.
Romans Overview // Identity in Christ
We began our series on Romans 8 with an overview of the first 8 Chapters of Romans. Romans 8 is one of the most powerful passages of Scripture. In this chapter, Paul begins to explain the role of the Holy Spirit in applying the saving work of Christ to the believer. The Apostle reflects on how our union with Christ not only justifies us but provides for us the indwelling presence of the Spirit of Christ. We have in this chapter a beautiful view of the riches of our identity in Christ.
Psalm 90 // Constants in a Constantly Changing World
This Psalm tells us that our lives are so very brief. In light of this, Moses directs us to both “number our days” and “be glad all our days.” Here, we are pointed to the God of “steadfast love” who redeems us and enables us to live with abiding and eternal joy. In a world that is constantly changing, how does life look differently if we cling to a God who changes not.
Isaiah 60:1-9 Revelation 21-22:5 // The Future Light
We conclude our Advent series by looking forward to the second Advent of Christ. There will come a day when all darkness, sin, suffering, pain, injustice, & struggle will be done away with and Christ will reign forever more. Revelation 22:4–5 says, "They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever." What does this future reality mean for us as we live our lives today?
Matthew 5:13-16 // You Are The Light of The World
The introduction to John’s gospel is a rich description of the Light of the World, Jesus Christ. He cannot be overcome by darkneJesus Christ, the light has stepped into the darkness so that we may be rescued. What do rescued sinners then do with this light? In Matthew 5:13-16, the "light" illustration turns to focus on the people of God. We are the light of the world. We are called to demonstrate the light of Christ and his kingdom through the character of our lives and the words of our mouths.
John 1:1-18; 8:12 // Light Shines in the Dark
The introduction to John’s gospel is a rich description of the Light of the World, Jesus Christ. He cannot be overcome by darkness and this is such an encouragement in the dark times that we all face. John also introduces us to John the Baptist who bore witness about the Light so that all may believe. Who can you bear witness to about the Light of the World this Christmas season?