If people struggle with sin, I wonder if they have studied, line by line, this passage. I hope I can help bring light to this passage for you today.
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. Romans 8:1-2 (NIV)These verses are quoted quite often. There is now no condemnation from God for anyone who is in Christ. Conviction? Yes. Condemnation? No. As we live in Christ, His Spirit lives in us. He doesn't bring condemnation but freedom. The law of sin and death had condemnation until their power was broken by the Spirit of life who lives within us.
The law of sin so crippled and degraded us that God's law was weakened. God's law wasn't weak in that it was powerless but sin so corrupted us that the law could not be applied until something cleansed us. Enter Jesus who came in the "likeness" of sinful man. He was perfect and sinless. Here is where the dramatic part of verse 3 fits: He condemned sin in sinful man. Here is also where I rejoice and do my happy dance, but since this is the internet you'll have to imagine it.
The sin that once condemned us is condemned the moment we enter into a relationship with Christ. Condemning a building means the building is unsuitable to be occupied. Condemning sin means sin is unsuitable for our body and has been kicked to the curb. Reminds me of the scene in "A Knight's Tale" where the group gather around the defeated pain in the neck knight, Adhemar, and they say, "You have been weighed, you have been measured, and you have been found wanting." Sin has be weighed, measured and found wanting because it is powerless against the blood of Christ.
The power of sin is broken. I am set free. Jesus condemned sin so I could live. I don't know about you, but I am blown away. I have casually read over verse three too many times. Today it speaks volumes about God's absolute power. Now, by the Spirit, my life meets the requirements of God's law because Jesus died as the final sacrifice for sin in man. All I have to do is believe and act in faith.
Therefore, we are free to follow after the desires of the Spirit because our minds are not to be set on sinful desires any longer. We are not corrupted by condemnation but free in the Spirit. Sinful minds are death, not only to the body, but also to our spirits. With sin condemned, it loses power so our minds can be controlled by the Spirit. Why would I want this?
Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; Romans 8:5-6 (NIV)Because now I experience life and peace. I cannot please God if my mind is set on sin. Sin-filled minds are hostile to God. Sin-filled minds seek to bring death and destruction. That is the character and desire of sin.
I, however, belong to Christ because the Spirit lives within me. My spirit is alive even though my physical body is headed towards death. Sin has been dealt with though it is still present in this life; I am no longer bound by it or a slave to it. Though my body will die, I have the promise of a cleansed and renewed body in the resurrection. Christ condemned sin so holiness could enter into my life. Yes our bodies will die but until then Christ has made a home within us.
In chapter seven, Paul asked, "Who will deliver me?" In verse 10 and 11, he gives the answer:
But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness. 11 And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you. Romans 8:10-11 (NIV)We have been delivered through Christ Jesus, from the death our bodies will suffer, into the life that our spirits have gained. We have an obligation to live in an manner that respects this new life. We are obligated to the Spirit's leading when we become a child of God through Jesus. In other words, we are children of God, joint-heirs with Christ, and we should act like it. Being heirs, we also accept the right to share in the suffering of Christ - to live holy lives and spread the Gospel at all costs. We cannot share in the glory He is offering without accepting these terms. This doesn't mean that only some who believe will make it. It does mean that some will share in a greater reward.
This passage is about enduring and not losing heart. We must encourage each other to continually press on.
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Heb 12:2-3 (NIV)
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12 (NIV)
As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. James 5:11 (NIV)
[Love] always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 1 Cor 13:7 (NIV)
- What keeps you from growing weary and losing heart in today's "scientifically" advanced society and all the negative connotations being placed upon Christianity?
- What does perseverance mean to you?
- How does it feel to know that Jesus is not condemning you?
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