[Romans 8, Proverbs 10]

H – Romans 8:1, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

E – His Spirit!

Romans 8:1 sets forth one of the most important truths of the Christian faith. There is no longer any condemnation, at all, for those who are “in Christ Jesus,” that is, who have been made ONE with Him by faith in His redemptive sacrifice. The just penalty (condemnation) incurred by the sins of the human race was paid by the death of Christ. The unfavorable verdict (guilty = death), that I deserve, has been removed. Now all those who are in Christ are the beneficiaries of His forgiveness and are now adopted children of God through His Spirit (8:14). 

Because of my faith in the atoning work and sacrifice of Christ Jesus I now live in His Spirit. John Stott, stated it this way, “The Christian life is essentially life in the Spirit, that is to say, a life that is animated, sustained, directed and enriched by the Holy Spirit. Without the Holy Spirit true Christian discipleship would be inconceivable, indeed impossible.” In other words the reason that I do not feel nor will experience condemnation is because His Spirit has set me free (8:2). 

The opposite of spiritual freedom is spiritual guilt and shame (condemnation). Yet, because of the work of Christ I don’t have to live that way any more. Robert Mounce described a great truth in his commentary on Romans, stating, “to insist on feeling guilty is but another way of insisting on helping God with our salvation.” Wow! What a powerful statement on how deeply imbedded the natural influences of our self righteous and works righteous nature are in our lives. But, isn’t that what I’m suppose to die too?

There are a few truths that stick out as I read through Romans 8 (so much goodness to wrap my head around) and read over and over the words “the Spirit” that should help me with the continual dying to self and living in light of His Spirit. 

1. His Spirit has set us free (8:2). His Spirit is life. It has set us free from the power of sin, the pain of death, and the pronouncement of hell. 
2. His Spirit gives us life, peace, and purpose (8:6, 28). When I continually set my mind on His Spirit and walk accordingly to His purpose (will) I experience His life and peace. Anything contrary to this is to live a life of flesh that can never please God (8:8).
3. His Spirit grants us acceptance and value (8:14-17). I can’t speak for everyone, but I can speak for myself. When I walked in my flesh I was attempting to fill voids and find value in something else that would satisfy my desires. Yet, when I surrendered my life to Jesus I found what my heart had been longing for, acceptance and value. It was Him, His family, and His Glory. 
4. His Spirit produces godliness (8:23). Because life is tough, sin is easy, and suffering is evident I need Him at work in my life. I live my life through His Spirit (godliness), patently enduring, and longing with great hope for future glory.
5. His Spirit helps me in my weakness (8:26). Anyone else need help? I at times can feel the weight of this verse. At times, I don’t even know what to pray. But, praise be to God for His Spirit who intercedes and helps us in our weakness. 
6. His Spirit gives me power and victory (8:31,37). Just read these questions (paraphrased): Who shall bring charge against us? Who is to condemn us? Who shall separate us from Christ love? No one, nor no thing can charge, condemn, or separate us. In reality, I am more than a conquerer, through HIM. He gives me power and victory. 
7. His Spirit reveals His unending love and forgiveness (8:37,39). In reality I have His Spirit because He loves me. His Spirit at work in my life continues to reveal His love for me. His love pursued me, valued me, rescued me, restored, me, purposed me, strengthens me, and continues to fight for me. 

A – Reading Romans 8 helps me understand more the words I’ve used and quoted, “I don’t live my life for Jesus. I live my life through Jesus.” I can’t do anything for. It has to be through. Therefore, live my life intentionally and purposefully through His Spirit. 

R – Lord God, thank you for your Spirit, freedom, life, peace, purpose, acceptance, value, help, power, victory. Lord, I know it’s all through your love for me. I don’t understand it. But, I humble accept it. Lord, be my help to persevere through this life and thank you for the hope of glory. I pray I would love my life through you and you would use me with great purpose. 

In Jesus Name!