Praise God, it is good to be here with you in the house of the Lord. Let’s do this: if you know that you’re blessed by God, will you give Him some praise today? Did you know that this right here is the essence of faith? Notice I said, if you know you are blessed. Not if you think or if you feel, but, if you know…We can look out our windows today and be utterly confused as to what is going on in the world. We can turn on the news and see what’s happening out there and be faced with the unsettling uncertainty as to what will happen to our country. But faith says, not as I feel or not as I see with my limited human eyesight, rather by faith I will seek the Lord and believe that He has blessed me in the midst of chaos. So, I want to encourage you this week. When you see craziness on the news or when you feel fear creeping in… I want you to declare out loud, “I am blessed, in Jesus’ name!” Let’s put the devil on notice! Say it with me today, “I am blessed in Jesus’ name!”
One thing I want us to remember as we read through these passages in the Bible; the enemy of your soul is constantly trying to deceive you. A lie is his only weapon. His game is to distract you from what God has said with a lie. So, when we read things in the Bible that seem repetitive, let’s remember that it is there to bring emphasis because cause its super important.
We have talked a lot about the doom and gloom of the Law and wrath, and we have begun to see Paul’s comparison of the Law and grace. Now in chapter 8 we are getting into what some call the “inner sanctuary” of the Christian faith. Paul has set the stage to begin to unpack the blessings of those “in Christ.” In this he is now going to begin to elaborate more on the work of the Holy Spirit
My prayer today is that together, you and me, will be encouraged and empowered to live out life, “in Christ” with power and boldness so, in all things we might glorify God.
Let’s look at our main text, if you have your Bibles, please join me in Romans Chapter 8 starting in verse 1.
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
Romans 8:1-4
As usual, I have broken up my thoughts into 3 parts or points in order to share them with you today.
Jesus Christ Has Rescued Us From All Condemnation
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.
Romans 8: 1-2
This is a really simple concept but, for most of us it is terribly difficult to internalize.Perhaps, in us, those who are in Christ, the Law has done its job and exposed our sin for what it truly Is.
…so that through the commandment sin might become utterly sinful.
Romans 7:13
It is the work of Holy Spirt in us that enables us to see a reality that is spiritual.
because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.
Romans 8:2
Once we were dead in our sins, having no sight or understanding of righteousness. We were at enmity with God. Having no good in us, remember,
For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.
Romans 7:18
But, Suddenly, somehow, we are now able to see the correction of the law through the grace of Christ Jesus covered by His blood and forgiven of our sin. Because the Holy Spirit has made us alive in the law of the spirit. It is the spirit of the living God that wells in you. He is at work in us and He has made us alive in His spirit. Jesus Christ has rescued us from all condemnation.
Let’s think back to when you first came to know the Lord. We were learning all sorts of new things. We were receiving sometimes daily illumination. I liked to think of it like a Holy Spirit Download. My heart was being tenderized by God and it seemed as though every day the Holy Spirit gave me something that made me cry. Jesus Christ has rescued us from all condemnation. I could see more clearly the life I had been rescued from. And that made God’s grace that much sweeter. Can you see today the Lord’s grace over your life or are you bogged down by the accusations of the Devil.
Let’s move on to my second point.
Jesus Christ Has Intervened On Our Behalf
For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh,
Romans 8:3
Some have relied on doing good deeds for salvation. Here’s the truth family, being a good person is not going to get you where you want to go with God. Others have trusted their religiosity… looking down their noses.
The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector.
Luke 18:11
With their full confidence in the Law, it was powerless to save them because it was weakened by the flesh.… God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh, Sin and death came through the flesh of a man. So, it must be that sin and death is defeated by the flesh of one man, Christ Jesus!
It’s like the old expression, “fighting fire with fire.” Humanity under the Law was weak powerless against sin and death. God used the very image of sinful flesh to break the curse of death by himself becoming sin and death. Jesus Christ intervened on our behalf He became our curse and saved us by his own sacrificial blood. If you are not sure how exactly this could be, think of it in these terms… His blood His rules. He intervened for us.
This is why its so important for us to get this today. We enter into salvation only through faith in Jesus. Faith is the only thing that each person has at any given moment. No one can steal it from you. No one can buy it. No government can ban it. And no one can earn it. It is uniquely yours to active or not. Faith is the currency of the kingdom of God. And if you have faith in Christ’s ability to intervene in your life that you will have faith to walk it out with him. Your faith in Christ will keep you through life’s ups and downs.
Let’s move on to my final point.
Jesus Christ Has Met The Righteous Requirement Of The Law
in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
Romans 8:4
This is what you are being asked to have faith in…There is a righteous requirement and we have all failed it.
In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.
Hebrews 9:22
Christ has rescued us. He has intervened on our behalf and saved us from sin and death. Through fulfilling the requirement of the law, by shedding his own blood he is offering us forgiveness and eternal life.
In all of this it is our faith in Christ that has given us access to grace.
One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” 40 But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? 41 We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” 43 Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
Luke 23:39-43
This thief, there was nothing for him to earn. No deed he could. Not an offering he could give. He couldn’t even be baptized. In those last moments he could only give his faith. And in that moment Christ intervened. He satisfied the requirement of wrath. Jesus gave His assurance to that ole’ thief that he would be saved.
Jesus has rescued us for all condemnation. He has intervened on our behalf. He has met the righteous requirement of the Law. No matter what you have done in your life Christ stands there with forgiveness in His eyes. No matter how you feel about yourself, Jesus loves you. No matter the things that were spoken over you, Jesus is calling you to himself. He wants you!
He has healing and completeness for you and for your whole family. I not telling you this because it’s something I once read, but because It is God’s promise that came true in my life. In my marriage. In my children. God wants to do the same for you.
Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.
Revelation 3:20
Will you open your hearts to Jesus, the Son of the living God, and receive what He has for you? Will you call on him today? Will you ask Him to help you discern what his word is revealing today?
Many of you need a fresh touch from God today. Is there some form of hindrance or bondage in your life or your relationships today? God wants to redeem and restore those areas of your life? He wants to restore Joy and hope for you today You’re hearing this now and the Holy Spirit has brought someone or something to mind. He wants to speak life into this today. He wants to bring healing in this area today.
There are areas of deep regret when it comes to your relationship with God and you have rejected Christ as your savior …It’s not too late. It’s not too late to humble yourself before him today, hold out your arms and open your hands to receive from him today. Will you say yes to Jesus, today? Will you bow your heads with me?
Some of you already know the Lord, but maybe he’s put something on your heart that you need to deal with, you need to ask his forgiveness today. If that’s you will you just acknowledge that to him today. This is just you and God here. Now someone here may not have that relationship with Jesus and today you’ve felt him tugging at your heart, you’ve been hurt, and you’re guarded, I know. Jesus is here and wants set things right in your life.
If you’ll say Pastor, I want Jesus to be my Lord and savior. Remember, it’s just you and God here. Will you pray with me today, We’ll pray here as a family and you can repeat after me.
Jesus, I know that I’m a sinner. I ask you today for your forgiveness. I believe that you died for my sins and on that 3rd day, you rose from the dead. I ask you to come into my heart today. I trust and follow you as my Lord and savior. Guide me and help me to do your will. In Jesus’ name Amen.
“‘“The Lord bless you
Numbers 6:24-26
and keep you;
25 the Lord make his face shine on you
and be gracious to you;
26 the Lord turn his face toward you
and give you peace.”’