Paul’s primary point through Romans chapter 8 is all about what Jesus has done for us on the Cross. No matter what you are up against, look to the Cross. God does not condemn those who are in Christ, He will use all things for good. The good news is the love of Christ! And He invited us into His love (John 15:9). Live in that truth. No matter where you are at, no matter what is against you, return…
How things should be and how they are do not match up. The reason is sin. Like a crack in a screen, there is a flaw in the perfection of creation. All creation groans, we groan, the Spirit groans for the completion of redemption (Romans 8:18-30). It is not that suffering should not be minimized, it is that the glory of God’s redemption should be maximized (2 Corinthians 4:16-18). God will complete the good work He has started (Philippians 1:6).
Romans 8 calls believers to take sin seriously, not by living in fear, but by remembering who they are in Christ. This message explores the battle between the flesh and the Spirit, the call to “put to death” sin by the Spirit’s power, and the incredible reality that through Jesus we are adopted into God’s family as sons and daughters. Rather than being defined by shame or slavery, Christians are invited to live from a new identity as children and…
The Gospel is more than a being door opened to a new relationship. It is a relationship with Christ the creator. The Gospel is God transforming us. Paul wrote, maybe, the most encouraging words of what the Gospel is. Romans 8 tells us our verdict (no condemnation), how we should respond (in thought and action), an how we are empowered (with Christ spirit in us). We are not condemned, we are in union with Christ! So, set our mind on…
