Life in the Spirit

Many Christians are refreshed to hear Paul's words in Romans 7:15-20 where he describes his inability to do the things he wants to do or keep from doing those sinful things he hates. Verse 18 summarizes this when he says, "For I know that nothing good dwells within me, that is, in my flesh. I can will what is right, but I cannot do it" (NRS). Paul is not, however, letting us off the hook or describing that it is impossible for us to overcome sin. In fact, his argument is just the opposite. What he is explaining is that in the flesh we have no capacity to conquer sin because we are under the law of sin. In Romans 8:9-10, Paul says, "But you are not in the flesh; you are in the Spirit, since the Spirit of God dwells in you... But if Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness." He continues by insisting, "[F]or if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God" (8:13-14).

In the flesh we have an inability to truly submit to God, so we are held captive by the law of sin. In Christ, however, we are righteous because of Christ's work and the "law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set [us] free from the law of sin and death" (8:2). This is good news! In Christ, we have the capacity to "put to death" the flesh every day through our submission to the Spirit. Once again, this is all God's work in Christ through the Spirit, and our response is simply to surrender and empty ourselves before God on a daily basis. We do not have to be held captive to sin in our lives - in fact, we should not be held captive because we are free to live life in the Spirit.

I submit my life, my soul (mind, will, emotions), my body, my all to You today Lord Jesus and ask that by Your Spirit you lead me further into this free life. All glory to You, Almighty Father!