Set Free in Christ Jesus

Romans 8 We are sinful by nature, born into defiance against the Lord ever since sin entered into the world. v.2 tells us that our flesh is weak and we who are flesh are condemned. God gave us laws that proved our sinfulness. Not so we could be saved by the laws, but to be found guilty of it. To show us our sinfulness and have it stand out to us. We were given a gift, the ability to receive the Holy Spirit who can set us free through Jesus. v.3 God sent His Son Jesus in the likeness of our flesh to take upon Himself our sins. This was so that the law could be fulfilled and the debt of sin paid by the only sacrifice worthy to do so. No condemnation for those in Christ Jesus. Do you believe in Jesus as your Lord and Savior? Are you a follower, a TRUE follower of Jesus? Our vision for this year is “I Have Decided…” Have you decided to believe in Jesus and follow Him only? If so, then there is no condemnation for you. Your past sins are forgiven. You are no longer a slave to your sin. You have been set free and the chains of sin binding you have been broken. Our flesh cannot, does not have the ability to please God. No amount of effort or works can accomplish this. Through the Holy Spirit we have hope, peace, and life in Jesus our Savior. We must be committed followers of Christ. We must give up ourselves and follow Him. If we live to ourselves, in our own way and in our flesh we will die. It says so in v.13, but if we live by the Holy Spirit, meaning Jesus lives in our hearts, we will live. v.14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. When we belong to Jesus we have nothing to fear. This world can do what it wants to us but we have so much more waiting for us in eternity. The Spirit knows if you are faking it! The Holy Spirit knows if you are true believers and followers of God and bears witness to this… Only true believers and followers of Christ are adopted into God’s family. We are sons and daughters, we are heirs alongside Jesus even. v.17 Pass Over v.18-30 (That is a whole other sermon on it’s own) v.31 If God is for us, who can be against us? v.34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died - more that, who was raised - who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. v.35 Nothing shall separate from Jesus. Tribulation Distress Persecution Famine Nakedness Danger Sword Addiction (alcohol, drugs, pornography) Depression Loss Anxiety Self Harm In all these things we are more than conquerors through Jesus when we give ourselves over to Him v.38 Nothing will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Jesus said in John 10:29 “My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. 30 I and the Father are one.” Followers of Jesus are: Set free in Christ Jesus No longer condemned for their sins Can never be separated from Jesus Sons and Daughter of God