Practical Theology

Part 21 - Romans 8:1-4
Lead Pastor, Darrin Mariott

Big Idea: In Christ, we have been rescued, redeemed, and filled with the Holy Spirit.

I. Spiritual Freedom, v. 1
Romans 8:1
1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

A. If bondage to sin and our futile efforts to free ourselves by the law was like being imprisoned on death row with no hope of reprieve (see Rom. 7:24), then in Romans 8 we see God opening the door to usher in His glorious light in Christ and offer us freedom from sin and the power to do His will.

B. In Christ, we have freedom from:

1. The Power of Sin

Romans 7:9-11
9 I was once alive apart from the law, but when the commandment came, sin came alive and I died. 10 The very commandment that promised life proved to be death to me. 11 For sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, deceived me and through it killed me.

2. The Penalty of Sin

Romans 5:18-19
18 Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. 19 For as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous.

Romans 6:23
23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

3. The Fear of Punishment

C. The prison door has been opened and we are invited to step out and live in the freedom God provides. No matter what you may be feeling, God’s Word says that if you are in Christ, you stand before Him with NO condemnation!

II. Spiritual Power, vs. 2-4
Romans 8:2-4
2 For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. 3 For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

A. Previous chapters made it clear that we cannot please God in our own strength or meet His righteous demands through the law. So how does a Christian live a righteous life without a constant struggle? By living in the power of the Holy Spirit. God condemned sin through Jesus’s sacrifice and gives us the Holy Spirit to enable us to live righteous lives (vv. 2-4).

B. We see that the Holy Spirit:

1. 1. Enlightens us (cf. Jn. 14:26; 15:26) – The Holy Spirit reveals Jesus and His truth to us

John 14:26
26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.

John 15:26
26 “But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me.

2. Empowers us (cf. Eph. 3:14-21) – The Holy Spirit gives us the power to live holy, Christlike, lives. Our response:

A. Direction - Fix your eyes on Jesus (cf. Heb. 12:1-3)

Hebrews 12:1-3
1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.

B. Dependence - Rest on God’s power, not your own.

C. Dedication - Keep moving forward. Don’t. Give. Up.