THE ULTIMATE LIFESTYLE

What it Means to be a Christ Follower
Romans 8:5-17
March 14, 2021

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One of the most overused and misunderstood words is the term “Christian.” Many people, when asked, consider themselves Christians without being able to accurately define it. In this passage, Paul explains exactly what it means to be a Christian.

I. The difference between believers and unbelievers - Romans 8:5-8

Paul makes four contrasts:

UNBELIEVERS BELIEVERS

A. THINKING: NATURAL DESIRES SPIRITUAL DESIRES

Romans 8:5 - Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.

Galatians 5:19-21 - The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like.

Galatians 5:22-23 - But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

B. ATTITUDE: REBEL AGAINST GOD. SUBMIT TO GOD.

Romans 8:6 - The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace…

Romans 8:7 - …the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so.

C. PLEASING: CAN’T PLEASE GOD. SUBMIT TO GOD.

Romans 8:8 - Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God.

II. The primary characteristic of a genuine Christ follower:

Romans 8:9-10 - You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ. 10 But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness.

The Holy Spirit is INSIDE the believer.

Galatians 4:6 - Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts…

Who is the Holy Spirit?

John 14:16-17, 23 – “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you…” 23 Jesus replied, “If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.”

Another means: another of the exact SAME KIND.

What does He do? Supplies EVERYTHING you need in your Christian life.

He “is living” in me.

Romans 8:11 - And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you…

Living in you means: He makes his HOME in you.

Romans 8:9 - You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.

He “fills” me.

Ephesians 5:18 - Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.

Filled means: controlled, led, directed, guided.

III. How can I know that I really am a child of God? - Romans 8:11-17

A. I have a NEW power in my life.

Romans 8:11 - And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.

B. I have a DESIRE to do what is right.

Romans 8:12-13 - Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation — but it is not to the sinful nature, to live according to it. 13 For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live…

C. I WANT God to lead my life.

Romans 8:14 - because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.

How does the Holy Spirit lead us? Bible, prayer, impressions, circumstances, other Christ followers.

John 14:26 - But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.

D. I relate to God in LOVE, not fear.

Romans 8:15-16 - For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.

Romans 8:32 - He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all — how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?