When we experience the new birth in Christ, our soul and spirit are liberated from the bondage of sin and free to tap into the power of walking in the Spirit. However, it is disheartening to see how often we still find ourselves drawn back to it. Are we truly so foolish that we desire to return to the very slavery from which Christ has set us free? Romans 8 reminds us that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus and who walk according to the Spirit, and NOT the flesh.
“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.”
Romans 8:1-2
Although Christ has granted us freedom from sin, it is essential for us to live in accordance with God’s Word if we truly want to experience that freedom. If we need a powerful reminder to deter us from the foolishness of returning to a life of sin, perhaps this analogy can serve as a helpful deterrent:
“As a dog returns to his own vomit, so a fool repeats his folly.”
Proverbs 26:11
Dogs have a tendency to consume their own vomit, and while it may be unpleasant to consider, it serves as a vivid illustration. Do you want to return to the wretched misery from whence you came? I do not!!! Paul emphasized that believers have been DELIVERED from the law of sin and death. (Romans 8:2)
You see, my friend, while our POSITION is “in the Spirit,” our CONDITION depends on how we choose to live.
“You are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.”
Romans 8:9
Believers have a CHOICE to make regarding how they live their lives: Either walking in the FLESH or walking in the SPIRIT. The path we choose determines the direction of our thoughts and mindset. As Romans 8:5 states:
“For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.”
Romans 8:5
What we place in our mind has a significant impact on whether we fully experience the benefits of being liberated from the law of sin and death. Our mind sets the stage for our actions. In essence, our mindset WILL reflect our chosen path of either walking in the flesh or in the Spirit. By setting our mind on the things of God and aligning our thoughts with His truth, we open ourselves up to the transformative power of His Spirit. It is through a Spirit-focused mindset that we can fully embrace and enjoy the freedom that comes from being released from the bondage of sin and the consequences of the law.
“For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.”
Romans 8:6
It is important to remember that the concept of “death” discussed here does not pertain to the eternal destiny of non-believers, but rather to the present experience of defeat and despair faced by BELIEVERS who have a mindset rooted in the flesh. As Paul explains, believers who live with their minds set on the things of the flesh experience this “death” because their mindset is in direct opposition to God. In fact, he states that “the carnal mind is enmity against God.” (Romans 8:7)
This should not come as a surprise, considering that those who live solely for worldly and temporary pleasures are in conflict with God.
James reminds believers that being friends with the world implies enmity with God. (James 4:4) As believers, we must grasp the reality that we cannot have it both ways. It is impossible to live in alignment with God’s righteous standards and simultaneously have a mindset solely focused on satisfying our fleshly desires.
However, the joyous victory and profound freedom we encounter when we intentionally set our minds on Christ and wholeheartedly choose to live according to His ways are wonderful beyond measure. It is a decision we can make starting today. Dedicate every aspect of your being and all that you possess to God with unwavering commitment, and I assure you, He will abundantly surpass your GREATEST expectations.
When we embrace God with ALL our mind and heart, we experience complete freedom!
We would love to hear your thoughts about this devotional. Did God speak to you or challenge your daily walk with him? Or is there a topic that you would like Kimberly to cover or expound on? Please share with us in the comments below.
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2 Responses
For whom the sun sets free is free indeed.
Amen!