Articles
From Struggle to Victory: Living in the Power of the Spirit (Romans 7:24-8:13)
In Romans 7, the Apostle Paul opens his heart and shares his inner struggles. He is candid about his desire to do good and his hatred of evil. Yet, despite his best efforts, he continually falls short. He cries out, “Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?” (Romans 7:24). But then, he finds hope in the answer: “Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Romans 7:25).
Paul’s personal frustration highlights the tension every believer feels in this life: the desire to live for God, yet the ongoing battle with sin. But the victory we need is found in Christ. As we transition into Romans 8, Paul begins to reveal the way forward—the victory over sin and death that only Christ can provide.
1. The Promise of Victory
Paul boldly declares, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). In Christ, we are freed from the penalty of sin. But the victory doesn't stop at justification; it goes deeper.
2. Justification and Sanctification
While Jesus justifies us by removing the guilt of sin, He also sanctifies us. This means He sets us apart, freeing us from the power of sin and enabling us to live a holy life. We are justified because we are in Christ, and we are sanctified because Christ is in us through the Holy Spirit.
The moment we are baptized, we receive the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to live in victory. Acts 2:38 teaches, “Repent and be baptized… and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Through the Spirit, we gain the power to resist sin and live the life God has called us to.
3. Living in the Spirit
Romans 8:2 reminds us that the “law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.” Think of the Holy Spirit as the wings of a bird, enabling us to rise above the pull of our sinful nature. Just as wings give a bird the power to defy gravity, the Holy Spirit empowers us to resist sin and live according to God’s will.
We are called to make the things of the Spirit our priority (Romans 8:5). As we live in the Spirit, we will experience life and peace (Romans 8:6). Our minds will be transformed, and we will no longer focus on fleshly desires but on pleasing God (Romans 8:7-8).
4. The Evidence of Being in Christ
How do we know that we are in Christ and that Christ is in us? Romans 8:9 tells us that if the Spirit of God dwells in us, we belong to Christ. Our lives will reflect this reality. We will no longer live according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. Our values will align more and more with God’s values, and our hearts will be led by love for God and His people.
We will serve Jesus, not out of obligation, but with passion and zeal for His work. As we await His return, we will live fully for Him, seeking to please Him in all things (1 John 4:19-21, Titus 2:14).
5. Victory Over Death
Paul also assures us that the same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead will give life to our mortal bodies (Romans 8:11). This means that as we live in the Spirit, we can be confident that we will experience eternal life with Christ. Our commitment to living by the Spirit ensures that we will endure beyond the perishable nature of our flesh.
6. The Choice We Face
Paul concludes with a stark reminder: if we live according to the flesh, we will perish. But if we live by the Spirit, we will experience eternal life (Romans 8:12-13). The choice is ours: Will we serve the flesh, or will we serve Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit?
Invitation
The offer of eternal life is available to all who are in Christ. If you have not yet accepted the gift of eternal life, we urge you to obey the gospel today. Repent, be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. In doing so, you will be set free from the power of sin and death, and you will live in the victory Christ has won for you.
Next, we will continue to explore the victorious life that Paul describes in Romans 8. Until then, remember: Jesus offers us the power to overcome and live in the fullness of His victory.
