Romans 8:11 6/5/2018*

"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 because of his Spirit who lives in you."

Christians rightly focus on the unearned grace given by our Lord and Savior. But in our desire to be sure we never preach “works salvation”, do we water down the strength we have been given to walk with God?

This verse says that the Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead is living inside you and gives life to your body.

That being said, do you really believe you can’t conquer the sin that continually causes you to stumble? 

Do you think your anger, or your unforgiveness, or that habit you keep surrendering to… is stronger than the Spirt that raised Christ from the dead?

You carry inside you the most powerful force in all of creation…if you have been living in bondage to sin, you don’t have to any longer. 

In the next verses Paul instructs his readers to put off the old sin nature and put on new nature God provides. That is an intentional act of your will.

Once saved, you aren’t sinless, but you are different.  You have power you didn’t have before.  You have a choice. 

If a bird doesn’t want to walk anymore all he has to do is spread his wings. Perhaps it’s time to spread yours.  Stop being satisfied with a lukewarm existence.  Intentionally put off the old and put on the new and experience the joy of walking in peace and freedom. 

Today can be the day you break free from what has held you down.  Choose to forgive, decide to hold your tongue, don't allow fear to live in your mind any longer.

The enemy is lying to you…. You are not a slave, you are child of God.  Don’t settle for a life bound in the chains of sin.

The cage is open…walk out.

"Sin and the child of God are incompatible. They may occasionally meet; they cannot live together in harmony" -- John R. W. Stott