Choosing Spirit Over Flesh: Embracing New Life in Christ
Summary
### Summary
In today's sermon, we explored the profound tension between living according to the flesh and living according to the Spirit, as outlined in Romans 8. We began with a personal story about our dog Mila and the tragic "chicken massacre of 2018," which served as a metaphor for the human condition. Just as Mila acted on her fleshly instincts, leading to chaos and death, so too do humans often follow their fleshly desires, leading to spiritual death and separation from God.
We delved into the biblical narrative, emphasizing that God's original intention for humanity was good, as seen in Genesis 1 and 2. However, the fall in Genesis 3 introduced brokenness and depravity. Paul, in his letter to the Romans, reminds us that the law, while good, could not save us from this condition. It served as a guardian but not a savior. True salvation and justification come through Jesus Christ, who fulfilled the law and offers us new life through His Spirit.
Romans 8 highlights the stark contrast between the flesh and the Spirit. The flesh leads to death, while the Spirit leads to life and peace. Paul emphasizes that those who live according to the Spirit are children of God, adopted into His family, and no longer slaves to sin. This new identity in Christ empowers us to live in righteousness and peace, guided by the Holy Spirit.
We are called to daily practices that align us with the Spirit, such as prayer, worship, and scripture reading. These disciplines help us to continually choose the Spirit over the flesh, leading to a life that reflects the fullness of God. The sermon concluded with a call to surrender to the Spirit, recognizing that there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus, and a communal prayer asking God to create in us clean hearts and renew steadfast spirits within us.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Tension Between Flesh and Spirit: The flesh represents our sinful nature, leading to death and separation from God, while the Spirit leads to life and peace. This tension is a daily reality, and we must choose to live according to the Spirit to experience true life in Christ. [59:26]
2. God's Original Intention: Before the fall, God's creation was good. Understanding this original intention helps us appreciate His redemptive work through Jesus Christ, who restores us to a right relationship with God. This perspective shifts our focus from our brokenness to God's goodness and His plan for our redemption. [49:40]
3. Justification Through Christ: The law could not save us; it served as a guide but not a savior. True justification comes through Jesus Christ, who offers us new life and adoption into God's family. This new identity empowers us to live in righteousness and peace, free from the bondage of sin. [53:29]
4. Daily Spiritual Practices: To live according to the Spirit, we must engage in daily spiritual disciplines such as prayer, worship, and scripture reading. These practices help us to continually choose the Spirit over the flesh, forming us into the people of God who reflect His character and love. [01:15:53]
5. No Condemnation in Christ: For those in Christ Jesus, there is no condemnation. We are set free from the law of sin and death and empowered by the Holy Spirit to live in righteousness and peace. This freedom calls us to surrender daily to the Spirit, allowing Him to guide our thoughts and actions. [01:20:50]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[46:33] - Introduction: The Chicken Story
[49:40] - God's Original Intention
[51:02] - The Divide Among Christians
[53:29] - Justification Through Christ
[54:58] - The Significance of Baptism
[56:28] - Flesh vs. Spirit
[59:26] - The Tension Between Flesh and Spirit
[01:01:09] - The Power of the Flesh
[01:04:18] - Jesus' Dominion Over Flesh
[01:07:35] - The Hope in the Spirit
[01:09:14] - Life Abundantly in the Spirit
[01:10:50] - The Call to Live by the Spirit
[01:12:34] - The Fruit of the Spirit
[01:14:20] - Daily Practices for Spiritual Growth
[01:17:34] - A Moment to Respond
[01:20:50] - No Condemnation in Christ
[01:21:38] - Benediction and Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Romans 8:1-17
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul mean when he says, "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus"? ([56:28])
2. How does Paul describe the difference between living according to the flesh and living according to the Spirit? ([59:26])
3. What are the consequences of setting one's mind on the flesh versus setting it on the Spirit, according to Romans 8? ([56:28])
4. How does Paul describe our new identity in Christ in Romans 8:15-17? ([57:52])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to be "set free from the law of sin and death" as mentioned in Romans 8:2? How does this freedom manifest in a believer's life? ([56:28])
2. How does the metaphor of Mila and the chickens illustrate the human condition and our struggle with fleshly desires? ([48:03])
3. In what ways does understanding God's original intention for humanity, as described in Genesis 1 and 2, help us appreciate His redemptive work through Jesus Christ? ([49:40])
4. How does the concept of adoption into God's family change our perspective on our identity and daily living? ([57:52])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt the tension between living according to the flesh and living according to the Spirit. How did you handle it, and what could you do differently next time? ([59:26])
2. What daily spiritual practices can you incorporate into your routine to help you choose the Spirit over the flesh? Consider specific actions like prayer, worship, or scripture reading. ([01:15:53])
3. How does the assurance of "no condemnation in Christ" impact your view of past mistakes and your current walk with God? ([56:28])
4. Think about an area in your life where you struggle with fleshly desires. What steps can you take to surrender this area to the Holy Spirit? ([01:18:37])
5. How can you remind yourself of your new identity in Christ daily, especially during challenging times? ([57:52])
6. Identify one aspect of the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control) that you want to focus on this week. What specific action can you take to cultivate it in your interactions with others? ([01:12:34])
7. How can you support and encourage others in your small group to live according to the Spirit and not the flesh? Share practical ways you can hold each other accountable. ([01:14:20])
Devotional
Day 1: The Tension Between Flesh and Spirit
The tension between living according to the flesh and living according to the Spirit is a daily reality for every believer. The flesh represents our sinful nature, leading to death and separation from God, while the Spirit leads to life and peace. This struggle is not just a one-time battle but a continuous choice we must make every day. The Apostle Paul, in Romans 8, emphasizes that those who live according to the Spirit are children of God, adopted into His family, and no longer slaves to sin. This new identity empowers us to live in righteousness and peace, guided by the Holy Spirit.
Understanding this tension helps us recognize the importance of daily surrender to the Spirit. By engaging in spiritual disciplines such as prayer, worship, and scripture reading, we can continually choose the Spirit over the flesh. This choice leads to a life that reflects the fullness of God and His peace. [59:26]
Galatians 5:16-17 (ESV): "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do."
Reflection: What is one specific area in your life where you feel the tension between the flesh and the Spirit? How can you choose to walk by the Spirit in that area today?
Day 2: God's Original Intention
Before the fall, God's creation was good, and His intention for humanity was to live in perfect harmony with Him. Understanding this original intention helps us appreciate His redemptive work through Jesus Christ, who restores us to a right relationship with God. The fall in Genesis 3 introduced brokenness and depravity, but God's plan for redemption was set in motion through Jesus Christ.
This perspective shifts our focus from our brokenness to God's goodness and His plan for our redemption. By recognizing that God's original intention was good, we can better understand the significance of Jesus' sacrifice and the new life He offers us. This understanding empowers us to live in a way that reflects God's goodness and His redemptive work in our lives. [49:40]
Ephesians 1:4-5 (ESV): "Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will."
Reflection: How does understanding God's original intention for humanity change your perspective on your own life and relationship with Him? What steps can you take to align your life with His original intention?
Day 3: Justification Through Christ
The law, while good, could not save us from our sinful condition. It served as a guide but not a savior. True justification comes through Jesus Christ, who fulfilled the law and offers us new life through His Spirit. This new identity in Christ empowers us to live in righteousness and peace, free from the bondage of sin.
Paul's letter to the Romans reminds us that we are no longer slaves to sin but are adopted into God's family as His children. This new identity gives us the power to live according to the Spirit, experiencing the fullness of life and peace that God intends for us. By embracing our justification through Christ, we can live in the freedom and righteousness that He offers. [53:29]
Titus 3:5-7 (ESV): "He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life."
Reflection: In what ways do you still rely on your own efforts to achieve righteousness? How can you fully embrace the justification that comes through Jesus Christ alone?
Day 4: Daily Spiritual Practices
To live according to the Spirit, we must engage in daily spiritual disciplines such as prayer, worship, and scripture reading. These practices help us to continually choose the Spirit over the flesh, forming us into the people of God who reflect His character and love.
Daily spiritual practices are essential for spiritual growth and alignment with the Spirit. By dedicating time each day to connect with God through prayer, worship, and scripture, we can strengthen our relationship with Him and be more attuned to His guidance. These disciplines not only help us resist the flesh but also enable us to live a life that reflects God's love and righteousness. [01:15:53]
Colossians 3:16 (ESV): "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God."
Reflection: What daily spiritual practice can you commit to this week to help you live according to the Spirit? How can this practice help you grow in your relationship with God?
Day 5: No Condemnation in Christ
For those in Christ Jesus, there is no condemnation. We are set free from the law of sin and death and empowered by the Holy Spirit to live in righteousness and peace. This freedom calls us to surrender daily to the Spirit, allowing Him to guide our thoughts and actions.
Understanding that there is no condemnation in Christ gives us the confidence to live boldly for Him. We are no longer bound by our past mistakes or failures but are free to pursue a life of righteousness and peace. This freedom should inspire us to surrender daily to the Spirit, trusting Him to lead us in all areas of our lives. [01:20:50]
Romans 8:1-2 (ESV): "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death."
Reflection: How does knowing that there is no condemnation in Christ change the way you view yourself and your relationship with God? What steps can you take to surrender more fully to the Spirit's guidance in your life?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We are justified. By his grace. Pastor Tanya likes to remind us that that word justified literally just means just if I'd never sinned. Right standing with God. And this justification is not just a wiping of the slate clean and saying, all right, you're good, go and live this justified life. It is so much more than that. It is newness in Christ in every single way. We are now considered right with God. We are considered right with God. We are considered right with God. We are considered adopted into his family as sons and as daughters. Everything is new. We have a new hope and a new future in Christ." [54:58] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death. For those who have called on the name of Jesus, confessed their sins, receiving the free gift of salvation, you are free from the law of sin and death. You are free from the law of sin and death. You are free from the law of sin and death. So the question for us is so simple. Is your mind set on the things of the flesh? Or is it set on the things of the Spirit?" [01:10:50] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The world does not need more examples of Christians who claim Christ, but live controlled by their own desires. There are plenty of examples of that, and they usually make the headlines. The onlooking world needs to see the radical life in opposition to the flesh, empowered by the Spirit, leading us on a different path to life and peace. Life lived according to the desires of the flesh will always eventually end in destruction, while life, according to the desires of the spirit, will bind its every desire fulfilled in the fullness of Jesus." [01:12:34] (-67 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We don't have to live as slaves to the flesh any longer. Amen? Because of the work of Jesus. But a life living according to the Spirit must be in Christ and connected to the source. Paul writes in Galatians, and Galatians is one of my favorite books in the whole Bible. It says, for the flesh, the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit. Doesn't this sound familiar? But the Spirit and the Spirit, what is contrary to the flesh, they are in conflict with each other so that you are not to do whatever you want." [01:12:34] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "We must remember God's original intention for humanity because that will set the stage for his redemptive work that unfolds throughout the story to bring us back to him. A very likely pattern which we've already sensed throughout Jesus' life." [49:40] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Paul knew that in order for the gospel message to continue to spread, that there had to be unity among the people of God, the people who claimed Christ as the Messiah. There had to be unity. So he writes to them to remind, to encourage them. To spur them on to righteousness. He reminds them of the nature of the human condition, of the brokenness apart from God. The depravity, that this depravity, the moral corruption is real, that it's real. And all of humanity, both the Jews and the Greeks, suffers under the weight of it." [51:02] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The flesh is that which is dominated by sin and death. It's the depravity, the brokenness of the human condition, the pull to that which is not of God. On this side, the spirit is that which is dominated by the mind of Christ through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, leading to what Paul says is life and peace. First, five says, 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, set their minds on the things of the spirit. To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the spirit is life and peace." [59:26] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The fruit or product of life in the flesh will always, always lead us in the direction of opposition toward God. God is not a God of chaos. Stories before of, this is just one instance of justifying our actions, but I've heard stories of people justifying their action of infidelity toward their spouse under this false assumption that God wants them to be with this other person. But make no mistake, the flesh is hostile to God. It is in opposition toward the things of God. If it leads us to sin and death, then it is not a desire of the work of the Spirit." [01:02:44] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The power of the flesh can submit. To the Spirit who brings life and leads us into righteousness. We don't have to continue to struggle against the flesh, sin, death, dying, opposition to the things of God. Through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, we have the power to choose life and peace and yieldedness to the things of God." [01:07:35] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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