Navigating the Tension of Sin and Grace

 

Summary

In our journey as believers, we find ourselves in a complex relationship with sin and grace. Though we are indwelt by Christ, sin still lingers, creating a tension within us. This tension is beautifully captured in Romans 7 and 8, where Paul describes the Christian life as a series of concentric circles, each representing different aspects of our spiritual journey. We are dead to the dominion of sin and the condemnation of the law, yet we continue to battle sin and strive for holiness. This paradoxical existence is not a sign of failure but a testament to the expansive nature of Christian experience.

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in this journey. He mediates the presence of Christ within us, leading us in the way of holiness and assuring us of our identity as God's children. This assurance is not a distant promise but a present reality, as the Spirit bears witness with our spirit, affirming our status as heirs with Christ. This assurance is especially vital in times of suffering, which God uses to forge glory in our lives. The Spirit aids us in our weakness, interceding for us with groanings too deep for words, and instills in us a confidence in God's sovereign grace.

The Spirit's work is not about removing our struggles but transforming them into opportunities for growth and deeper communion with God. As we navigate the complexities of life, we are reminded that the Spirit is with us, guiding us, and shaping us into the likeness of Christ. This journey is not linear but a tapestry of experiences that reflect the richness of God's grace and the depth of His love for us.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Tension of Sin and Grace: As believers, we live in a tension between the presence of sin and the indwelling of Christ. This paradox is not a failure but a reflection of the expansive nature of Christian experience, where we are called to continually strive for holiness while resting in the assurance of grace. [13:04]

2. The Role of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit mediates the presence of Christ within us, leading us in holiness and assuring us of our identity as God's children. This assurance is a present reality, affirming our status as heirs with Christ and providing strength in our spiritual journey. [19:32]

3. Suffering and Glory: Suffering is not merely a trial to endure but a tool God uses to forge glory in our lives. The Spirit aids us in our weakness, transforming our struggles into opportunities for growth and deeper communion with God. [47:47]

4. Assurance in Weakness: The Spirit's ministry assures us of our identity as God's children, especially in times of need. This assurance is not reserved for the spiritually elite but is a fundamental aspect of our relationship with God, providing comfort and strength in our darkest moments. [41:23]

5. Confidence in God's Sovereign Grace: The Spirit instills in us a confidence in God's sovereign grace, reminding us that all things work together for good. This confidence is not natural but a supernatural assurance that God is orchestrating everything according to His gracious purpose. [01:02:04]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [13:04] - The Tension of Sin and Grace
- [13:36] - Indwelling of the Holy Spirit
- [14:18] - Concentric Circles of Christian Experience
- [15:23] - Dead to Sin, Alive in Christ
- [17:19] - The Climax of Romans 8
- [18:14] - Mediating the Presence of Christ
- [19:32] - Assurance of the Spirit
- [21:05] - Preparing a Place for God
- [22:44] - The Spirit of Truth
- [23:54] - Knowing the Holy Spirit
- [25:04] - The One Holy Spirit
- [27:19] - Christ Dwelling in Us
- [29:29] - Led by the Spirit in Holiness
- [33:36] - Assurance of Adoption
- [47:47] - Suffering and Glory
- [52:07] - The Spirit's Aid in Weakness
- [01:02:04] - Confidence in God's Sovereign Grace

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Romans 7:14-25
- Romans 8:1-17
- John 14:15-23

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Observation Questions:

1. In Romans 7, Paul describes a struggle with sin. What does he say about the nature of this struggle and how does it relate to the believer's life? [13:04]

2. How does Paul describe the role of the Holy Spirit in Romans 8, particularly in relation to the believer's identity and assurance? [19:32]

3. According to the sermon, what is the significance of the Holy Spirit being referred to as the "Spirit of Christ"? [19:32]

4. How does the sermon explain the relationship between suffering and glory in the life of a believer? [47:47]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. What does it mean to be "dead to the dominion of sin" yet still struggle with its presence, as described in Romans 7? How does this paradox affect a believer's daily life? [13:04]

2. The sermon mentions that the Holy Spirit assures us of our identity as God's children. How does this assurance impact a believer's response to suffering and trials? [41:23]

3. In what ways does the Holy Spirit transform our struggles into opportunities for growth, according to the sermon? How does this align with the teachings in Romans 8? [47:47]

4. How does the concept of being "heirs with Christ" influence a believer's understanding of their spiritual journey and relationship with God? [19:32]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a recent struggle with sin. How can the assurance of being indwelt by the Holy Spirit change your approach to this struggle? [13:04]

2. The sermon emphasizes the Holy Spirit's role in leading us toward holiness. What practical steps can you take this week to be more attentive to the Spirit's guidance in your life? [29:29]

3. Consider a time of suffering or trial in your life. How can you view this experience as an opportunity for growth and deeper communion with God? [47:47]

4. How can the assurance of being God's child provide comfort and strength in your current circumstances? What specific actions can you take to remind yourself of this truth daily? [41:23]

5. The sermon discusses the confidence in God's sovereign grace. How can you cultivate this confidence in your life, especially when facing uncertainty or fear? [01:02:04]

6. Identify a specific area in your life where you feel weak or inadequate. How can you invite the Holy Spirit to aid you in this weakness and transform it into a strength? [52:07]

7. Think of someone in your life who is going through a difficult time. How can you be a source of encouragement and remind them of the Holy Spirit's presence and work in their life? [47:47]

Devotional

Day 1: The Paradox of Sin and Grace
In the Christian journey, believers experience a tension between the lingering presence of sin and the indwelling of Christ. This paradox is not indicative of failure but rather highlights the expansive nature of the Christian experience. As believers, we are called to strive for holiness while resting in the assurance of grace. This dual existence is beautifully captured in Romans 7 and 8, where Paul describes the Christian life as a series of concentric circles, each representing different aspects of our spiritual journey. We are dead to the dominion of sin and the condemnation of the law, yet we continue to battle sin, reflecting the dynamic and ongoing nature of our faith. [13:04]

Romans 6:11-12 (ESV): "So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions."

Reflection: Identify an area in your life where you feel the tension between sin and grace. How can you actively rest in God's grace while striving for holiness in this area today?


Day 2: The Holy Spirit's Assurance
The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the believer's journey by mediating the presence of Christ within us. He leads us in the way of holiness and assures us of our identity as God's children. This assurance is not a distant promise but a present reality, as the Spirit bears witness with our spirit, affirming our status as heirs with Christ. This assurance provides strength and confidence in our spiritual journey, especially in times of doubt or struggle. The Spirit's presence is a constant reminder of our identity and inheritance in Christ, empowering us to live out our faith with boldness and conviction. [19:32]

Ephesians 1:13-14 (ESV): "In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory."

Reflection: Reflect on a recent moment of doubt or struggle. How can you invite the Holy Spirit to assure you of your identity as God's child in that situation?


Day 3: Suffering as a Pathway to Glory
Suffering is not merely a trial to endure but a tool God uses to forge glory in our lives. The Holy Spirit aids us in our weakness, transforming our struggles into opportunities for growth and deeper communion with God. In times of suffering, the Spirit intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words, instilling in us a confidence in God's sovereign grace. This perspective on suffering challenges us to see our trials not as obstacles but as pathways to experiencing God's glory and grace in profound ways. [47:47]

2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (ESV): "For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."

Reflection: Think of a current or past suffering in your life. How can you view this experience as an opportunity for growth and deeper communion with God?


Day 4: Assurance in Times of Weakness
The Spirit's ministry assures us of our identity as God's children, especially in times of need. This assurance is not reserved for the spiritually elite but is a fundamental aspect of our relationship with God, providing comfort and strength in our darkest moments. The Spirit's presence is a source of unwavering support, reminding us that we are never alone in our struggles. This assurance empowers us to face our weaknesses with confidence, knowing that God's grace is sufficient for us. [41:23]

Isaiah 41:10 (ESV): "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Reflection: In what area of your life do you feel most weak or vulnerable? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to assure you of God's presence and strength in that area today?


Day 5: Confidence in God's Sovereign Grace
The Holy Spirit instills in us a confidence in God's sovereign grace, reminding us that all things work together for good. This confidence is not natural but a supernatural assurance that God is orchestrating everything according to His gracious purpose. As believers, we are called to trust in God's sovereignty, even when circumstances seem uncertain or challenging. This trust is rooted in the assurance that God is in control and is working all things for our ultimate good and His glory. [01:02:04]

Proverbs 16:9 (ESV): "The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps."

Reflection: Consider a situation in your life where you struggle to see God's hand at work. How can you cultivate a deeper trust in God's sovereign grace in that situation today?

Quotes


I am an individual in whom Jesus Christ dwells and yet in whom sin continues to dwell and so there are seasons when I cry out oh Wretched Man that I am who can deliver me but thank God I know Jesus Christ will finally deliver me and I who am dead to the Dominion of sin but not free from the presence will one day be free from the very presence of sin. [00:12:48]

The Christian Life can never be described in what the gramians would call a simple sentence but always because we are in Christ and yet living in this world the Christian Life can be described only in a complex sentence, so we are simultaneously those who have died to the Dominion of sin those who have died to the condemnation of the law and yet fight against sin seek to be conformed to the character of God revealed in the law. [00:15:23]

When the Holy Spirit comes to us he comes primarily or primarily to mediate to us the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ this is the point that Paul is making in verses 9 through 11 isn't it when he says to us we are not in the flesh we are in the spirit if the spirit of God dwells in us. [00:18:14]

The Holy Spirit mediates to us the presence of Christ secondly the Holy Spirit leads us in the way of holiness, notice the language he uses here uh when he says you are not in the flesh but you are in the spirit he's saying you're no longer dominated by the flesh you are liberated from that you are dominated by the Holy Spirit. [00:29:29]

The Holy Spirit also brings us a real assurance that we are God's children for he says you did not receive the spirit of Slavery to fall back into fear but you have received the spirit of adoption as Sons or adopted sunship you see how he's layering this do they speak in your part of the world of a layer cake. [00:33:36]

The Blessed Ministry of the holy spirit is this that he indwells the believer in order to assure the believer that he or she really is a child of God now the reason of course Paul speaks about adoptive sunship not being adopted as children but being adopted as Sons which includes both male and female in this instance. [00:37:47]

The spirit who reassures us that we are children of God is the spirit who works Glory into our lives by means of suffering we will be glorified together with him if we also suffer with him now Paul is not designating for us the extent or measure of that suffering that's going to that's going to be entirely The Sovereign purposes of God. [00:47:47]

The spirit helps us in our weakness because even when we don't know what to pray for or how to pray he says the spirit makes intercession for the Saints in their hearts with groanings too deep for Words isn't that something I think it's like this I have very dear friends I was with them just a few weeks ago in England. [00:52:07]

The spirit comes and he mediates to us the presence of Christ, the spirit comes and he leads us in the way of Holiness the spirit comes and he assures us we are God's children the spirit comes and he works glory in us through suffering the spirit comes and he AIDS us in our weakness and the spirit comes and he gives us confidence in God's Sovereign Grace. [01:02:04]

The Holy Spirit is the very presence of God in the world orchestrating everything that takes place according to God's gracious purpose now whether that's true or not is in a sense secondary to this that it is the Holy Spirit who creates within the believer this kind of confidence because as they would say in Scotland this kind of confidence is n natural. [01:02:04]

The holy spirit is in your life to make you more like Jesus Heavenly Father fill us we pray with a love for the holy spirit that in loving him we may love your son and in loving your son through him we may love you as our heavenly father and Live For Your Glory and be more and more transformed into the likeness of Our Savior Jesus. [01:05:54]

The spirit convinces us this is true because his ultimate purpose verse 29 is to conform us to the image of his son and the one thing that we really do know about the Holy Spirit is that's what he's in our lives to do my wife said make it simple and I can't make it any simpler than this. [01:05:54]

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Transcript
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