Victors Over Sin: Embracing Freedom in Christ

Devotional

Day 1: Freedom in Christ Empowers Victory Over Sin

In Christ, believers are not merely pardoned but empowered to live victoriously over sin. Romans 8:1-4 emphasizes that there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus, and this freedom is not just a legal standing but a transformative power. This power, given by the Spirit of life, enables believers to overcome sin and live in the newness of life. Understanding this truth shifts the focus from striving to earn God's favor to living out the freedom and power already granted in Christ. [01:23]

"For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death." (Romans 8:2, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel trapped by sin? How can you rely on the Spirit's power to experience freedom in that area today?

Day 2: Justification and Sanctification: The Foundation and Evidence of New Life

The relationship between justification and sanctification is foundational to the Christian life. Justification is the legal declaration of righteousness through faith in Christ, while sanctification is the ongoing process of being made holy. This order is crucial because justification provides the foundation, and sanctification is the evidence of a transformed life. Understanding this helps believers live victoriously, knowing that their efforts to live a holy life are not to earn God's favor but to reflect the new life they have in Christ. [02:25]

"And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit." (2 Corinthians 3:18, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you actively participate in the process of sanctification this week, knowing it is evidence of your justification?

Day 3: Evidence of Justification: Living Out Freedom in Christ

Romans 8:2 uses the word "because" to highlight that our sanctification is evidence of our justification, not the basis for it. This distinction is vital as it shifts the focus from trying to earn God's favor to living out the freedom already granted in Christ. Believers are called to live in the assurance of their justification, allowing the Spirit's work in them to be the evidence of their new life. This understanding transforms the approach to sin, enabling believers to fight sin with confidence and humility. [05:20]

"For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery." (Galatians 5:1, ESV)

Reflection: How can you remind yourself daily of the freedom you have in Christ, and how does this impact your fight against sin?

Day 4: Assurance of No Condemnation Transforms Our Approach to Sin

Understanding the assurance of no condemnation in Christ transforms how believers approach sin. Instead of living in fear of condemnation, believers can fight sin with the confidence that they are already loved and accepted by God. This confidence is not arrogance but a humble reliance on the Spirit's power. Living in the freedom of God's grace allows believers to reflect the double glory of Christ as both their righteousness and the power that transforms them. [09:03]

"There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." (Romans 8:1, ESV)

Reflection: How does the assurance of no condemnation change the way you view your struggles with sin? What steps can you take to live more confidently in God's grace?

Day 5: Fight Sin as a Victor, Not a Victim

Believers are called to fight sin not as victims but as victors, trusting in the promises of God and abounding in hope. This perspective is rooted in the understanding that through Jesus, believers have both pardon and power. Praying for the grace to rest in the assurance of no condemnation and to live out the power of the Spirit is essential. As believers go about their week, they are encouraged to fight sin like victors, relying on God's promises and the transformative power of the Spirit. [10:25]

"But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Corinthians 15:57, ESV)

Reflection: What is one promise of God that you can hold onto this week as you face challenges? How can this promise help you fight sin as a victor?

Sermon Summary

In Christ, we are called to fight sin not as victims but as victors. This powerful truth is rooted in the understanding that through Jesus, we have both pardon and power. Romans 8:1-4 reveals that in Christ, there is no condemnation, and we are set free by the law of the Spirit of life. This freedom is not just a legal standing but a transformative power that enables us to live victoriously over sin. The relationship between justification and sanctification is crucial; justification is the foundation, and sanctification is the evidence of our new life in Christ.

The word "because" in Romans 8:2 serves as evidence of our justification, not the basis for it. Our sanctification, the Spirit's work in us, is the evidence that we are justified. This distinction is vital because it shifts our focus from trying to earn God's favor to living out the freedom and power we already have in Christ. The trial is over, and the verdict is "not guilty." This assurance allows us to serve God in the newness of the Spirit, free from the law's condemnation.

Understanding this truth transforms our approach to sin. We fight sin with the confidence that we are already loved and accepted by God. This confidence is not arrogance but a humble reliance on the Spirit's power. It is the difference between living in fear of condemnation and living in the freedom of God's grace. Our lives should reflect the double glory of Christ as both our righteousness and the power that transforms us.

Pray for the grace to rest in the assurance of no condemnation and to live out the power of the Spirit in overcoming sin. As you go about your week, remember to fight sin like a victor, not a victim, trusting in the promises of God and abounding in hope.

Key Takeaways

1. In Christ, we are not condemned but set free by the Spirit of life. This freedom is both a legal standing and a transformative power that enables us to live victoriously over sin. [01:23]
2. The relationship between justification and sanctification is crucial. Justification is the foundation, and sanctification is the evidence of our new life in Christ. Understanding this order is vital for living a victorious Christian life. [02:25]
3. The word "because" in Romans 8:2 serves as evidence of our justification, not the basis for it. Our sanctification is the evidence that we are justified, shifting our focus from earning God's favor to living out the freedom we have in Christ. [05:20]
4. Understanding the assurance of no condemnation transforms our approach to sin. We fight sin with the confidence that we are already loved and accepted by God, living in the freedom of His grace. [09:03]
5. Pray for the grace to rest in the assurance of no condemnation and to live out the power of the Spirit in overcoming sin. Fight sin like a victor, not a victim, trusting in God's promises and abounding in hope. [10:25]
** [10:25]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:13] - Introduction to Fighting Sin as Victors
[00:44] - No Condemnation in Christ
[01:23] - Pardon and Power in Christ
[02:03] - Relationship Between Justification and Sanctification
[03:11] - Understanding "Because" in Romans 8:2
[04:36] - Evidence of Justification
[05:38] - Christ's Sacrifice and Our Freedom
[06:58] - Triumphing Over Sin
[07:18] - Released from the Law
[08:06] - Serving in the Newness of the Spirit
[09:03] - Confidence in Justification
[10:01] - Prayer for Understanding
[10:40] - Fighting Sin as a Victor
[11:25] - Closing Blessing

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Romans 8:1-4
- Galatians 3:13
- Romans 7:6

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Observation Questions:

According to Romans 8:1-4, what are the two things that are true for those who are in Christ Jesus? How do these truths impact our standing before God? [00:44]
In the sermon, Pastor John mentions the word "because" in Romans 8:2. What are the two different meanings of "because" that he explains, and how do they relate to our understanding of justification and sanctification? [03:11]
How does Pastor John describe the relationship between the law of the Spirit of life and the law of sin and death in Romans 8:2? What does this imply about our freedom in Christ? [02:55]
What does Galatians 3:13 say about Christ's role in relation to the curse of the law, and how does this connect to the sermon’s message about being set free? [07:33]

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Interpretation Questions:

Pastor John emphasizes the importance of understanding the order between justification and sanctification. Why is it crucial to get this order right, and what are the potential consequences of misunderstanding it? [02:03]
How does the assurance of "no condemnation" in Romans 8:1 influence a believer's approach to sin and temptation? What does this assurance mean for our daily lives? [09:03]
In what ways does the sermon suggest that living in the freedom of God's grace differs from living in fear of condemnation? How does this distinction affect a believer's spiritual growth? [08:52]
Pastor John talks about rendering to Christ the "double glory" of being our righteousness and the power that transforms us. What does this mean, and how can it change our perspective on living a Christian life? [09:14]

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Application Questions:

Reflect on a recent situation where you felt like a victim of sin. How can the truth of being a victor in Christ change your perspective and response in similar situations in the future? [10:40]
Pastor John encourages believers to pray for the grace to rest in the assurance of no condemnation. What specific fears or doubts do you need to bring to God in prayer this week? [10:01]
Consider the areas in your life where you struggle with sin. How can you rely more on the Spirit's power to overcome these struggles, rather than trying to fight them in your own strength? [10:25]
How can you practically live out the freedom and power you have in Christ in your daily interactions with others? Identify one specific action you can take this week to demonstrate this freedom. [08:06]
Pastor John mentions the importance of serving in the newness of the Spirit. What is one way you can serve others this week that reflects the transformative power of the Spirit in your life? [07:44]
Think about a time when you felt condemned by the law or by others. How can the truth of Romans 8:1-4 help you to respond differently in the future? [07:18]
Identify a promise of God that you can hold onto this week as you face challenges. How can this promise help you to abound in hope and live victoriously? [11:25]

Sermon Clips

"In Christ, now we see there are two things true of us. Verse 1 has the same phrase in Christ Jesus, verse 2 in Christ Jesus. What are we in Christ Jesus? In verse 1, there is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus. So the first thing we can say about being in Christ Jesus is that the verdict is delivered and we are not condemned. It's past, the trial is over, no condemnation in Christ Jesus." [00:44:32]

"Now here's the question: how does the working of the power towards liberation and transformation relate to the declaration that I have no condemnation? This is not nitpicking; this is your life. You get these backwards, you die. You get them right and live it, you live. So what's the order between verses one and two?" [00:114:56]

"Notice the word 'for' at the beginning of verse two. You might wish it weren't there. There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. NIV says 'because,' the other versions say 'for,' they mean the same thing. For or because the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus set you free from the law of sin and death." [00:149:68]

"Is he saying there is therefore now no condemnation because, look, you are being transformed by the Spirit of God bearing witness that you are free? Or is he saying there is therefore now no condemnation because the foundation and the basis of your acceptance with the Father, your verdict not guilty, is the Spirit-wrought righteousness that you are performing?" [00:279:60]

"Verse 3 is all about what God has done to set you right with Him. He has sent His Son to live a perfect life, to die a substitutionary death, to bear your condemnation. No guilt, no wrath, no condemnation. Why? Jesus in the flesh bore it. God condemned it there and not in you, and that is given as the basis of verse two, your sanctification." [00:372:319]

"Look at these precious words that follow: so that we serve in the newness of the Spirit and not the old way of the letter. What's the relationship between being freed from the law with its condemnation, its curse, and its guilt, and the ability by the Spirit to triumph in service for God? It's crystal clear in this verse." [00:467:84]

"It's the difference between fighting to get justified and fighting confidently because we are justified. It's the difference between your heavenly court trial being behind you with an irrevocable verdict of not guilty being rendered and having the trial in front of you hanging over your head, wondering if your behavior will measure up in the power of the Holy Spirit." [00:518:399]

"It's the difference between the freedom of confidence and the bondage of fear. It's the difference between rendering to Christ the double glory of His being our righteousness and our condemnation and the power that brings us into holiness, or just giving Him half His glory and calling Him the one who enables us to perform a righteousness which we will offer to God from ourselves." [00:543:92]

"Pray with me now that God would help you fall on your face and pray, 'Oh God, oh God, help me get this right. Help me not to be a Pharisee. Help me to know how to rest sweetly in the no condemnation that there is in Christ so that out of the sweet communion and rest and acceptance and love and vindication and justification that there are in you, I might now have power in the Holy Spirit to get victory over my lust and my greed and my fear.'" [00:597:519]

"When you go out, fight your sin like a victor, not a victim. When you walk out of here this afternoon and temptations come, and they will come, there resides in your members another law, the law of sin and death. The Spirit is in you to help you make war on this law, and it's the war as a victor in confidence that we're loved and accepted that will show that you are loved and accepted." [00:637:519]

"Fight like a victor this week, not like a victim. And now may God fill you with all joy and peace in believing as you trust in His precious and very great promises, and so may you abound in hope and all the people said, 'Amen.'" [00:676:959]

"Thank you for this encouraging clip taken from John Piper's October 7th, 2001 sermon titled 'Set Free by the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus.' You can find the entire sermon and many others at desiringgod.org." [00:694:64]

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Victors Over Sin: Embracing Freedom in Christ

Devotional

Day 1: Freedom in Christ Empowers Victory Over Sin

Day 2: Justification and Sanctification: The Foundation and Evidence of New Life

Day 3: Evidence of Justification: Living Out Freedom in Christ

Day 4: Assurance of No Condemnation Transforms Our Approach to Sin

Day 5: Fight Sin as a Victor, Not a Victim

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Chatbot

Victors Over Sin: Embracing Freedom in Christ

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