Those who are “In Christ” have freedom from condemnation and transformative power in His name.
Good morning, brothers and sisters! It's a beautiful day to explore the boundless wisdom of God's Word. Today, we're going to be exploring the message of Romans 8:1 and the incredible power that comes from being "In Christ". This is relevant to every single one of us, because it concerns our salvation and our daily walk with the Lord. As A.W. Tozer once said, “What comes into our mind when we think about God is the most important thing about us.”
So, let's take a peek at the scripture that we're going to be unpacking today. Romans 8:1 says, "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." That's a powerful message of hope and freedom!
Being "In Christ" is a spiritual position that we occupy as believers, and it has far-reaching implications for our lives. When we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we are no longer seen as sinners in the eyes of God. Instead, we are viewed as righteous, not because of our own merit, but because of the righteousness of Christ that has been imputed to us. This is the essence of Romans 8:1, which tells us that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. This is a powerful assurance that we are completely forgiven and accepted by God, not based on our own works, but solely because of the work of Christ on the cross.
Being "In Christ" means that we are no longer slaves to sin, but we have been set free to live a life that is pleasing to God. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Galatians, beautifully encapsulates this when he says, "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me" (Galatians 2:20). This means that our old self, with its sinful desires and habits, has been put to death, and we now live a new life that is controlled and directed by the Spirit of Christ who lives within us.
Furthermore, being "In Christ" means that we are part of the body of Christ, which is the church. We are not isolated individuals, but we are connected to other believers in a spiritual union that is based on our common faith in Christ. This gives us a sense of belonging and purpose, as we work together to advance the kingdom of God. It also provides us with a support system, as we encourage and help each other in our spiritual journey.
Being "In Christ" also gives us access to all the spiritual blessings that are found in Christ. In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul tells us that God "has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ" (Ephesians 1:3). This includes the assurance of our salvation, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, the promise of eternal life, and many other blessings that are too numerous to mention.
In addition, being "In Christ" gives us a new identity. We are no longer defined by our past mistakes, our failures, or our weaknesses. Instead, our identity is based on who we are in Christ. We are children of God, heirs of God, and co-heirs with Christ. We are loved, accepted, and valued by God, not because of what we have done, but because of who we are in Christ.
Evicting the things of this world is about making a conscious decision to let go of worldly desires, distractions, and influences that can hinder our relationship with God ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO
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