Speaking Truth | The Gospel Isn't a Country Song, July 12, 2020

Romans 8:1-11

Paul’s point is that sin - manifested by “peril…famine...sword...” - has been defeated by the cross of Christ. To live according to the Spirit is to live with the free confidence and joy that all that stands against God has already been defeated. By the Grace of God, we are free to set aside the agenda of life in the flesh - life consumed by us verse them, inequality and injustice, hatred and fear - and instead, being filled with the Spirit of Christ live life in a realm ruled by God. A world where Jesus is indeed Lord and the ways of the flesh fall by the wayside.

Life in the Spirit moves us from condemnation and guilt to a life that is not our own. This is the life we put on as we emerge from the waters of our baptism.

A life we cannot earn for ourselves, rather a life of freedom received by Grace.
A life that makes is possible for us to set aside rebellion and to be swept up in the Spirit of Christ.
A life free from what separates us.
A life that frees us to just get along.
A life free from condemnation and guilt.