More Hope for Our Time ~ Reflections on Romans 8:1-8
8 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit[a] of life in Christ Jesus has set you[b] free from the law of sin and of death. 3 For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do: by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and to deal with sin,[c] he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 so that the just requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.[d] 5 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[e] set their minds on the things of the Spirit.[f] 6 To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit[g] is life and peace. 7 For this reason the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law—indeed it cannot, 8 and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
Romans 8:1-8
Recently I found myself reading and reflecting on the eighth chapter of the book of Romans. This chapter probably ranks in my top twenty chapters in all of scripture. From start to finish it gives me some reasons for hopeful thoughts.
There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
I’ll take that promise in a heartbeat!
In our highly charged “cancel culture”, where people are criticized quickly and completely for words and even thoughts, I am excited to be in a position to escape blanket condemnation. And Romans chapter eight goes on to talk about how we move into this “condemnation free” zone —– we need to set our minds on things of the Spirit.
Today, spend a little time focusing on the Spirit. Read a little more scripture. Turn off and tune out from the media, and spend a little more time in prayer. Let’s explore the spiritual realm and we seek true hope from God.
Prayer
Help me to stop and hear You speak to me today. Make Your voice the loudest noise in my life. Let me hear of Your love for me in Christ Jesus, my Lord and Savior. Amen.