“Therefore, no condemnation now exists for those in Christ Jesus, because the Spirit’s law of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.” vs1-2

There could be no freedom from condemnation without freedom from the bondage of sin and death. He says, “No condemnation… because”. God would never justify without sanctification. Justification is independent of sanctification but always comes with it, even as twins who are ALWAYS together - every place at every time [Song of Sol 4:2].

We must realize we are justified by faith before we can be sanctified, but justification includes the power of the Spirit. He looks upon us as righteous and gives us life.

Secondly, the Spirit makes us powerful and able to love each other and love God first [vs3-4]. He says, “What the law [Moses] could not do since it was limited by the flesh [our sinfulness], God did. He condemned sin in the flesh by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and as a sin offering, in order that the law’s requirement would be accomplished in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” God has not left us helpless, but He’s given us the MOST POWERFUL force, even God Himself to help us, and He is stronger than the flesh.

When you look upon sin as too mighty (and it is), then look up, and you’ll see Sufficient Reason to believe that you’ll conquer it. You wrestle not against flesh and blood, and you’re to stand in the Lord’s might, even as Paul says, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power [Eph 6:10].” We’re to stand in His mighty strength and His power to subdue the flesh. We stand in Christ for justification and in the Spirit for sanctification’s power.

Thirdly, there is life and peace by the gospel [vs6]! “For the minding of the flesh is death, but the mind-set of the Spirit is life and peace.” Let this be good news to you. The life that we’re supposed to live, we can live, and the peace that He has promised is real: It is not looking to self, but to Christ… it is not leaning on self, but the Spirit… and it is power to do God’s will, which is love, which is keeping His commandments, which is spreading the gospel.

There is no life and peace in our own will, no power over sin in unbelief, and Satan will harass you and keep you down, but when you do God’s will God’s way, then you will have the peace assuredly, steadily, and day by day: In fact, nothing can take it from you; it is a peace that surpasses understanding and overcomes the world; it is a peace that quiets the storm and makes us walk on water; it is peace in spite of circumstances that afflict us; it is peace from God. Paul said, “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me, put into practice. And the God of peace will be with you [Phil 4:9].” This is the Apostle saying, “Put it into practice, and you’ll see what I’m talking about. The peace is real, and I experience it.” He had more trouble than any of us, so his declaration of peace is authentic and convincing!

Finally, let me warn you now: Life by the flesh is death [vs13]! “For if you live according to the flesh, you are going to die. But if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” There is no Plan B, and this is why this is so serious: We have to live this way, or we perish. Our churches must preach Christ, or they are false and do not have the Spirit. We must band together by the gospel to get truth to this dying world, and we must not drink the poison of false religion [Phil 1:27].

Do not waver on this. Do not look to self at all, and do not listen to them who tell you otherwise, but stand for the truth and contend for the gospel; it is the most powerful and most needed message in all the world: Be at peace, and preach the peace of Christ.

Heshimu Colar, Evangelist

The Gospel Fellowship Africa, Overseer

+234 817 125 5603 WhatsApp