May 27, 2012 (Proverbs 4-6; Romans 8 )
From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:
Scripture: “And because you belong to Him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.” Romans 8:2 NLT
Observation: Those who walk not after the flesh, and submit not to its sinful passions, but rather walk after the Spirit and surrender to His power are free from condemnation. When Christ died on the cross He paid the price for your soul. He purchased you with His own blood. When a person receives Christ they have been purchased from sin and sold to holiness. They become free from the power of sin that leads to death by the power of the life-giving Spirit of God. They are under new ownership; they have passed from death unto life. Set free to serve a new master, the Master of the universe.
Application: Those that are under the control of their sinful nature can never please God. For the sinful nature is always hostile to God; it never did obey God’s laws, and it never will. But those who have been purchased by Jesus Christ are not controlled by their sinful nature. They are controlled by the perfect and Holy Spirit of God. He directs our hearts and actions. What pleases Him is what matters most. He is put first, even above our personal feelings. We no longer have any obligation to do what our sinful nature urges us to do, only an obligation to submit to the Spirit of the Lord completely. Through the power of the Spirit of the Lord we put to death the deeds of our sinful nature, and we live!
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for this day, bless it and keep it. Thank You for Your mercy and grace that provide and protect me every day. Thank You for Jesus and the blood He purchased my soul with. Help me understand how to be subject to the Spirit and obedient to Your word. Crucify the sinful nature within me daily and grant me the ability to walk in a way that is pleasing to You, in Jesus name, Amen!