Monday, March 6

The new life of the Spirit

Scripture: Romans 7

Romans 7:5–6 For when we were in the flesh, the sinful desires, aroused by the law, were active in the members of our body to bear fruit for death. 6 But now we have been released from the law, because we have died to what controlled us, so that we may serve in the new life of the Spirit and not under the old written code.

Observation

Paul contrasts the old and the new: the old/new life, the old/new covenant. Before Christ, we were bound by the law, sin and death. Because of Christ, we are released from what bound or controlled us, and we live in the new life of the Spirit.

The old resulted in bondage; the new in freedom. The old resulted in death; the new in life. 

The rest of Romans 7 is a more detailed description of the old life. Romans 8 is a more detailed description of the new life. These two verses set up both.

Application

Today, I want to live in the freedom of the Spirit: free from the control of sin and law, free to do what God leads. This is life! I want to listen to the Spirit and do what he says. It’s not easy because I get caught up in my own thoughts and desires. But I don’t have to stay there. Just ask: Lord, what do you want me to do. Then do it. 

Prayer: Lord, I love you and I want to walk in the freedom of the Spirit today. Free from my sin and selfishness. Free to follow you. Help me to consciously listen to the Spirit today.

More: Numbers 11-12, Psalm 28, Matthew 6