POWER TO SOAR OVER SIN
Romans 8:1-17

Introduction:     What is the difference between regular Christian living and Spirit powered Christian living? There is a practical contrast between two lives – flesh/spirit; victory/defeat. The struggle between the carnal life and the spiritual life is seen in chapter 7:18-24. Now in chapter 8 we find the power to live victoriously over sin. Romans chapter 8 is the brightest jewel in the treasure chest of God. How does the Holy Spirit help us to soar over sin? What does the ministry of the Holy Spirit provide that enables the child of God to have victory in Jesus?

 

I.           HE LIBERATES OUR SOUL (VV.1-4)

            A.        From The Condemnation Of Sin (v.1)

Every thing in life seems to want to condemn you:

bulletThe devil – tells you you’re crummy.
bulletSome people: unsaved friends; Christian friends.
bulletThe Law of God.

But, the Holy Spirit reminds me that God hasn’t accepted me on the basis of my performance; God has accepted on the basis of His GRACE! It’s not my righteousness, but the righteousness of Jesus, and I got that when I was saved. So God doesn’t condemn me anymore because of the righteousness of Christ that is in me.

            B.         From The Control Of Sin (vv.2-4)

Here is how you can overcome every (habit) sin. This is a message of victory. Here are 2 laws:

bulletThe law of sin and death. – This is what prompts us to sin. This law is a lot like the law of gravity.
bulletThe law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus. This law is a lot like the law of aerodynamics (lift).

(Illus: Eagles wings – eagles were not designed to crash they were designed to soar, and that is what you are to do – soar above the devil and all this defeat. Now if an eagle folds his wings the law of gravity takes over (a law is a law because it is the same all the time) and the eagle begins to fall (demonstrating not proving the law of gravity). Now this eagle can pray and plead but the law of gravity has taken over. This is what happens to you when sin gets a hold of you, the law of sin and death take over. Now what happens when that eagle (as he is falling) spreads his wings? The law of aerodynamics (law of lift) takes over and this law OVERPOWERS the other law (law of gravity). So the law of the Spirit overcomes the law of sin and instead of dive bombing, I’m going to soar!

·        How do I spread my wings? How do I get this law to take over in my life?

·        By meditating (not just praying) on the Word of God.

(Example – 6:1-2 say, “Shall I continue _____ that grace may abound? God forbid! How shall I who am dead to ____ continue any longer in it! And the law of the Spirit takes over and God gives you victory!).

 

II.         HE DIRECTS OUR THINKING (VV.5-7)

            A.        Changes The Desires Of Our Mindset (v.5)

The natural bent of the natural man's thinking is always directed to the flesh. But, what a change is manifested in the lives of those who have been redeemed! While the saved do falter from time to time, their minds are filled with thoughts of heavenly things. These are people who love God and all the things that pertain to Him. They love His Word, His people, His house, His worship, etc. The Spirit of God redirects the thinking of those redeemed by the blood of Jesus.

B.                 Changes The Direction Of Our Mindset (v.6)

To have a carnal mind means you are lost and dead, Eph. 2:1-3. However, to have a mind that is focused on God and things above are to prove that you are indeed saved by grace and walking in the Spirit! It is a genuine indicator of the state of the soul, Col. 3:1-4.

            C.        Changes The Devotion Of Our Mindset (vv.7-9)

The carnal mind is really the enemy of God. Why is this true? Because the carnal mind desires to be God! It is bent on the overthrow of God and is determined to enthrone itself as God. In truth, the carnal mind is so filled with evil that it cannot walk in the will of God. The lost, carnal mind is totally opposed to everything having to do with God. What may appear good in the life of a lost person is still tainted by the sin in his heart. His motives and his sin tarnish all that he does. Even on his best day, he is still God's rival and God's sworn enemy!

 

III.       HE ENERGIZES OUR LIFE (VV.10-13)

            A.        A Change In Our Life (vv.10-11)

That same Holy Spirit that brooded and moved over creation and took nothing and made it something; that same Holy Spirit that invaded that cold, dark, borrowed tomb where the Lord of glory lay and caused there to be life and resurrection; that same Holy Spirit is living in you as a born again Christian! The Holy Spirit brings energy and life – He drives from you defeat, discouragement and death. He drives from you all failure and the attitude that says there is no way to win at life.

            B.         A Challenge To Our Life (v.12)

The Spirit reminds us we are alive in Jesus.

            C.        A Caution To Our Life (v.13)

(See Rom.6:8)

 

IV.       HE VALIDATES OUR CONVERSION (VV.14-17)

Can you know that you are saved? I’ve go a know so, not a hope so salvation! How does the Holy Spirit validate your conversion?

            A.        Through The Spirit Of Adoption (vv.14-15)

If we’re born into the family of God why do we need to be adopted?

bulletWhen we are saved we receive a new nature but an infant does not have the right to draw on his parent’s wealth he’s under age.
bulletAdoption places us as adult sons in the family of God with all the rights and privileges of an adult heir so I can draw on the wealth of my heaven Father.

B.         Through The Spirit Of Assurance (vv.16-17)

bulletJoint testimony
bulletInner conformation

 

Conclusion:       The power to soar over sin in your life is available to any Christian that wants it