Blessed are those who hunger and
thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who walk not
according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. But the Law of the Spirit
of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. For
what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending
his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the
flesh; so that the righteousness of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who walk
not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. (Romans 8:1-4)
I
remember the first time I consciously read this passage. My understanding was
so small and immature, but I was thrilled that, because I was “in Christ
Jesus”, condemnation was no longer a thing I had to fear. I don’t think I even
finished the verse consciously.
But
let us continue reading. This promise is for those who do not walk or live in
agreement with the flesh, but instead live their lives in harmony with the will
of the Spirit of God. Once again I see the work of becoming a disciple.
“The
law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin
and death.”
The
Law of commandments could never make me free. But the Law of the Spirit of Life
in Christ Jesus overcomes the flesh and gives me power to live a life of
victory.
FEAR
of damnation will bring me into need. Truly it is the beginning of wisdom.
(Proverbs 9:10) But coming to the cross in that desperate need and seeing that
redemption is freely given creates a deep love and desire in my heart to be
pleasing.
That
love is the motivation to fulfill the Law by following the leading of the
Spirit. Then the righteous requirement of the law is fulfilled in me as I
am learning to walk according to the spirit and not according to the flesh.
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