The Truth Will Set You Free, Part 15

“For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him. If Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, yet the spirit is alive because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.

So then, brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh - for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, ‘Abba! Father!’ The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.” Romans 8:5-17

The truth of God alone sets us free (Eph. 2:13-16). Only God can penetrate the invisible boundaries of our spirits and souls and thereby rescue us from sin’s rule. As you relinquish your area of bondage to God, remember that the freedom you find in the Lord Jesus Christ will endure. It will stand fast.

Like beginning an exercise program, the benefits of freedom in Christ may not be visible for a time. Anger may still flare, fear still lurk in your mind, passion still burn. As you trust the Spirit of God to work in your life, results will come. The battle is yours to endure, but the Holy Spirit will bring the victory. He is at work in your innermost being - even when you think all is lost. He will triumph as you trust in His strong arm.

Begin now to operate on the basis of God’s truth as revealed in the Scriptures and as you are empowered by the Holy Spirit. The truth can set you free forever.

“For you have not received a spirit of slavery...” Romans 8:15