Romans 8:2: For The Law Of The Spirit Of Life Has Set You Free In Christ Jesus

Romans 8:2
[2] For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. (ESV)

In today's verse the Apostle Paul introduces someone who will be a prominent player in the rest of the Chapter. Who am I talking about? The Holy Spirit! He refers to him as the "Spirit of life." In verse 1 Paul declares that there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. This is because of the law of the Spirit of Life, not because of our following of God's Old Testament Law.

The Old Testament Law is referred to as the law of sin and death. Does this mean that Paul has a negative view of the Law? No. Paul has made very clear that God's Law is perfect. In the Old Testament God established a perfect standard that represented his holy and righteous requirements. Unfortunately, that Law could not be lived up to. The consequences for sin was death.

We know that we are in a constant struggle with sin. As Paul made clear in Chapter 7 of Romans we have a spiritual "mind" that wants to do right, while we have the members of our body desiring to wander off into sin. What if God, out of his love for us, provided his own strength for us to be victorious in this constant battle?

He has provided exactly that! The Holy Spirit is given to every believer. He lives within us and is there to encourage and empower us to walk this walk with Christ. In our own strength we will lose the battle with sin every time. Yet, we are not powerless. We have the power of God's very own Spirit within us. The issue is whether or not we will yield to his working or continue in our own efforts.

Take a moment and thank God that he has given you his precious Holy Spirit. Ask him to show you throughout the day the power that is available to you by yielding to the Spirit's power.

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