The Cross: The Way to Become Myself

The Cross and Everyday Life

The Cross:  The Way To Become Myself

Romans 8:5-13

A true Christ Follower has their entire life shaped by the cross!

No Condemnation means I have been set free from:

• The Penalty of sin
• The Power of sin

Though the power of sin is still present, the Holy Spirit frees genuine believers from being controlled by it!

Every spiritual privilege is also a spiritual responsibility!

Contrasting Ways of Living (5-8) 

Life in the Spirit

1. The Christian’s Past (9)

• Every genuine believer has the Holy Spirit

“In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit,” (Ephesians 1:13)

2. The Christian’s Present (10)

• Our physical bodies have the seeds of literal death in them and will eventually cease to live.

“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.” (2 Corinthians 4:16)

 We are now spiritually alive to things we were previously dead to:

• To God
• To the Bible
• To the presence of the Spirit in other Christians

3. The Christian’s Future (11)

• We will experience a physical resurrection and be with Christ forever

An Empowered Opportunity (12-13)

Our greatest Obligation is our greatest Opportunity –surrendering to the Lordship of Jesus Christ!

Is there any greater purpose than to live aligned with God’s design and to be used for God’s eternal purposes?

The key is to Realize the truth about ourselves and put it into practice by the enabling power of God’s Holy Spirit.

How to Put To Death the Deeds of the Body

1. Recognize the presence of sin in our lives

“Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.” (1 Peter 2:11)

2. Fix your heart on Christ’s presence and power

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2, NIV84)

 “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:18, NIV84)

3. Meditate on the truth of God’s Word

“I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” (Psalm 119:11)

4. Commune with God in prayer

“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16)

5. Obey God in all things big and small

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” (John 14:15)

 “So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him.” (2 Corinthians 5:9)

A Powerful Reminder

“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20)

Making It Personal

A Truth I Need To Believe and Meditate On:

An Action I Need To Take: