Walking In The Freedom Of The Spirit - Romans 8:12-25

This passage continues the discussion about the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Fleshly existence(living in our own power, wisdom and ability), regardless of the form, always leads to defeat, despair and death. Those who try to live by the energy of the flesh do so in some of these forms:

1. Decadence - Openly rebellious, giving in to every desire of the flesh and demanding the right to do it.
2. Don't Care - Tolerant of trying to get along with others by basically reigning in the flesh through human effort but open to the "decadents" as long as they don't "hurt" anyone else.
3. Discipline - Those who consider themselves good people who grit their teeth and try through self determination to control sin. Their small measure of success is achieved by comparing themselves to the standard of other people and not to the standard of God.

God's Word tells us that the flesh is incapable of fulfilling the law or producing righteousness that pleases God. The Holy Spirit has the power to regenerate us and to produce the righteousness of the law through us. Through the Holy Spirit we are:

1. Empowered - The bondage to our sin nature is broken by the indwelling Holy Spirit when we receive Jesus Christ as our Savior.
2. Energized - The Holy Spirit gives us grace(desire and power) to live in daily victory yielding to the Spirit instead of the flesh.
3. Endearment - The Holy Spirit's presence in us makes us a part of God's family. The family resemblance(righteousness produced in our life) is not a mechanical process but a personal relationship.

We can conquer habits and walk in victory over sin through the power of the Holy Spirit!

Walk with the Lord in the Power of the Holy Spirit!!!