Romans 8:13 “For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.”
The Christian life is a life of overcoming, and the key to victory lies in the relationship between the cross and the Spirit. While the cross deals with our old nature, the Spirit empowers us to walk in newness of life. These two aspects work together to bring us into a life of triumph over sin and self.
Paul speaks of putting to death the deeds of the body by the Spirit. This indicates that the cross alone is not enough; we need the Spirit to apply the work of the cross in our daily lives. The Spirit not only empowers us but also supplies us with the life of Christ, enabling us to live according to God’s will.
The cross and the Spirit are inseparable in the Christian experience. The cross terminates the old life, and the Spirit germinates the new life. Together, they lead us into a life of overcoming, transformation, and fruitfulness.
Main Points:
– The Cross Deals with the Old Life: The cross puts to death the deeds of the body.
– The Spirit Empowers the New Life: The Spirit enables us to live victoriously.
– Overcoming through Cooperation: Victory comes when we cooperate with both the cross and the Spirit.
– The Result – A Life of Fruitfulness: A life lived by the Spirit glorifies God and bears fruit for His kingdom.
Reflections
Meditate on Romans 8:13 and ask the Lord to show you how the cross and the Spirit are working in your life. Write down specific areas where you need to apply this truth and commit to walking by the Spirit.
Prayer Confessions:
Lord, thank You for the power of the cross to deal with my old life.
Fill me with Your Spirit, empowering me to live according to Your will.
Teach me to apply the cross in my daily life by the Spirit.
Strengthen me to overcome sin and self through Your life within me.
Let my life be a testimony of the power of the cross and the Spirit, Amen.