"God's Redemptive Power"

Introduction: Chapter 8 sets forth one of the most important truths of the Christian faith. The opening word, “therefore,” leads us to expect some results that flows logically from the preceeding text. Romans 7:25 teaches that freedom from the power of sin has been provided through the atoning work of Jesus Christ. The just penalty incurred by sins of the human race was paid by the death of Jesus Christ. Now all those who are in Christ are the beneficiaries of that forgiveness. There is power in and for sanctification. The questions many believers have pondered is answered and satisfied. Must a believer spend his whole life on earth frustrated by ongoing defeats to indwelling sin? (Rom. 7:21-25) Is there any power provided to achieve victory over sin? In our lesson today, Paul describes the ministry of the indwelling Holy Spirit of God who is the source of divine power for sanctification and key component for victory in daily living. So how are we going to internalize this renewed life, this great privilege that God has given us through and in Jesus Christ? Three things that I want to share today that the text teaches that will help believers on their journey of faith.

Right Position (Romans 8:1-5)

The Bible teaches those who believe in Christ to hold on to the promises that God has given us. At the same time we are holding on we are taught to reject the condemnation that the world will throw at us for being children of God. It is a constant struggle daily to ward off the enemy’s efforts to steer us away from our destiny as he tries to discredit or disenfranchise from our position in eternity. “If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (2 Cor. 5:17) When we understand our right position in God through the salvific work of Jesus Christ, then we can appreciate the fact stated in the text. There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ. This is based on our relationship with Christ alone and not on any merits or work of humanity. Christ is the way that God has provided for you and I to live a renewed life without guilt. So why do we struggle with guilt? It is a tactic of the enemy to rob you of your joy, and get you to think that your position is in jeopardy. Christ has freed us from the guilt and penalty. So our position should remain steadfast and immoveable after the truths of God in Christ Jesus. No matter how the enemy tries to bring up former charges against you, my friends and saints of the most High, you have been released from condemnation. As African Americans we have had to deal with condemnation in a free country all because of the color of our skin. That damnatory spirit shoots and kills innocent black men, terrorizes their offspring, constantly renders unfair practices on us, all in an effort to suppress and be dominant. However the God we and I serve has given us a place, and if we (I) remain true to Him, He will bring about a change. It may not come in our lifetime. But one day there will be peace and justice for all, and it wont be predicated on wickedness, deceit, or abuse of power, but on the righteousness of God.

Renewed Proclamation (Rom. 8:6-10)

The psalmist encourages us, in Psalm 107:2, that we who have been freed from the hand of the enemy can boldly proclaim that God has delivered us. We live in a world where in our minds are constantly being attacked by satan. In order for me to hold my position, which is I am a new creature, old things have passed away and all things are new, I have to renew my mind daily by saturating it with the Word of God. Truths and principles that suggest by my actions that I have been renewed. Jesus taught His disciples that it is not what goes in that defiles a person but rather what comes out. If what comes out of you is not Christlike or it does not denote a renew status, then what went in was not consistent with what Christ or the Word of God teaches. If I am to experience or possess a renew proclamation or lifestyle for God to be pleased with and for others to see, my actions must line up with my proclamation. Then I can safely say, I have been redeemed and know what I have been redeemed from.

Redemptive Power (Rom. 8:11-14)

Jesus Christ did not create His church out of perfect angels, but transformed sinners. Instead of destroying this sinful world and eliminating its corruption, He chose to redeem sin-bound people and transform their future. The power of redemption can only be attributed to the fact that Jesus bored a cross, went into a grave, and by divine authority, God raised Him from the dead. Christ has the capability to work on the inside of those who will surrender to Him. If you and I believe in His redemptive power we are no longer indebted to sin or the flesh. Our whole mindset changes and conforms to His will and way so that we can be productive in the kingdom. There is power in the blood of the Lamb.

Closure: As I hurry to a close, I want to remind you that these three promises are sure and they have been sealed by the Master Himself. In Him you are in the right position, through Him you can proclaim that we have been redeemed, and because of His redemptive power we are set free. Yes1 The power of Jesus’ blood sacrifice on Calvary has set you and me free! “Ain’t He Alright! No longer bound, no more chains holding me, my soul is resting, it is a blessing, Oh1 praise the Lord Hallelujah! I am free!