3 Thrones | Romans 7:1–6

Throne #1 - The Natural Throne

1 Corinthians 2:14 ESV

The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.

The first throne is the Natural Throne. This is the natural state of man. On the natural throne we find a self-centered focus on man and himself. He does not have Christ in his life, and does not accept the things of God because they are spiritually discerned.

Self is on the throne, directing decisions and actions (represented by the dots), often resulting in frustration. Jesus is outside the life.

They are in the flesh, their minds are set on the flesh. Their desires are fleshly (Romans 8:5-8)

Romans 8:5–8 ESV

For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

Eph 2:1 - They are dead in their trespasses and uncircumcision.

Today, this may define you. You may be a seeker, you may not. You may be searching, you may not, but you do not have Christ in your life, nor do you believe in him.

The Carnal Throne

1 Corinthians 3:1–3 ESV

But I, brothers, could not address you as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ. I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it. And even now you are not yet ready, for you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way?

The Carnal Throne is the second throne. On this throne sits the carnal man, or the carnal christian. Like all Christians they know Christ, but they are not walking according to the spirit. They walk in an immature way.

They have victory in Christ but they live a defeated life.

Jesus is in the life but not on the throne. Self is on the throne.

They satisfy the desires of the Flesh and not the Spirit (Gal. 5:16)

Galatians 5:16 ESV

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.

Because they are in charge, and are not living in Christ, they do not experience the freedom of Christ the scriptures promise. They are frustrated by life.

Galatians 5:17–24 ESV

For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

The Spiritual Throne

The final throne is the Spiritual Throne. It is the throne of those walking in a way that honors Christ. Though not perfect, they belong, as we discussed, body and soul to Christ and live seeking to honor and glorify Him.

Ephesians 5:2 ESV

And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Ephesians 5:8 ESV

for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light

Ephesians 5:15–16 ESV

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.

Ephesians 5:18 ESV

And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,

This a throne that is fulfilled because it is dedicated to Christ.

How do we live lives marked by this type of life?

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