Sunday Words of Encouragement January 10, 2021

We shared in online church again this morning. Pastor started a new sermon series this morning titled: “Battle On”. This is based on Romans 7 and 8.

Pastor used the example of going to summer camp. Everyone attended and opening meeting where they were told the rules. The boundaries of the Camp were set. Areas of off limits or “Do Not Enter” signs were noted. These were set for protection but there were always those who saw them as temptation.

The Law was there and focused on actions, works. We judge others, even more than ourselves, by the rules, the law. If man tries to live up to the law, he acts as though he can save himself. But salvation is only gained through faith, by accepting the gift of Jesus’ sacrifice.

The Law doesn’t determine our salvation. Once we accept Christ, we are dead to the power of the law. The Law is both revealing and corrupting. Disciples of Christ are becoming like Jesus. Followers are dead to the law and alive in Christ. Romans 7:5-6.

The Law says what to do or not to do but doesn’t provide any power to follow. It gives no power to control the nature within to sin. The Law initiates a battle between the Christ-like nature and the flesh (sin) nature in us. It is an ongoing battle.

We must pursue Jesus more than trying to avoid sin. Be on the offense, not the defense. As you live for Christ some of those sin items may fall away. Life is going to have temptations. You must use the power of the Spirit to fight the enemy.

The Point: Battle on by living in the Spirit.

The enemy wants to destroy you. You never had the power on your own to prevail, but the Spirit can give you the power to stand.

God’s Grace promises to give us strength to battle on, to live a Holy Life. When we fail, God’s Grace gives us strength to go on.

I thought of this song for today: Battles

Verses for Today:
Romans 7:5-6 (NLT)
5 When we were controlled by our old nature, sinful desires were at work within us, and the law aroused these evil desires that produced a harvest of sinful deeds, resulting in death.
6 But now we have been released from the law, for we died to it and are no longer captive to its power. Now we can serve God, not in the old way of obeying the letter of the law, but in the new way of living in the Spirit.

Thank you God for the Power of Your Grace.