I. Dueling principles. vs 1-2

What probably gives most people trouble with vs2 is “the law of the Spirit of Life” and “the law of sin and death.”
- Most of the time “the law” is talking about the Mosaic law or the Ten Commandments. But not here...
- But the word for “law” has other usages, and in this case "law" is being used like we would use the word “principle.”
- Paul is talking about dueling principles…

One is a replacement for the other.
One is greater than the other.
One binds up, and one sets free.

Prior to Christ’s coming the only guiding principle that was available was the principle of sin and death.

people just could not do righthey were bound to failure and the dark cloud of condemnation floated always over their heads.

Prior to Christ’s coming the only guiding principle that was available was the principle of sin and death.

People just could not do right. They were bound to failure and the dark cloud of condemnation floated always over their heads.
- But..
- “NOW” freedom is available.
- “NOW” the principle of sin and death can be defeated.
- “NOW” there is a way… a principle that leads to an escape from ALL condemnation.

This Spirit of life is found “IN CHRIST.”

nobody has to live in sin any longer…
no one has to live in the chains of shame any longer…
no one has to live in fear of death any longer.

Are you living with guilt and shame?
Are you unsure of where you stand with God?
Are you trying to work your way into His good graces?

If you are burdened with guilt. If you are doubting your salvation… the answer is not to try to do better.
The answer is to believe… believe in your heart that your God, Jesus Christ, came in the flesh, lived and died for your sins, and was raised from the dead in order to set you free from guilt.

II. Dueling gods. Vs3-4

“the law” here IS indeed referring to the Old Testament law of God…. The Torah… The Ten Commandments.

There is a dualism in vs.3 & 4.
- The flesh on one side and God on the other.
- The flesh is at odds with God.

(“the flesh" the stuff that our soul wears. It is corrupt because of sin. We went from being innocent and guiltless to being guilty, and that guilt that Adam and Eve incurred had a rotting effect on their flesh. It was a rot that lead to death, and it was a rot that was handed down to their children)

God gave Moses the Law & the law was good. But the law could not overcome the corruption of the flesh. Instead flesh overcame the law…. The rotting death bound flesh of God’s people “weakened” the Law.

Concerning the Exodus, no matter how many times God called the people to obedience and no matter how many times and how many different ways he objectified the Law… The people could not do right.
- The hopeless depravity of the flesh is on display throughout the story of Israel.

This was no surprise to God… He always knew that the Law was not enough to save, because it was weakened by the flesh... But, God sent his Son Jesus to take on sinful flesh.
- The womb that nurtured Him, the hands that cared for Him, and the environment into which he was born was corrupt, rotting, and destined to perish.
- But, because Jesus was God, He was stronger than the sinful flesh He wore, and He was able to navigate through all the temptations and challenges that come with sinful flesh.

God was able to do what the Law couldn’t by sending His son to take on flesh.
- And at the cross the sins of all who believe was condemned and defeated.
- The curse of sin, the weakness of the flesh, and the guilt of believers was annihilated at the cross.

NOW “the righteous requirement of the law” can be fulfilled in us because we are in Christ, AND we have a higher principle to guide us, “the Spirit of life.”

We are among those who have accepted that we are sinners, and that Jesus is the answer for our sin and that while we are not there yet we are on our way to perfection.

The principle of the Spirit of life has set believers free in Christ Jesus from the principle of sin and death.
For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do by sending His Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and condemning it on the cross.

Christ has won the victory over sin and the flesh by His coming.
- Why remain in chains when you could be set free?
- Understand that if you tarry in your decision you could end up wearing those chains forever.
- Know that Jesus is the only way out of sin and condemnation, you should believe in Him now and be set free while you still can.

Come along side believers who have come before and be one of the ones who walks in the Spirit of the living God.