Therefore – “Used as a conjunction, “for this
reason” – referring to something previously stated – used to introduce a
logical conclusion.”
Romans 8:1 - “Therefore, there is now no
condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because
through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set
you free from the law of sin and death. 3 For
what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the
flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the like-ness of sinful
flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the
flesh, 4 in order that the righteous
requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according
to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 5 Those who
live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but
those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the
Spirit desires. 6 The mind governed by the flesh is
death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.7 The
mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s
law, nor can it do so. 8 Those who are in the realm
of the flesh cannot please God. 9 You, however, are
not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if
indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the
Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. 10 But
if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death
because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. 11 And
if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he
who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies
because of his Spirit who lives in you. 12 Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an
obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. 13 For
if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you
put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.”
Our world is full of unhappy and dissatisfied people. For this reason,
people everywhere are looking for answers to the emptiness they feel inside.
These people will try anything, if it might bring them some sort of
satisfaction or happiness. So, what is the solution? Materialism and wealth? I
think we have all heard the saying “Money can’t buy happiness” nor pleasure and
enjoyment? Well, it may bring a momentary or temporary sense of happiness or
satisfaction…but, soon we know that doesn’t work either. What about Power and
prestige? Or, Religion? Everybody has an answer. But I happen to believe the
Bible when it says, "There is a way that seems right to a person, but in
the end, it produces death," (Proverbs 14:12) Maybe we will never really
be happy in this life. But, it all depends on your idea of happiness. Someone
once said that “happiness depends on what’s happening!”
However, I think there is an answer to the
eternal question, "How do I find happiness and satisfaction in life?"
Jesus stated the answer in the scripture – “I have come that they may have
life, and have it to the full." (John 10:10)
The good news is that not only did Jesus come to save us, but he also
came to give us an abundant life. This is much like a second blessing: eternal
life, plus "life to the full"! The hope of a wonderful,
eternal life to come, and also an abundant life right here, right now.
Question – What does the abundant life
consist of? What would it look like to you?
Let me tell you something I have learned from God’s Word concerning
people who really live and enjoy the abundant life… They will possess all of
these qualities: and it will show… love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,
goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control, all of which are the fruit of
the Spirit. And, let me say one thing about this; these are not individual
fruit of which you can have one or two and not the others!... This is the
“fruit” (singular) of the Spirit. You
don’t live an abundant life if you have peace and kindness but no joy or love!
People who live and enjoy the abundant life have compassion, humility,
modesty, dignity, faith, character, wisdom, enthusiasm, optimism, confidence,
honesty, and a vital, passionate relationship with God…and they have a passion
for what they are doing. In other words, the abundant life is full of all the
things money can’t buy. No matter how much money you have, you cannot
buy more patience, self-control, or salvation! You can’t buy the desire or passion
to do something. Hardware stores do not sell wisdom or hope. And, in case you
are wondering, yes, you can possess all of these qualities! You can get
everyone of these things from God, who is the giver of all good things.
See you next week!
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