The Law of the Spirit of Life
Romans 8:2 – “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death.”
There is a constant struggle within every believer — a tug of war between two opposing forces. Paul describes this in Romans 7 as the conflict between the law of the flesh and the law of the Spirit. The old man wants to drag us back into sinful habits, while the new man longs to live a life pleasing to God. Paul confessed, “I want to do what is good, but I don’t... the evil I don’t want to do, this I keep on doing.”
Every sincere Christian knows this inward tension. You love God and desire holiness, yet at times you find yourself pulled toward thoughts, attitudes, or actions that grieve His Spirit. But thank God, the story doesn’t end with defeat. Paul discovered a greater power — “the law of the Spirit of life.”
The Law of the Flesh
Just because we are Christians does not mean we no longer have this sinful nature — the old man. We are still living in this body of flesh in a fallen world. The desires of the flesh still pull at us, seeking to draw us back to the old ways of thinking, feeling, and living. The law of the flesh is that inner principle of sin that still tries to control us. It resists God’s will and thrives on self-centeredness. It whispers, “You can’t change… this is just who you are.” It keeps us bound by guilt, frustration, and weakness. The flesh can never be tamed by willpower — it must be overcome by the Spirit. Praise God — we are no longer slaves to sin.
The Law of the Spirit
When we surrender to Christ, the Holy Spirit begins to dwell in us. He brings with Him a new law — the law of life. This is not a written code but a living power — the life of Christ flowing within, enabling us to do what we could never do by ourselves. Just as the law of gravity pulls everything downward, the law of the Spirit lifts us upward. He breaks the cycle of sin and empowers us to walk in freedom. Where the flesh brings death, the Spirit brings life. Where the flesh brings bondage, the Spirit brings liberty. Where the flesh brings condemnation, the Spirit brings peace.
How Do We Overcome the Flesh?
- Yield to the Holy Spirit. Victory doesn’t come by trying harder but by surrendering deeper. Say each day, “Holy Spirit, take control of my thoughts, desires, and actions.”
- Set your mind on the things of the Spirit. What you focus on grows stronger. Fill your mind with God’s Word, not the noise of the world. The Spirit-led mind brings peace (Romans 8:6).
- Put to death the deeds of the flesh. The Spirit gives you strength to say no to sin. Every small act of obedience weakens the flesh and strengthens your spirit.
- Walk in daily fellowship with the Spirit. Make Him your closest companion. Talk to Him throughout the day — seek His guidance in every decision.
- Rest in grace, not guilt. When you stumble, don’t run from God — run to Him. His grace restores, renews, and refills you again.
The life of the Spirit is not reserved for the strong, but for those who are willing to yield. The Spirit doesn’t just give us strength to overcome — He becomes our strength. When the flesh says, “You can’t,” the Spirit whispers, “I can.” When the old nature pulls you down, the Spirit lifts you up. So today, choose to live under the law of the Spirit. Let Him fill your mind, rule your heart, and empower your walk. For the life led by the Spirit is the life that truly pleases God.
Prayer
Holy Spirit, I confess my weakness before You. Too often I have tried to fight sin in my own strength and failed. Today I surrender to Your power. Fill me, lead me, and help me walk in victory over the flesh. Let Your law of life reign in me, that I may live to please You in all things.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
The flesh pulls us down, but the Spirit lifts us up. True freedom is found in the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus.
Praise God....He is indeed a God who sees us just as we are
ReplyDelete