Sunday, July 12, 2026
Scriptures: Psalm 119:105-112, Romans 8:1-11
Sermon title: “Walking in the Spirit”
- There is no condemnation
Paul begins Romans 8 by building on chapter 7. He explains that while God’s law is holy and reveals our sin, it cannot save us or give us the power to overcome it. After describing the struggle with sin, Paul now proclaims the good news: “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Through His death on the cross, Jesus took the judgment we deserved, broke the power of sin, and made forgiveness and new life possible for all who trust in Him.
Imagine standing before a judge, guilty and unable to pay your fine. Then a stranger steps forward and pays your debt in full. You are set free, not because you are innocent, but because someone else paid the price. That is what Jesus has done for us. Though we still struggle with sin, those who belong to Christ are no longer condemned. Jesus has already paid our debt, defeated the power of sin, and given us new life through the Holy Spirit. When the devil tries to fill you with guilt and make you feel you are never enough, remember God’s promise: “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Don’t give up when you sin. Turn back to God, trust in His grace, and keep walking with Him. The Holy Spirit gives you the strength to resist temptation and live the new life Christ has given you.
- Setting our minds on God
Paul describes two different paths: the way of the flesh and the way of the Spirit. Those who live according to the flesh are guided by sinful desires and live apart from the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. A fleshly mindset is like building on a weak foundation; it cannot stand when life’s storms come. Even if someone appears godly outwardly, a heart focused on self and worldly desires cannot provide true strength, peace, or hope. This path leads us away from God and toward spiritual emptiness.
The other path is the way of the Spirit, a life of following God’s direction that leads to true life, peace, and a deeper relationship with Him. This journey begins when God transforms us from the inside out, giving us a new heart and a new way of thinking. As Paul says in Romans 12:2, we are called to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. The focus of our minds shapes the direction of our lives. When we set our minds on Christ and allow the Holy Spirit to guide us, we experience God’s life and peace.
- Living under the spirit’s control
Paul reminds us that we are no longer living according to the flesh but according to the Spirit because the Spirit of God dwells within us. Our identity is not based on being perfect or always making the right choices, but on belonging to Christ. When we place our faith in Jesus, the Holy Spirit transforms us, helping us love what God loves, turn away from sin, and live in a way that honors Him.
- How do we walk in the Spirit every day?
As people who walk in the Spirit, we must remember that we are not only forgiven, we are made new in Christ. Our old identity, shame, and broken habits no longer define us. We are now children of God, fully forgiven, accepted, and loved. Because Christ lives in us, our desires and priorities begin to change. The Holy Spirit transforms us from the inside out, turning us away from things that lead us away from God and growing our desire for the things that honor Him.
Walking in the Spirit does not mean we will never face sin or temptation. It means we now have a new heart that desires to honor God and the power of the Holy Spirit to resist sin. God gives us the strength to say no, the wisdom to walk away, and the grace to rise again when we fall. We are never alone in the struggle. When you fail, do not give up. Keep trusting God and moving forward, because He is growing spiritual maturity in you. Stay connected to Him, rooted in Scripture, and led by the Holy Spirit. Since Christ is now the center of our lives, our relationships, decisions, and goals should flow from our new identity in Him.
- Conclusion
Paul reminds us that in Christ we are no longer who we used to be. There is no condemnation because the Holy Spirit lives within us, giving us a new identity and a new way of life. Our calling is to allow the Spirit to shape our thoughts, choices, and character. Let us ask: What step can I take this week to set my mind on the Spirit? May God guide us and help us walk in His ways each day. Amen.