Who Am I? - Part 3 [Notes]

One of the most significant phrases found in the Bible is “in Christ.” This phrase appears in various forms over 150 times in the New Testament. For the Christian, because we are “in Christ,” we share many of the blessings and attributes of Christ himself.

Join us as we begin a new series titled, "Who Am I?" Together we will explore from the book of Romans what the Apostle Paul said was true about us because of our connection with Christ.

Today's Takeaway // In Christ, we have been set free.

In Christ, we are forgiven.

In Christ, we are victorious.

In Christ, we have been set free.

Therefore, if the Son sets you free, you really will be free.¹
– John 8:36 (HCSB)
_{¹ The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (Jn 8:36). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.}

“I will put My teaching within them and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be My people.”
– Jeremiah 31:33b (HCSB)

Therefore, no condemnation now exists for those in Christ Jesus, ^z because the Spirit’s law of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. What the law could not do since it was limited ^f by the flesh, God did. He condemned sin in the flesh by sending His own Son in flesh like ours ^h under sin’s domain, ⁱ and as a sin offering, in order that the law’s requirement would be accomplished in us who do not •walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
– Romans 8:1-5 (HCSB)
_{^z 8:1 Other mss add who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit
^f 8:3 Or weak
^h 8:3 Php 2:7; Heb 2:14, 17; 4:15
ⁱ 8:3 Lit in the likeness of sinful flesh
^• A term often used in a figurative way to mean “way of life” or “behavior”}

When it is discovered that a crime has been committed, that the law has been broken, the process of investigation may lead to formal charges being levied against a defendant. The process of litigation leads to the outcome, a verdict of acquittal or guilt. The verdict indicates that the defendant is either free from or accountable to the law’s penalty for that crime. Thus, the result is either vindication or condemnation.²
– D.L. Turner
_{² Turner, D. L. (1996). Condemnation. In Evangelical dictionary of biblical theology (electronic ed., p. 110). Baker Book House.}

“I assure you: Anyone who hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not come under judgment but has passed from death to life.
– John 5:24 (HCSB)

I would not have known sin if it were not for the law. For example, I would not have known what it is to covet if the law had not said, Do not covet.
– Romans 7:7b (HCSB)

But now we have been released from the law, since we have died to what held us, so that we may serve in the new way of the Spirit and not in the old letter of the law.³
– Romans 7:6 (HCSB)
_{³ The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (Ro 7:6). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.}

Therefore, no condemnation now exists for those in Christ Jesus, because the Spirit’s law of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. What the law could not do since it was limited by the flesh, God did. He condemned sin in the flesh by sending His own Son in flesh like ours ^h under sin’s domain, ⁱ and as a sin offering, in order that the law’s requirement would be accomplished in us who do not •walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
– Romans 8:1-5 (HCSB)
_{^h 8:3 Php 2:7; Heb 2:14, 17; 4:15
ⁱ 8:3 Lit in the likeness of sinful flesh
^• A term often used in a figurative way to mean “way of life” or “behavior”}

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
– 2 Corinthians 3:17 (HCSB)

I say then, •walk by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.
– Galatians 5:16 (HCSB)
_{^• A term often used in a figurative way to mean “way of life” or “behavior”}

Since we live by theSpirit, we must also follow the Spirit.
– Galatians 5:25 (HCSB)

1. How would you define the word “law?” What are some of the different kinds of laws we may be subject to?
2. Read Romans 8:1-2. What are the different laws Paul speaks about in this chapter? Why do you think the Old Testament law was unable to make people righteous before God?
3. What do you think the “Spirit’s law of life is?” What difference does the Holy Spirit make in a believer’s life?
4. Read Galatians 5:18-26. These verses talk about being led by the Spirit, following the Spirit, and living by the Spirit. What do you think these expressions mean? Can you think of a time when you were led by the Spirit? Can you think of a time when you “resisted”the Spirit? What difference does it make in your life?
5. How might you apply today’s lesson to your life?

Egypt // Where I'm Standing Now // Death Was Arrested // Wide Awake

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