Romans is a complex and beautiful book, spelling out the Gospel in such a powerful way. Today as I read through chapters 7 & 8, we see the struggle with law and sin and the covering grace of Christ. 

We read the words of Paul that, for me so resonate and ring true on more levels than I would like to admit.

“I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do, I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me.” - ‭‭Romans‬ ‭7:15-17‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Here we see Paul describing and drawing out the power and flaw of trying to do the right thing, the wrong way.  He goes on and says “who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? I myself in my mind am a slave to God’s law, but in my sinful nature a slave to the law of sin.”

A broken or flawed mindset we are seeing. Approaching the problem with the wrong solution with the right intentions. Romans 8 shifts the storyline and narrative towards living in the Spirit and being led and fully transformed by the Holy Spirit. This is the full Mind of Christ, as the Spirit was one with Christ Jesus. 

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.” - ‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:1-2‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Through the Spirit fo Christ in us, we are free from the law of sin and death. A radical shift from trying to live by the law, by the rules and regulations, and believing those will offer freedom. That is the flawed mindset, that was the old way that didn’t work. A new wineskin, a new mindset of Christ, is required for freedom. Here is the significant shift, the way we must set out every day pushing towards. Where is our mind, what are we doing each day to lead our thinking, our mind, and actions. How are we interacting with the Spirit in us?

“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. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.” - ‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:5-8‬ ‭NIV‬‬

THE MIND GOVERNED BY THE SPIRIT IS LIFE AND PEACE. This sounds like heaven on earth. A life filled with peace is won governed by the Spirit. Now, Paul comes back a little later to make sure that we are not connecting “Peace” with easy, or free or trials or sufferings. That is not the reality of life as we know it. No prosperity Gospel here.

“For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “ Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” -‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:14-18‬ ‭NIV‬‬

A mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace; this life and peace are in union and harmony with God. No fear, no condemnation, not a slave. We are heirs of God, co-heirs with Christ!!!! And this co-heir allows us to share in his glory, that our present sufferings are real, they are present, but the hope we look towards of his glory is higher than what we walk through today. Whoa, incredible. 

This leads us to a wonderful and powerful verse that is used so many times. But now as we have a little more context, this is not a feel-good, everything is going to be ok verse. This verse if following Paul, making sure we understand we are suffering from Christ, as He did. Present suffering and future glory. 

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” - ‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:28‬ ‭NIV‬‬

The mind of Christ, a mindset we must bring into our daily lives. Powered by the Spirit in us, that should guide us and move us closer to Jesus every day. Walking through the realities of life that is hard, challenging, and produces much suffering. This is life, and this is our reality. But our future glory, our hope we walk toward and live for is so much greater.

“...in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” - ‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:37-39‬ ‭NIV‬‬