Released from ______. (A Study in Romans)

Released from the Flesh

July 25, 2021 / Josh Sercey

This week, Josh continues in our Romans series by looking at how we can know whether we’re a Christian or not. Tune in to find out the two identifiers the Apostle Paul gives to answer this question.

 

KEY IDEAS:

How do I know that I know Jesus?

  • We often look to how well we’re doing to indicate whether we are a Christian.
  • In Seattle we’re tempted to gauge our activism and social involvement as the indicator of whether we’re a Christian.
  • There is only one main indicator of whether we’re a Christian or not: the Holy Spirit dwelling in us. 

What This Doesn’t Mean

  • Having the Holy Spirit doesn’t mean we have perfection.
  • We still have minds, hearts, and bodies that are prone toward sin and breakdown.
  • This is why our assurance shouldn’t be wiped out when we’re in a bad spot with sin.

What This Does Mean

  • Having the Holy Spirit does mean that we have a growing inner renewal.
  • “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer selves are wasting away, our inner selves are being renewed day by day.” – 2 Cor. 4:16
  • The Holy Spirit creates new life in us when we look at Jesus and are assured. And when we are assured, new life in Jesus is energized. That’s Christian growth: looking to Jesus and being assured, and from that assurance being compelled to look at Jesus and love him more.