3 May - Roman 8

Today we're at Romans 8 in our Tattoo Church reading plan.  Here are a few notes to help with your reading:

1. Paul (the author) starts out explaining that you can be in Christ, and therefore (based on Jesus' merits) declared not guilty of sin and having no condemnation, or you can be in sin and therefore (based on your own merits) declared guilty and condemned. It's the choice we all face, and it seems like the right choice is pretty obvious.
2. Paul then continues by talking about how a person can be controlled by the Spirit or by the sinful nature. There is similar teaching in Galatians 5:16-26. The idea is that we can choose to surrender ourselves to the direction and power of the Holy Spirit (God's invisible presence that comes to live inside of people who put their trust in Jesus) or we can continue to live our lives under the direction and power of our "sinful nature." This isn't a one-time choice. Over and over we face the decision of whether to follow God's leading and discipline ourselves to live right in His power or to live the same weak way we've always lived.
3. The rest of this chapter (verses 18-39) are incredible encouraging. There's an admission that life is very difficult. Things are so messed up, in fact, that not only are we dissatisfied but we're told there's even a sense in which the "creation" (nature) is groaning. But the good news is that there is hope. God's glory is going to be revealed, things will be made right, and nothing can separate those who love God from His love, even in this crazy, messed up world.

Here's a "now what" application for you:  A lot of people feel like they're okay with God because their parents were Christians, or because they attend church. But we're taught in Romans 8 that it's really about the decisions you make. So ... have you decided to be "in" Christ, so that you can have your sins removed? If you're still skeptical I understand and if you want to talk about any of it please email me at Tommy@tattoochurch.com