The only way to live a holy life is to have the forgiveness of sins.

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For in Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set you free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful man, as an offering for sin. He thus condemned sin in the flesh, so that the righteous standard of the law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” vs1-4

We cannot live godly in our own strength or under condemnation. God must forgive - justifying us by faith - so that He can help us. Then, the Spirit comes BECAUSE WE ARE RIGHTEOUS, and then we have the power that we need to do good works.

Do not live the Christian life on your own: You are not strong enough, you are sinful, and if Paul could not do it, then neither can we [Rom 7:14-25]. Yet, with God’s help we are mighty through God and more than conquerors.

Secondly, there is life and peace in the gospel. vs5-6

“Those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh; but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. The mind of the flesh is death, but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace,”

Do you have that peace that only comes from believing, looking upon the things of the Spirit, and seeing no condemnation in Christ? If so, then you have the POWER OF GOD, and you know that it’s real:

He has power to subdue your lusts and make you love. He gives confidence in God, assurance of heaven, and the joy of right relationship. He gives the knowledge of forgiveness and the power of contentment, until your joy is full.

Most people live without this peace. If we don’t minister in it, it’s because we’re looking to self, looking to people, or looking to the world. Peace is only by believing God!

“Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.” vs7-8

Thirdly, we can BY THE SPIRIT put down the deeds of the body! vs12-13

“Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation, but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.”

Let this encourage you: We are not helpless, tossed to and fro, but we have God Almighty Himself to help us. The Spirit gives power stronger than death, so we shall live, just like He raised Christ.

He will also raise you and give life to your mortal body. If He can raise us from the dust, then He can subdue the flesh within. Do not be fearful or unbelieving, but believe your inheritance is the gift from God.

Holiness is not on you: it is included in the covenant.

Too many are fearful and twist Scripture. Too many hide behind doctrine to justify a sinful life, but we have the Spirit to change us, so we should be highly optimistic. It gets better. Stay on your guard. You can walk in peace.

Finally, we have to suffer with Him.

For you did not receive a spirit of slavery that returns you to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. And if we are children, then we are heirs: heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with Him, so that we may also be glorified with Him. vs15-17

We have a body filled with sin and death, and we have many obstacles, even Satan, because heaven is NOT ON EARTH.

Yet, we are the children of God, and we have assurance of the full inheritance. We have all that we need to endure and hope that is greater than our sins.