SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY: Romans 8:1-9
1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: 4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
MORE LESSON: John 8:34 - 36
34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. 35 And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. 36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
Saturday, 4 October
Memory Verse: AThere is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Romans 8:1
Two armed robbers were hanged on the cross with Jesus as condemned criminals. In their last moments they both had the opportunity to pass from death to life because they were in close proximity with the Saviour of the world. Out of anger, one of them voiced out his frustration demanding that the Messiah save Himself and extend salvation to them. However, the co-robber who understood what was going on in the realm of the spirit was quick to rebuke his partner in crime. Thereafter, he made a request for eternal salvation and at that moment he passed from condemnation to life. In accepting Jesus as personal Saviour a transition happens as you are moved from death to life.
It will be to the amazement of many who saw these condemned criminals hanged on the cross, if they get to Heaven and see one of them seated in glory! But such is the power of the Cross of Jesus. On the Cross the Master crushed all condemnation for those who believe in His substitutionary work. It is no wonder that a robber entered into paradise ahead of many.
A similar incident is that of Rahab the harlot who entered the Promised Land ahead of many (Joshua 2:1-21). As a matter of fact, some Israelites were destroyed and could not enter Canaan because of unbelief. While the Israelites had an entitlement mentality, someone who had a background of putting her back on the ground for men as a means of livelihood entered the land of milk and honey by faith in the God of Israel (Hebrews 11:31). Condemnation ends when people believe the God of Israel for their salvation.
The Scripture says there is therefore now no more condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. The three levels of grace that knock the devil out of the fighting ring are:
i. To be in Christ.
ii. To walk not after the flesh.
iii. To walk in the Spirit.
Our being in Christ is fundamental and to remain in Christ requires not walking in the flesh. On the flip side, no one can overcome the flesh without walking in the Spirit. Jesus says, The words that I speak to you are spirit and life (John 6:63), meaning that a spiritual walk is only possible by hearkening to the word of God.
Prayer/Action
* Thank God for giving you a new life in Christ.
* Pray that as you continue to walk in the Spirit, you will overcome every work of the flesh.
* Declare that from today you will live in victory perpetually, no more condemnation.
TODAY’S PROPHETIC PRAYER: Jesus, my promise keeper, October is here, do it again, in the precious name of Jesus.