The Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus

The Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus

Spiritual life can mirror the mechanics of flight. A plane ascends against the law of gravity by leveraging the laws of lift and thrust. These principles allow the plane to defy gravity, soaring high above the clouds. Yet, should the engines fail, cutting off lift and thrust, the plane succumbs to gravity and falls. Similarly, as Paul illustrates in Romans 6-8, believers confront two opposing forces: the law of sin in the flesh and the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus. By staying connected to God's Word, actively renewing their minds, and holding fast to sound doctrine, believers can overcome the pull of the flesh and live victorious lives. However, neglecting spiritual disciplines is akin to cutting the engines—the law of sin regains control, pulling them down.

Let’s delve into this teaching and explore how believers can keep their spiritual engines running to "fly high" in their walk with Christ.

The Spiritual Battle: Flesh vs. Spirit

Paul vividly contrasts the law of sin in the flesh and the law of the Spirit of life in Romans 6-8. Romans 8:2 (KJV) states:

"For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death."

This freedom is not automatic; it requires daily engagement with God's Word and submission to His Spirit. Romans 12:2 (KJV) reinforces the need for transformation:

"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."

Just as a pilot trusts in lift and thrust to keep the plane in flight, believers trust in the Spirit of life in Christ to rise above the gravitational pull of sin. However, as Paul warns, stepping away from this truth invites trouble:

"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." (Romans 8:5, KJV)

Cutting the engines of spiritual disciplines—neglecting prayer, Bible study, meditation, and fellowship—results in spiritual descent, as the flesh takes over.

But ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine

Paul emphasizes that the Word of God is transformative, likening it to the form of doctrine believers should adhere to. Romans 6:17 (KJV) declares:

"But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you."

This form of doctrine renews our minds and equips us to resist sin. Consider Joshua 1:8 (KJV):

"This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success."

Occupying your mind with God's Word continuously keeps the 'engines of lift and thrust running', empowering believers to soar above the struggles of life and the snares of the flesh.

The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus is a powerful reality that enables believers to rise above the law of sin in the flesh. But just like a plane needs consistent lift and thrust, believers need daily renewal through God's Word to remain victorious. Keep studying, meditating, and living out the truth, and you'll keep flying high.