Daily Bible Plan - Romans 8

24th May 2025

Devotion by Pastor Joseph Antwi

Fortified City Church & Love City Church, Basel

Life in the Spirit – No More Condemnation

By Pastor Joseph Antwi

Read: Romans 8:1–9

Key Scripture: Romans 8:1 (KJV) - “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”

Reflection

One of the most powerful chapters in the Bible—one that I personally love—is Romans chapter 8. It begins with a declaration that has brought healing and freedom to countless believers:

“There is therefore now no condemnation…”

This is the Gospel’s heartbeat—that in Christ, we are no longer bound by shame, guilt, or judgment. But we must not miss the rest of the verse: this freedom is for “those who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”

Many people want the benefits of Christ without the surrender to His Spirit. But freedom in Christ is not automatic; it’s a result of walking in the Spirit and not feeding the flesh.

What Does It Mean to Walk in the Spirit?

Romans 8:2 says,

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

This means Jesus has set us free—but we must live in that freedom by aligning with the law of the Spirit, not returning to the things that once enslaved us.

To walk in the Spirit is to live with our minds set on things above, seeking God’s will in our thoughts, habits, and relationships. It’s a life of intentional focus—daily turning from the flesh and drawing near to God.

The Dangers of Carnal Thinking

I’ve come to realize that living in the flesh causes so many of the problems we face—confusion, wrong judgments, spiritual dullness, and bondage. People who are carnal often misunderstand spiritual truth.

When Jesus said, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up” (John 2:19), the religious leaders—being carnally minded—thought He meant a physical building. They couldn’t comprehend He was talking about His body. Carnality blinds us to spiritual truth.

Romans 8:5–6 says:

“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. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.”

There is no life in carnal counsel. Carnal thinking brings death—not always physical, but spiritual deadness, confusion, and lack of peace. Life and peace only come when we set our minds on the things of the Spirit.

Check Your Motives and Habits

If you’re going to church just for a relationship, a friend, or the music, then your reason is rooted in the flesh. And when that person leaves, you’ll likely follow. But if your mind is set on Christ, nothing and no one will move you.

Colossians 3:2 reminds us:

“Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”

Sadly, many believers today are still living under the bondage of sin—addicted to masturbation, gossip, lying, compulsive social media use, and pornography. You might ask, “How is this possible if Christ has set them free?”

It’s because their minds are still set on carnal things. Watching romantic shows for hours, filling your mind with worldly entertainment, will weaken your hunger for God and distance you from His Spirit.

The Battle Between Flesh and Spirit

Romans 8:7–8 says:

“Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.”

There is a war between the flesh and the Spirit, and you can’t win spiritual battles while feeding your flesh. If you want to live in freedom and power, you must starve the flesh and feed the Spirit.

Finally, Romans 8:9 gives us a powerful identity check:

“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.”

This is a call to examine our walk. If the Spirit truly dwells in you, your life will reflect it. You will hunger for righteousness and resist sin, not perfectly—but persistently.

Encouragement

God is calling you higher—not just to believe in Jesus, but to walk with Him. There is no condemnation for those in Christ who walk by the Spirit. But the life of freedom and peace requires surrender. Cut off what feeds your flesh, and pursue what builds your spirit.

Surround yourself with godly counsel, fill your heart with the Word, and seek the presence of the Holy Spirit daily. You are not condemned—you are called.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the truth that there is no condemnation in Christ. Help me to walk not in the flesh, but in the Spirit. Renew my mind. Deliver me from every bondage, every carnal pattern, and set my heart fully on You. May I live in Your freedom, Your life, and Your peace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Loads of love,

Pastor Joseph Antwi

For prayer & counseling send message to WhatsApp: +41796636324