Week 5 | Day 3
Released to Belong
Romans 7:1-6
Paul, using the illustration of a marriage dissolved by death to release the living spouse from their vow, explains that through the death of Jesus, we too have a new status with God and the Law. The result is that the Law, while still helpful, no longer has jurisdiction over us and we are released to belong to Him who was raised, so that we might bear fruit for God through the Holy Spirit. The Law still frames truth and exposes sin, but it no longer condemns those who are in Christ—we now serve in the new way of the Spirit, not by the old written code that was never capable of saving, but only capable of revealing our sinfulness and need for a Savior.
Application
1. Embrace Your New Allegiance.
You belong to Christ—therefore, live FROM your acceptance, not FOR it.
2. Walk in the Spirit bearing His fruit—not in the flesh bearing the fruit of self.
Invite the Spirit every day to direct your steps, shape your desires, craft your words, and inspire your efforts.
3. Use the Law as a Guardrail instead of as a Ladder.
Let God’s truth serve as a guide for your morality and a standard for righteousness, yet trust solely in Jesus sacrifice for your forgiveness. Grace is based on His propitiation and not your performance. This is not a license to live as you want indulging in the flesh, but a liberation from your flesh to be able to walk in the Spirit.
4. Refuse Condemnation.
When you fail, run to Jesus—the Law exposes sin, but only Christ removes guilt, shame, and stain of sin.
5. Abide in the Spirit’s Power.
Start the day surrendered—Holy Spirit, lead me—then act on His promptings.
You belong to Christ—therefore, live FROM your acceptance, not FOR it.
2. Walk in the Spirit bearing His fruit—not in the flesh bearing the fruit of self.
Invite the Spirit every day to direct your steps, shape your desires, craft your words, and inspire your efforts.
3. Use the Law as a Guardrail instead of as a Ladder.
Let God’s truth serve as a guide for your morality and a standard for righteousness, yet trust solely in Jesus sacrifice for your forgiveness. Grace is based on His propitiation and not your performance. This is not a license to live as you want indulging in the flesh, but a liberation from your flesh to be able to walk in the Spirit.
4. Refuse Condemnation.
When you fail, run to Jesus—the Law exposes sin, but only Christ removes guilt, shame, and stain of sin.
5. Abide in the Spirit’s Power.
Start the day surrendered—Holy Spirit, lead me—then act on His promptings.
Closing Prayer
Jesus, thank You for grace. Thank You that through Your death, burial, and resurrection I have died to the Law’s penalty and now belong to You. I praise You for the Law that reveals right and wrong, and I thank You even more for Your life in me that empowers true obedience. Where my flesh once bore fruit for death, teach me to walk in the new way of the Spirit and bear fruit that honors You. Guard me from legalism and from lawlessness; let truth guide me and Your Spirit empower me. I rest in Your finished work and rise to serve in Your strength. Amen.