03-08-15 Romans 6:6-7, 11…

Glory in Infirmities   March 8, 2015
Romans 6:6-7 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. 7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.
The greatest and only funeral of a Christian’s life. We are crucified with Christ. The old man is dead once and for all.
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
We are all every bit brand new.
Romans 6:11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
We have to reckon (count) it. Our old man is dead – every moment. My mind can think it, but the mind of Christ knows it. Often we might not feel that way, but His promises are yea and amen. Even in my unbelief, He abides faithful. Christians cannot sin, Christ abides in us. (1 John 3:9).
Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
When I see Him, I shall be like Him. We are being changed from glory to glory.
Romans 5:13 For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.
Why bring law into the realm of grace if it doesn’t exist? It was nailed to the cross. Yet even with all this encouragement we see Paul’s struggle in Romans 7.
Romans 7:19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.
But God gave us Roman 8 – How beautiful!
Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus.
God gave us His new life, yet we are still in this weak vessel of flesh, to fight the good fight of faith.
Not by our works but “by my spirit” saith the Lord.
2 Peter 3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Only by believing the word of God can this be made real in your life. He set it up to be all about Jesus.
Ephesians 1:12 That we should be to the praise of his glory,
The enemy is permitted to get us to feel a little puffed up – but for God. We are not one bit better than any man, but when you are a child of the King you have a new life and are highly favored.
Romans 8:8-10 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. 10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
No man comes to the Father but by Jesus. That’s who you are.
Romans 12:2 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.
Don’t act like the world, we are not from here. We are citizens of heaven. Fight the good fight, Jesus is able for us to attain the perfect will of God. We need His Word. Renewing our mind.
Proverbs 23:7 For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he:
Who’s mind do you want telling you who you are? His word washes you daily. Without your inability completely exposed, how could you admit that you cannot do this, only He can.
2 Corinthians 11:30 If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities.
Not only my infirmities or sicknesses, but fleshly corrupt desires. Without them, what would I have to overcome? Without them, I would be puffed up. We need the power of Christ to rest upon us. You are never going to go on to glory without the thorns. When Paul ceased from himself, he finally got it. Glory in these things that are wrong with me because when I’m weak then I’m strong (II Cor. 12:10). Like they did Jesus the world mocks you. He’s given us a thorn that we might be glorified together. There would be no glory without the thorns!