Romans 8

(Audio: Spanish)

SUMMARY: The Epistle, or letter, is a written sermon that instructs and teaches congregations in the principles of the Christian faith, correcting errors and providing important theological principles. Romans 8:1 states that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus and do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the spirit. Living in the spirit comes with benefits and privileges of the Christian life. The Apostle Paul talks about the Jewish law, which was too demanding and oppressive, making it impossible to live under it. He acknowledges the human condition of being captive to sin, even as believers. However, there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, under the mercy and grace of God. Christians must not abuse the grace of God.

The pastor emphasizes that we should not abuse God's grace and mercy but rather be grateful for it and live lives acceptable to God. He explains that living from a perspective of grace and mercy is easier and more freeing than living in fear and condemnation. The pastor also reminds us that the blood of Christ continually cleanses us from all sin if we are in Christ Jesus. He warns that those who are not in Christ Jesus are dead in their sins and under the control of Satan. The pastor encourages us to measure ourselves and ask where our priorities lie, whether we are living focused on the flesh or on things of the spirit.

The sermon discusses the difference between living in the flesh and living in the spirit. Living in the flesh means being controlled by worldly desires and priorities, while living in the spirit means prioritizing eternal and spiritual values. The speaker encourages listeners to prioritize their relationship with God and to constantly think about Him in their daily lives. He suggests taking inventory of how one spends their time and energy, separating activities into categories of fleshly and spiritual pursuits. The goal is to prioritize spiritual pursuits and live a life pleasing to God. The sermon ends with a call to self-examination and a reminder that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

The epistle, epistle means letter, is the same as a letter. And Paul, for example, the Apostle Paul did not write letters like the ones we write with one page, or two paragraphs, he wrote letters to instruct the different churches in different cities from which he had planted churches, or had visited in other previous years of his ministry. And the purposes of the letters of the Apostle Paul, for example, or of Peter, or John, whoever wrote the letter, was to instruct, to teach these congregations in the principles of the Christian faith, to correct errors, etc.

So when we say the letter to, for example, the letter to the Romans, it was written to the congregations and Christians who were in the city of Rome. And he wrote this letter to instruct you in the faith, to instruct you in different essential concepts of the Christian life. They are like written sermons, but sometimes very long sermons, like the letter to the Romans, with all kinds of teachings and information and very important theological principles.