Romans 13:8 (NLT), Owe nothing to anyone—except for your obligation to love one another . . .

Romans 8:12-13, 12 Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. 13 For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.

  • Obligation – opheiletes – an ower, or an indebted one

Matthew 14:13-21, 14:22-34

  • Frustrating situations submitted to God reveal how precious our faith is.

Mark 6:30-42, 6:45-56

Mark 6:47-48, 47 Later that night, the boat was in the middle of the lake, and he was alone on land. 48 He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. Shortly before dawn he went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them.

Mark 6:50-52, 50   . . . Immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” 51 Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down. They were completely amazed, 52 for they had not understood about the loaves; their hearts were hardened.

Christ followers who overcome challenges beyond their capacity:

  1. See STRUGGLES as an opportunity to experience GOD’S STRENGTH not as a SETBACK.
  2. They learn to BRING JESUS IN THEIR BOAT BY FAITH.

 

Why Obedience that Experiences God’s Strength is Life-changing

(Romans 8:12-14)

Romans 8:12, Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it.

 

  1. We ESCAPE from the enemy.

Romans 8:12-13, 12 Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. 13 For if you live according to the flesh, you will die . . .

Romans 8:1-3, 1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh.

Proverbs 3:5-6

 

2. We live EMPOWERED for blessing.

Romans 8:13, For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.

  • Our God – given IDENTITY is discovered and nurtured through INTIMACY with God.

 

3. We ENTER into the joy of the Lord.

Romans 8:14, For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.

Romans 5:2-5, 2 . . . And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

  • Answered prayer and our best life come through how GOD WORKS for us not through how WE WORK things out.

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