Embracing the Righteous Nature Within

March 03, 2025

Every born-again believer possesses the Holy Spirit.

Rejoice in the incredible news that as believers, we are no longer defined by our past sins! We have been given a fresh start, a new life brimming with possibilities through the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. This meditation delves into the profound implications of this spiritual reality and how it empowers us to live victoriously.

The Indwelling Spirit: A Mark of Belonging

The Apostle Paul, in Romans 8:9, proclaims a powerful truth:

Romans 8:9 (NIV): You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ.

This passage from Romans emphasizes the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer. It is important of understand that we are no longer controlled by our sinful nature but by the Spirit of God. This is not something we earn or achieve; it is a gift received through faith in Jesus Christ. It is misconception that we must be holy to receive the Holy Spirit. On the contrary, it is the Holy Spirit who makes us holy. He dwells within us, empowering us to live a life pleasing to God. Salvation is simple: believe in Jesus, confess Him as Lord, and you will receive the Holy Spirit. This indwelling presence is not optional for a Christian; it is the very mark of belonging to Christ. Get rooted in this revelation, to understand that the Holy Spirit is not a distant force but a constant presence within us, guiding us, strengthening us, and empowering us to live a holy life. This indwelling Spirit is not a privilege reserved for a select few; it is the birthright of every believer, the mark of belonging to God's family. This is the mindset, the foundation of faith, upon which a victorious Christian life is built. It is the understanding that we are no longer defined by our weaknesses or past failures, but by the power of God that resides within us.

Victorious, born-again believers possess a distinct mindset: born of God, bound by His covenant, recognized as His children, and indwelt by His Spirit.

Dead to Sin, Alive in Christ

Romans 8:10 paints a vivid picture of our spiritual reality:

"And Christ lives within you, so even though your body will die because of sin, the spirit gives you life because you have been made right with God." 

This verse acknowledges the tension between our physical bodies, still subject to the effects of sin and ultimately death, and our spirits, which have been made alive through Christ. This new nature, born not of human effort but of God's righteousness, is the key to breaking free from the power of sin. It's not about striving harder to be good; it's about recognizing the fundamental change that has taken place within us. Romans 6:5-7 elaborates on this transformation, explaining that our union with Christ in His death and resurrection signifies a decisive break from the dominion of sin. Just as Jesus died and was resurrected, our old sinful selves have been crucified with Him, and we have been raised to new life. This is not a metaphorical death; it is a spiritual reality that sets us free from the bondage of sin.

"We have been transformed. The old life of sin is gone, and through righteousness, we now live empowered by the Spirit, expressing our new nature."

The Power of the Resurrection Within

Romans 8:11 unveils the source of this extraordinary transformation:

"The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by the same Spirit living within you."  

This verse reveals that the very power that conquered death itself, the power that resurrected Jesus from the grave, now resides within us. This is not a dormant power; it is an active, life-giving force that awakens our spirits, connecting us to the divine life of Jesus. This transformation is not merely a theological concept; it is a tangible, experiential reality that changes us from the inside out. Ephesians 2:1-3 describes the bleakness of our pre-salvation state, dead in our trespasses and sins, walking according to the ways of the world and the influence of the devil. But verses 4-6 shine a light on the breathtaking scope of God's love and grace. Even when we were dead in our sins, God, rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ. He raised us up with Him and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms, a position of authority and victory. This is our new reality, our true identity in Christ.

Renewing Our Minds: Embracing Our New Identity

This new nature, this resurrected spirit, requires a fundamental shift in our thinking. Just as we need time to adjust to a new phone, learning its features and functions, or to master a new skill through practice and repetition, we must intentionally train our minds to operate according to our new spiritual reality. We are no longer slaves to sin, bound by its dictates and condemned by its guilt. We are children of God, seated with Christ in heavenly places, heirs to His promises and empowered by His Spirit. This understanding is not merely positive thinking; it is a profound truth that, when embraced, transforms our lives. It empowers us to live in victory over sin, sickness, and every other challenge we face. It enables us to experience the fullness of God's blessings and to walk in the abundant life He has promised.

Your thoughts shape your reality. By embracing your righteous identity in Christ, you'll naturally produce good works, transforming your life

Conclusion

Embrace the truth of your new identity in Christ. The Spirit of God lives within you, empowering you to overcome sin, sickness, and poverty. As you renew your mind to this reality, you will walk in the fullness of God's blessings and experience the abundant life He has promised.

Reflect on This

• How can you actively cultivate awareness of the Holy Spirit's presence within you?

• In what areas of your life do you need to renew your thinking to align with your new identity in Christ?

  
  

Prayer

Father, I thank you for the gift of your Holy Spirit, who lives within me. I declare that my old sinful nature is dead, and I am now alive in Christ. I am seated with Him in heavenly places, and I walk in victory, health, and abundance. I am a new creation, empowered by Your Spirit to live a life that glorifies You.

Key Takeaways

• Every born-again believer possesses the Holy Spirit.

• Our old sinful nature is dead, and we have a new nature in Christ.

• The same resurrection power that raised Jesus lives within us.

• We must renew our minds to align with our new identity in Christ.

• Living in this truth empowers us to experience victory in every area of our lives.

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To dive deeper into this powerful message, watch the full sermon on our YouTube video below.