The Power of “If” – Week 2 (7-24-22)
The Power of If
As if…
July 24, 2022
If only… Recap
Romans 8:31
IF God is for us, who can be against us?
God is FOR you! —> STRUGGLE?
1. Performance Trap
2. Projection Trap
Romans 8:1
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus…
Romans 8:9-11
9 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. 10 But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. 11 And if the Spirit of HIM who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, HE who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.
πνεῦμα (pneuma or ruach)
21x’s in Romans 8
Spirit, breath or wind
Breath is both involuntary & voluntary
26,000 breathes a day
Should take 4 to 6 breathes a minute
We actually take approximately 20 breathes a minute
It was a moment that took my breath way…
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.
Death ALWAYS precedes resurrection.
Romans 8:14-17
14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again;
How many of our breathing problems today are a result of fear?
rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
What if your ability to breathe has nothing to do with your circumstances and everything to do with your connectedness to Christ?
Learning to breathe again:
Inhaling —> God’s word, listening for his voice, fasting
Exhaling —> Prayer, gratitude, memorizing God’s word